Description
Fresh Chicken Pasta Primavera is a bright, creamy pasta dinner with tender chicken, penne, zucchini, tomatoes, peas, herbs, and Parmesan. It feels fresh and colorful, but still cozy enough for a weeknight.
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 ounces dry penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes or long thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 zucchini, sliced into thin half moons
- 1 to 2 cups grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup white wine
- ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until golden and cooked through to 165°F.
- Add the vegetables: Stir in zucchini, tomatoes, peas, dried basil, rosemary, and parsley. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the zucchini is crisp tender and the tomatoes start to soften.
- Build the sauce: Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in white wine, scrape up the browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the sauce looks glossy and lightly thickened.
- Toss and finish: Add the drained pasta and toss well, using splashes of reserved pasta water until everything is lightly coated. Taste, adjust seasoning, and top with fresh basil.
Notes
Use chicken broth instead of white wine and add a small squeeze of lemon at the end for brightness.
Rotisserie chicken works too. Stir in about 2 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken after the vegetables soften.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of water, broth, or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Cuisine: Italian American
Keywords: chicken pasta primavera