Chicken Pasta Primavera
Chicken Pasta Primavera is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with fresh, colorful vegetables and creamy pasta.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 8 ounces Pasta of your choice (like fettuccine or penne)
- to taste Salt
- Your choice Vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and carrots)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your veggies into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. For the chicken, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, just in case you need it later to thin out your sauce.
- Step 3: Sauté the Chicken. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and season them with salt and pepper. Cook until they are browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once they are done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
- Step 4: Cook the Vegetables. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Then, toss in your vegetables. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it with the garlic and vegetables. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the shredded parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and ground black pepper if needed.
- Step 6: Combine Everything. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy. Serve your Chicken Pasta Primavera warm, garnished with some extra parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Enjoy the delightful combo of flavors and textures with every bite!
Notes
Extra tips or suggestions here: Don’t overcook the vegetables; you want them to have a nice crunch and keep their bright color. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a lighter option. For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, on top before serving. Feel free to add more veggies based on what you have on hand. Spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.