Chicken Pasta Primavera

Chicken Pasta Primavera is a fresh and colorful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant spring vegetables, and a light, creamy sauce. It’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the season to your table in just 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights
• Full of seasonal vegetables for added color and nutrition
• A complete meal with protein, pasta, and veggies
• Customizable with your favorite pasta and sauce options
• Great for leftovers and meal prepping

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Pasta (penne, bow tie, spaghetti, or fettuccine)
• Olive oil and/or butter
• Garlic and onion
• Zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, peas, and carrots
• Chicken broth, white wine, or a mix of cream and milk
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning

directions

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until cooked through, then remove from the pan.
3. In the same pan, cook garlic and onion until fragrant. Add firmer vegetables (like carrots, asparagus, zucchini) and cook for 2–3 minutes.
4. Add remaining vegetables and cook until just tender. Deglaze the pan with broth or wine.
5. Stir in cream, milk, or cream cheese if using, and let the sauce thicken slightly. Return chicken to the pan.
6. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. Serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Swap in broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach
• Use grilled chicken or leftover rotisserie for convenience
• Try gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles
• Make it dairy-free by using olive oil and broth only
• Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness

storage/reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce
• Not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce and vegetables

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just add it toward the end to warm through.

2. What vegetables work best?

Zucchini, asparagus, peas, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are perfect. Adjust based on what’s in season.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely—just omit the chicken and maybe add more vegetables or a plant-based protein.

4. Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild flavors and creamy sauce are usually a hit with kids.

5. What pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne and bow tie hold sauce well, but spaghetti or fettuccine also work.

6. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, add them directly to the pan during cooking, but they may release more liquid.

7. How do I make it lighter?

Use milk instead of cream or skip dairy and use just broth and olive oil.

8. What herbs are best?

Fresh basil is classic, but parsley or thyme also work well.

9. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well with a splash of liquid to keep it creamy.

10. Is it good for meal prep?

Definitely. It keeps well and can be portioned into lunches or dinners for the week.

Conclusion

Chicken Pasta Primavera is the ultimate spring-inspired pasta dish—light, bright, and loaded with flavor. With its combination of chicken, seasonal vegetables, and creamy sauce, it’s both comforting and refreshing. Ideal for family dinners or quick weeknight meals, it’s a go-to recipe that’s easy to adapt and always satisfying.

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