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Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes | Cost estimate: $12–15 | Serves: 6
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
Okay, mamas, listen up! Dinnertime chaos is REAL, and sometimes the only thing standing between us and a meltdown (yours or theirs!) is a quick, satisfying meal. That’s where this Creamy Chicken Primavera Pasta comes in. It’s packed with veggies, comforting pasta, and tender chicken, all swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce. Think spring in a bowl, even when it’s January! Plus, it’s secretly healthy-ish… don’t tell the kids! My family practically inhales this, and I bet yours will too. Get ready to win at dinnertime, my friends!
Why You’ll Love These
This Chicken Primavera Pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Here’s why it’s going to become your new go-to recipe:
𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁
- Quick & Easy: Dinner on the table in under an hour? Yes, please!
- Veggie-Packed: Sneak in those veggies without a fight (shhh!).
- Kid-Friendly: Creamy sauce + pasta = happy kids. It’s a scientific fact.
- Customizable: Swap out the veggies based on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
- Comfort Food: That creamy sauce is like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
- ½ cup frozen peas
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste, if needed
How to Make
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta! Slightly firm is best, as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
- Sauté the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, salt, and pepper and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.Warning: Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers and cook until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas during the last minute of cooking.Mom Hack: Use a bag of pre-chopped veggies to save even more time!
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and parsley.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately: Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Want to take this Chicken Primavera Pasta to the next level? Here are some ideas:
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- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. Or, try using sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Time-Saver: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. Just shred it and add it to the sauce.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Hack: Chop all the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Dietary Variations
Need to adapt this recipe to fit your family’s needs? Here are a couple of options:
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Feel free to use any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, asparagus, spinach, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some of the components ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and cook the chicken in advance, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine everything with the sauce.
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Can I freeze this?
I don’t recommend freezing the finished dish, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables separately. When you’re ready to eat, make a fresh batch of the sauce and combine everything with the cooked pasta.
Summary & Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Primavera Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, even with the pickiest of eaters! It’s quick, easy, and packed with good-for-you ingredients. It reminds me of my own mom’s cooking – simple, comforting, and always made with love (even when she was juggling a million things!). Serve it with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe or pin it for later – you’ll be making it again and again!
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