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Chicken Primavera Pasta (Fresh, Balanced, and Built for Weeknights)
Isla Marie

Chicken Primavera Pasta

A light, fresh pasta dish made with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and a simple olive oil and Parmesan finish. Balanced, satisfying, and ideal for an easy weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or rotini
  • 1 pound chicken breast sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium zucchini sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Step 1. Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken
  1. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3. Sauté the Vegetables
  1. Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook until crisp-tender.
Step 4. Add Tomatoes and Chicken
  1. Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook just until softened. Return chicken to the skillet.
Step 5. Combine with Pasta
  1. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6. Finish the Dish
  1. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Cook vegetables in stages to avoid overcooking.
  • Pasta water helps create a light, glossy sauce without cream.
  • Best served immediately for optimal texture.
  • Leftovers keep up to 2 days refrigerated.