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A plate of vibrant Pasta Primavera with Chicken, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs.

Primavera Pasta with Chicken

A vibrant, flavorful dish featuring pasta, tender chicken, and a medley of fresh spring vegetables, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 12 ounces fettuccine or your choice of pasta

Chicken

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.

Vegetables

  • 1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup spinach leaves

Garlic and Herbs

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or a lighter alternative like coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown.
  • Remove from the skillet, let cool for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly.
  • Then add the cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to burst and the spinach wilts.

Make the Sauce

  • Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld, and cook until slightly thickened.

Combine with Pasta

  • Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the chicken and vegetables are distributed throughout.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve

  • Plate the Primavera Pasta with Chicken immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures!

Notes

Choose fresh seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. You can customize the veggies based on preference. For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or cashew cream. Don't skip the Parmesan as it adds umami flavor.
Keyword Chicken, Pasta, Primavera, Spring, Vegetables