Chicken Pasta Primavera

Chicken Pasta Primavera is a vibrant, colorful dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh seasonal vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta in a light and flavorful sauce. This recipe is a celebration of springtime flavors, with the veggies providing a delightful crunch and the chicken adding a hearty protein boost. The light garlic and olive oil sauce, with a touch of Parmesan cheese, allows the fresh ingredients to shine without overwhelming the palate. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh peas or frozen peas
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the garlic for 1 minute, then add the bell peppers, zucchini, and peas. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Combine the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or the heavy cream for a creamier texture.
5. Finish the dish: Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
6. Serve: Serve the Chicken Pasta Primavera hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and lemon wedges, if desired.

This Chicken Pasta Primavera is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s perfect for showcasing seasonal vegetables and comes together in a flash for a delicious meal!