Looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that combines the savory flavors of tender chicken with fresh, crisp vegetables and comforting pasta? This Chicken Vegetable Pasta Recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients and offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vibrant colors. The medley of vegetables adds a fresh crunch and bursts of flavor, while the perfectly cooked pasta ties everything together in a delicious, saucy embrace.
What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap in your favorite veggies, adjust the seasoning to your taste, or make it creamy or light depending on your mood.
It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade meal that feels indulgent but is still balanced and easy to prepare. If you enjoy dishes like this, don’t miss our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals and Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner for more comforting ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Vegetable Pasta ticks all the boxes for a perfect dinner: it’s quick, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. The chicken provides a lean source of protein that keeps you full and energized, while the vegetables contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants.
The pasta base makes it a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike, and the simple seasoning allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that you can customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
The dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
For more pasta inspiration, check out our Shrimp and Veggie Pasta Recipe for a Quick Healthy Meal or explore the bold flavors in our Pasta with Shrimp and Vegetables Recipe for Easy Dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Chicken breast, boneless and skinless | 2 pieces (about 12 oz) |
Pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape) | 8 oz (about half a standard box) |
Bell peppers, assorted colors, sliced | 1 cup |
Zucchini, diced | 1 medium |
Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup |
Onion, finely chopped | 1 small |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
Chicken broth or vegetable broth | 1/2 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup |
Dried Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Salt & pepper | To taste |
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry. Slice into bite-sized strips or cubes. Chop all vegetables as described in the ingredients list.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in chopped onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini: Stir in the bell peppers and zucchini, cooking until they start to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes last, cooking for another 2 minutes until they begin to blister.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Toss with pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Finish with fresh herbs and cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Give a gentle toss to combine.
- Serve immediately: Plate the pasta while hot and garnish with extra basil or cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious, colorful Chicken Vegetable Pasta!
Tips & Variations
“For a creamy twist, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese after simmering the vegetables.”
Feel free to customize this dish by swapping chicken breast for thighs if you prefer juicier meat. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Try adding other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to boost nutrition and flavor. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes or whole-grain pasta for added fiber.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully, making this recipe great for meal prep. Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to keep it moist.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 420 kcal |
Protein | 35 g |
Carbohydrates | 38 g |
Dietary Fiber | 5 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 3 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Vitamin A | 40% DV |
Vitamin C | 75% DV |
Calcium | 15% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Vegetable Pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, or a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a Mediterranean flair, try serving it alongside a simple cucumber and feta salad.
To elevate your meal, add a glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a family-friendly option, consider roasted vegetables or steamed green beans to complement the pasta.
If you love exploring more vegetable-packed meals, you might enjoy our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious for a fun twist on Mexican flavors.
Conclusion
This Chicken Vegetable Pasta is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, balanced meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Its vibrant medley of veggies, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make it both comforting and nourishing.
The recipe’s flexibility means you can tailor it to your taste preferences or whatever you have in your fridge, making it an ideal go-to for busy cooks.
Not only does this dish satisfy your hunger, but it also fuels your body with wholesome nutrients and fresh flavors. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a reliable recipe to add to your repertoire, this pasta is sure to become a favorite.
Don’t forget to explore related recipes like our Baked Chicken Thigh with Vegetable Recipes for Easy Dinner for more delicious ideas featuring chicken and vegetables.
Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Chicken Vegetable Pasta
Description: A healthy and flavorful pasta dish loaded with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and Italian seasoning; cook for 2 more minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with chicken and vegetables in the skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with Parmesan and fresh basil.
- Toss everything together and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 38 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g
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