Craving a quick, delicious meal that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary? Look no further! This Italian-inspired Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables is about to become your new go-to recipe that promises restaurant-quality flavor in just 40 minutes. Imagine tender pasta, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables dancing together in a perfectly seasoned skillet - a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add sliced bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Sauté vegetables for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Add diced cooked chicken to the vegetable mixture. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the chicken thoroughly.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water if needed to help bind the sauce.
- Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together to combine and coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create a light coating.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Keep your vegetables crisp by not overcooking them; they should retain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time, or quickly grill fresh chicken breasts for added flavor.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.
- Experiment with different vegetable combinations based on what's in season or your personal preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
