Want a comforting Italian meal for a weeknight? Try this Chicken Primavera recipe. It’s a one-skillet dish with tender chicken, pasta, and fresh veggies in a creamy sauce. It’s quick to make, ready in just 30 minutes.
Chicken Primavera is a classic Italian dish. It highlights the flavors of fresh veggies like asparagus, zucchini, and tomatoes. Sautéed with chicken and pasta in a Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a family favorite.
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The Perfect One-Skillet Italian Comfort Dish
Chicken Pasta Primavera is a favorite Italian dish from the 1970s. It’s a quick, flavorful meal that’s easy to make. Its secret is its mix of tasty ingredients and easy preparation.
Origins of Pasta Primavera
Pasta Primavera celebrates spring with fresh veggies. Adding chicken makes it a hearty meal. You can change up the veggies with the seasons, making it a favorite all year.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chicken Primavera is loved for its simple cooking and delicious taste. The creamy sauce is smooth but not too thick. It’s a perfect meal for a busy night because it cooks in just one pot. With chicken, pasta, and veggies, it’s a true Italian comfort food.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2, cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Uncooked Pasta | 16 oz |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Carrots | 2 |
| Asparagus | 1 bunch |
| Frozen Peas | 2 cups |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 2 cups |
| Lemon | 1 |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Shredded Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup |
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Chicken Primavera
Making a real Chicken Primavera dish begins with picking the right ingredients. This classic recipe mixes juicy chicken, fresh spring veggies, and a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s a comforting and tasty meal. Let’s look at the key parts that make this dish special.
The dish’s core is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These lean proteins go great with the colorful veggies. The pasta, like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne, soaks up the sauce well.
To make the primavera sauce, you need olive oil, red onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Grape tomatoes, carrots, and baby peas bring color and crunch. The sauce is a mix of white wine or chicken broth, heavy cream or half-and-half, and parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs like thyme or basil add to the flavor.
By choosing and mixing these key ingredients, you can make a Chicken Primavera that’s both authentic and delicious. It will make your taste buds happy and take you to Italy.
Chicken Primavera Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chicken Primavera is a fun cooking adventure. It combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy sauce. Follow these steps to make this Italian dish.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Heat a big skillet over medium-high and add olive oil. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden and cooked.
Once the chicken is ready, take it out to rest. This lets the juices spread evenly.
Creating the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, cook garlic and onions until they smell good. Add white wine or chicken broth to loosen the browned bits. Then, mix in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Let the sauce simmer until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
Cooking the Vegetables
While the sauce thickens, prep your veggies. Choose grape tomatoes, carrots, and peas, or try broccoli, green beans, red bell pepper, zucchini, and asparagus. Cook the veggies in the skillet until they’re tender but still crisp.
After cooking the chicken, slice or shred it. Add it back to the skillet with your pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Toss everything together to mix the flavors and sauce.
With these steps, you’re ready to make a tasty Chicken Primavera. It’s a great Italian dish to share with loved ones.
| Yield | Serving Size | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 servings | 1 2/3 cups | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes |
Selecting and Preparing Fresh Vegetables
Creating a tasty Chicken Primavera starts with picking and preparing fresh veggies. This dish highlights the bright tastes and textures of spring. Choose a mix of colorful veggies to make your healthy pasta dish even better.
Some top picks for Chicken Primavera are:
- Asparagus – Its tender spears bring a crisp, earthy flavor.
- Zucchini – Sliced or spiralized, it adds a fun crunch.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Halved or quartered, they add a sweet burst.
- Carrots – Julienned or thinly sliced, they add a hint of sweetness.
- Peas – Fresh or frozen, they bring a springtime flavor.
Start by washing and cutting the veggies into small pieces. This makes sure they cook evenly and blend well with the Chicken Primavera. The colorful, varied, and nutritious veggies will take your spring vegetable recipes to the next level.
Mastering the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
The creamy parmesan sauce is key to a tasty Chicken Primavera dish. To get it just right, follow these easy steps.
Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
Begin with a mix of heavy cream or half-and-half and chicken broth. This combo makes the sauce smooth and creamy. As it cooks, the liquid will thicken, hitting the perfect spot.
Balancing Flavors with Seasonings
Add the rich taste of parmesan cheese to the sauce. Grate the cheese finely so it melts well into the creamy pasta sauces. Mix in garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
Let the sauce simmer until it’s just thick enough. This will make it a perfect, silky coat for the parmesan cheese recipes. The sauce should enhance the chicken and veggies without overpowering them.
Time-Saving Tips for Weeknight Cooking
Making a tasty quick dinner idea like Chicken Primavera doesn’t have to take a lot of time. With a few easy tips, you can whip up this one-pot meal fast. This leaves you more time to enjoy it with your family.
- Use pre-cut veggies or chop them early. This saves you minutes.
- Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat them when it’s time to eat.
- Choose a big skillet for cooking everything at once. This makes cleanup easier.
- Pick quick-cooking pasta like cavatappi or spaghetti. It makes the process even faster.
With these tips, Chicken Primavera becomes a quick and easy quick dinner idea for busy weeknights. You’ll enjoy a tasty, homemade one-pot meal without the stress.
Customizing Your Primavera with Seasonal Vegetables
Chicken Primavera is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it all year by using seasonal produce. It’s perfect for spring vegetable recipes or healthy pasta dishes in summer and fall.
Spring Vegetable Options
Spring is the best time to add fresh veggies to Chicken Primavera. Try asparagus, peas, and tender greens like spinach or arugula. They make the dish vibrant and green.
Summer and Fall Alternatives
In summer, use zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh twist. Autumn brings heartier options like butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and kale. These veggies blend well with the creamy sauce, making Chicken Primavera a year-round favorite.
| Season | Recommended Vegetables |
|---|---|
| Spring | Asparagus, peas, spinach, arugula |
| Summer | Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes |
| Fall | Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, kale |
Using seasonal produce makes Chicken Primavera not just tasty but also fresh. This approach lets you enjoy this classic dish in many ways, matching your taste and the weather.
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Chicken Primavera is a tasty Italian dish that’s easy to make ahead. It’s perfect for quick dinners. You can enjoy its flavors all week with the right storage and reheating.
Start by making the chicken and creamy Parmesan sauce a day or two early. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, reheat the sauce and mix it with fresh pasta and chicken.
For gluten-free pasta, cook it just before serving. It tastes best when it’s fresh. You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead and add the pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Leftover Chicken Primavera stays good in the fridge for 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This way, it’s a great option for quick dinners all week.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 307.5 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 57.2 g |
| Protein | 13.5 g |
| Fat | 3.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 5.7 mg |
| Sodium | 162.5 mg |
| Potassium | 785.3 mg |
| Fiber | 6.3 g |
| Sugar | 9.5 g |
| Vitamin A | 5322.5 IU |
| Vitamin C | 92.1 mg |
| Calcium | 171 mg |
| Iron | 2.2 mg |
Planning ahead is key to enjoying this quick dinner ideas. Preparing the chicken and sauce early saves time. This lets you focus on making and serving a delicious italian-inspired dishes.
Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas
Make your italian-inspired dishes and healthy pasta dishes even better with the right sides. Chicken Primavera, with its tender chicken and colorful veggies, needs a great way to be served. Here are some top ideas for serving and pairing this tasty meal.
Begin by placing Chicken Primavera on a fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes base. This will soak up the sauce, balancing the flavors. For a fuller meal, try it with garlic bread or roasted potatoes.
For a fresh touch, add a simple green salad or steamed veggies. These will contrast nicely with the creamy Primavera, adding a crisp element.
| Pairing Suggestions | Serving Ideas |
|---|---|
| Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc Lemon-herb vinaigrette salad Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts | Serve over white rice or mashed potatoes Accompany with crusty garlic bread Offer a side of roasted potatoes |
For wine, choose a light, crisp white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines match the creamy sauce and fresh veggies of Chicken Primavera perfectly.
With these pairing and serving tips, your Chicken Primavera will shine as a top italian-inspired dishes and healthy pasta dishes choice. Impress your guests with these tasty combinations.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
This Chicken Primavera recipe is super versatile. You can change it up to fit your diet and taste. For a low-carb version, try zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Add more heavy cream and less tomatoes.
Vegetarians can swap chicken with chickpeas or tempeh. This makes the dish meatless. Gluten-free pasta is a great choice for those with gluten issues.
Feel free to mix in different veggies like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers. They add nutrition and color. A squeeze of lemon juice brings a fresh taste. For a spicy kick, add a Fresno chile pepper.
Looking for healthy pasta dishes or tasty chicken pasta recipes? This Chicken Primavera recipe can be adjusted to meet your needs. It’s perfect for any meal.
