Chicken Pasta Primavera is a colorful dish packed with fresh veggies and tasty chicken. It’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
I love how vibrant the veggies look on my plate. It’s like eating a rainbow! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra greens—win-win! 🌈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used farfalle for its fun shape and ability to hold onto sauce. If you can’t find farfalle, penne or fusilli work well too. They’re good at grabbing onto the bits of veggies!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great lean option. For a quicker meal, you could use rotisserie chicken or even chickpeas if you’re looking for a vegetarian twist.
Vegetables: The mix of asparagus, yellow bell pepper, and peas brings vibrant colors and flavors. Feel free to add or substitute with broccoli, zucchini, or bell pepper in different colors based on what you have on hand.
Olive Oil: This is critical for cooking the chicken and vegetables. If you’re out, avocado oil or vegetable oil can work just fine too. But don’t skip it, it adds a lovely richness!
Cheese: Parmesan is the classic choice here, adding a salty, nutty flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken to perfection can be tricky! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with room-temperature chicken. Let it sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking.
- Heat your skillet to medium before adding oil to prevent sticking.
- When cooking, make sure chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the pan. This helps them brown nicely.
- Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for the safest results.
Don’t forget to let the chicken rest off the heat for a few minutes before mixing it with the pasta. This keeps the juices locked in!
How to Make Chicken Pasta Primavera
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Chicken:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie pasta)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Vegetables:
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Pasta Primavera takes about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick dish to whip up that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, with fresh vegetables and tender chicken that will impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside. You want it just right, so it holds its shape and texture in the dish!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, throw in the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions become soft and fragrant. This will really elevate the flavors in your dish!
4. Add More Veggies:
Next, add the asparagus and yellow bell pepper to the skillet. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes, until they are tender yet still a bit crisp. We want colorful and crunchy veggies in our pasta!
5. Combine All the Goodness:
Now it’s time to stir in the green peas and artichoke hearts. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until everything is heated through. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained farfalle pasta. Toss everything together gently to combine all the wonderful flavors.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Remove your skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and mix everything until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the cheese. This adds a rich, creamy touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Chicken Pasta Primavera is ready to serve! Dish it out hot and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy every bite of this tasty and colorful dish!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to package instructions if you choose a different type.
What Can I Use Instead of Chicken?
If you’re looking for a meatless option, try substituting the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for added protein. If you prefer seafood, shrimp or scallops would also make a delicious alternative!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep the pasta from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, adding firmer vegetables first and softer ones later to ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
