Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Swanson Chicken and Pasta Primavera isn't just another recipe—it's a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rainbow of crisp vegetables all coming together in one stunning dish that looks as incredible as it tastes. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking to impress, or someone who craves delicious yet simple meals, this recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner solution!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables into uniform slices. Dice chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are roughly 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp and retain their vibrant colors.
- Combine cooked pasta with chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Gently toss to mix ingredients thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of all components.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to create light moisture.
- Plate the chicken and pasta primavera immediately, serving hot. Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Mise en Place is Key: Prep all ingredients before you start cooking to ensure smooth execution.
- Don't Overcook Vegetables: Keep them tender-crisp to maintain nutrition and vibrant colors.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: This is your first chance to add flavor, so make it count!
- Reserve Pasta Water: It's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency and adding subtle starchiness.
- High Heat for Chicken: Use medium-high heat to get a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Toss Gently: When combining pasta and vegetables, use a light hand to prevent breaking delicate pasta.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a sprinkle of Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
