– **Title**: Chicken Pasta Primavera
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 ounces of penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
– 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 carrot, julienned
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the dried oregano, and stir to combine all ingredients.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again until the cheese melts.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Enjoy your Chicken Pasta Primavera!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Farfalle gives a nice presentation, but you can switch it out for penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too if you’re looking for healthier alternatives.
Chicken: Diced chicken breast is great for this recipe, but you could substitute with cooked shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Rotisserie chicken makes for a quick and convenient choice!
Vegetables: Asparagus and peas are fantastic, but you can use whatever veggies you have. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli are all tasty options. Frozen vegetables can work in a pinch too!
Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian dish or chicken broth for added flavor. If you’re out of broth, water will do the job, but it’s a bit less flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich taste. For substitutes, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Cook Chicken to Make It Juicy and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken correctly is key to preventing it from being dry. Here’s how to ensure it remains juicy:
- Start with diced chicken, as it cooks faster and absorbs flavors well. Season it with salt and pepper for basic flavor.
- Heat your skillet before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat, locking in moisture.
- Cook until it’s browned outside and no longer pink inside (about 5-7 minutes). Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before adding it back to the dish. This helps retain juices.
Following these steps will keep your chicken tender and tasty in your Chicken Pasta Primavera! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Chicken Pasta Primavera
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and roughly chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Pasta Primavera takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll have a flavorful dish ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking your farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, but be sure to reserve a little of the pasta water in case you need it later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper before adding it to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken, add the asparagus pieces and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften a bit. Next, add the peas and artichoke hearts, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to warm them through.
4. Add Flavor:
Now, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet together with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, and if the mixture looks dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to moisten it nicely.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Give it a taste and add more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Before serving, sprinkle your Chicken Pasta Primavera with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy a colorful, tasty meal!
Can I Substitute the Pasta with a Gluten-Free Option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or chickpea pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster or slower than traditional pasta. Make sure to follow the package instructions for the best results!
What if I Don’t Have Asparagus or Artichoke Hearts?
No problem at all! You can substitute with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure everything is tender but still vibrant. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have in your fridge!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to help revive the dish’s creaminess.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re short on time. Pat it dry before dicing to avoid excess moisture in the skillet.
