How to Make a Delicious Chicken Pasta Primavera

Chicken pasta primavera is a delightful combination of chicken, vegetables, and pasta in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of variety in their meals while keeping it healthy yet satisfying.

Pasta primavera has been popular in Italian cuisine for years, with variations that incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and asparagus. Chicken adds a nice protein content to the meal, making this dish ideal for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breast strips
• 1 package of pasta (about 16 ounces)
• 1 large zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: About 45 minutes

For serving, you will need a pot large enough to accommodate the pasta comfortably. The dish serves four people.

Steps to Make Chicken Pasta Primavera

Begin by preparing your ingredients according to their requirements before starting the cooking process. Sautéing the vegetables and chicken will ensure they are tender-crisp, which gives a good texture to the pasta primavera. Here’s how you can make it:

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Firstly, prepare all your ingredients as per the list given above. Slice the zucchini and red bell pepper into uniform sizes for even cooking. Chop onions finely so that they are ready to be sautéed.

Step 2: Boil Pasta

Boil water in a large pot until it reaches a rolling boil. Add salt to the boiling water, then add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta once it’s ready and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Chicken

In a separate pan over medium heat, add olive oil for sautéing. Once hot, add chicken strips and cook them until they are fully browned on both sides. Ensure that you have cooked the chicken thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

Add chopped onions to the same pan used for chicken. Sauté the onion with a few more tablespoons of olive oil until it softens and takes on a golden color. Then add sliced zucchini, red bell pepper slices, and garlic cloves into the mix. Cook them together in the pan over medium heat until all vegetables are tender-crisp but still have some bite.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Merge the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables with the pasta along with half-and-half or heavy cream. Mix everything well to allow flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly by adding salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve with Garnish

Serve this dish immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your Chicken Pasta Primavera while it's hot!

This dish can be enjoyed straight from the pan or served with a side of garlic bread for more flavor and texture variation.

Final Thoughts

Chicken pasta primavera is not only delicious but also versatile. It offers flexibility to adapt based on what you have on hand while providing a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one dish.