There is something truly delightful about a dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant fresh vegetables, and creamy pasta into one harmonious meal, and that’s exactly what the Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe delivers. This recipe celebrates the joy of simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a colorful plate full of flavor and texture, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing friends with minimal effort. Every bite bursts with the bright pops of zucchini, grape tomatoes, and peas, while the creamy parmesan sauce wraps it all in rich comfort. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients for this Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe is both straightforward and crucial for that perfect balance of taste and texture. Each item was chosen to bring freshness, creaminess, or seasoning depth that makes the dish truly sing.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb.): The protein star that ensures your dish is filling and tender when cooked just right.
- 1 tsp dried oregano, divided: Adds an aromatic herbal warmth that pairs beautifully with the chicken and veggies.
- 1 tsp salt, divided: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors and seasoning your ingredients perfectly.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A subtle garlic punch that complements the fresh garlic without overpowering it.
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided: Adds a bit of peppery heat to keep the dish lively and balanced.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: For cooking the chicken and creating a silky base for the sauce.
- 8 oz. dry pasta: Your carbohydrate of choice—classic pasta is best here for soaking up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic and veggies to tender, flavorful perfection.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers that aromatic foundation no primavera dish can do without.
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved: These burst with juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant red color.
- 1 zucchini, sliced and halved: Its tender texture blends so well with the pasta and adds a garden-fresh note.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Gives the sauce a savory depth and prevents it from being too thick.
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: The cheesy backbone that lends umami and creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Silky, luscious cream coats every ingredient with a decadent finish.
- ½ cup frozen peas: Sweet, green bursts of flavor and a lovely touch of springtime freshness.
How to Make Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts until they are an even thickness—about half an inch. This step helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Cover the chicken with plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep things tidy while you gently flatten with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. Once even, you’re ready to season.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix together half of the oregano, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with this mixture. This seasoning blend lays the foundation of flavor that will infuse the chicken during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking the chicken this way ensures a lovely golden crust while locking in juicy tenderness. When done, transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Step 4: Boil the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. The pasta acts like a sponge to soak up all the creamy sauce you’ll create in the next steps.
Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it. Toss in the halved grape tomatoes and zucchini slices, cooking for around 2 minutes until tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
Step 6: Build the Sauce
Add the remaining oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and stir for 1 to 2 minutes to combine flavors and reduce slightly. Next, stir in the grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream, allowing the sauce to thicken into a silky coating for your pasta and veggies.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Peas
Now, fold in the frozen peas and cooked pasta, stirring everything together until heated through and evenly coated in that luscious sauce. This last step marries all the components so each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, fresh, and savory.
Step 8: Serve with Sliced Chicken
Slice your rested chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the pasta primavera. If you like, finish with extra parmesan and chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. It’s ready to enjoy immediately—with plenty of smiles guaranteed.
How to Serve Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe
Garnishes
While the recipe is delicious on its own, adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or basil will elevate the dish with a burst of herbal freshness. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese right before serving adds a delightful salty kick and creamy finish.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe is wonderfully versatile but pairs especially well with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread. These sides complement the rich pasta without overwhelming the delicate vegetable flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with chicken slices fanned out on top and a drizzle of extra sauce around the edges. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can add a fancy touch for special occasions or entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from the Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will continue to thicken as it chills, so keep that in mind when reheating.
Freezing
While not ideal for texture, you can freeze this dish if needed. Cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid overcooking the pasta or chicken.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta primavera over low heat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating without drying out. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor retention.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional shapes like penne or fusilli work well, feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand. Just keep cooking times in mind to avoid over- or undercooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk with a little flour or cornstarch to thicken. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich but will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the vegetables or add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a hearty vegetarian swap.
What vegetables work best in Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe?
The classic primavera vegetables like zucchini, peas, and tomatoes shine here, but you can experiment with bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach to suit your taste and seasonal availability.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cooking the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F and letting it rest covered with foil ensure it stays juicy. Pounding it to an even thickness also helps cook it evenly without drying.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll give this Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, full of fresh flavors and comforting creaminess. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s simple enough to make any night special and delicious. Once you make it, I’m sure it’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe box too!
Print
Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Chicken Pasta Primavera recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts served atop a creamy pasta loaded with fresh vegetables including zucchini, grape tomatoes, and peas. The dish is finished with Parmesan cheese and a rich cream sauce, making it a perfect, quick 30-minute meal that combines wholesome protein and vibrant veggies in a comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb.)
- 1 tsp dried oregano, divided
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz. dry pasta
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, sliced and halved
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Pound: Place both chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat tenderizer to gently pound the thicker side of the chicken breasts until each is about ½ inch thick and even throughout.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Cook: Heat a large deep skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and keep warm covered with foil.
- Boil: While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved grape tomatoes and sliced zucchini, then sauté the vegetables for about 2 minutes until just tender.
- Stir: Add the remaining ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Combine: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream until well combined. Then add the frozen peas along with the cooked pasta. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Turn off the heat.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and serve on top of the creamy pasta primavera. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is key.
- Feel free to substitute pasta types such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
- If you want a lighter dish, substitute cream with half-and-half or milk, adjusting cooking time slightly.
- Use fresh peas instead of frozen if available for a sweeter flavor.
- Leftover chicken and pasta can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
