Chicken And Pasta Recipes With Vegetables for Healthy Meals

Combining tender chicken with hearty pasta and vibrant vegetables creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that can brighten any dinner table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something a bit more special for guests, chicken and pasta recipes with vegetables offer incredible versatility and nutrition.

This dish is not only comforting and satisfying but also packed with wholesome ingredients that nourish your body and delight your taste buds. From sautéed bell peppers and zucchini to fresh tomatoes and spinach, the vegetables add color, crunch, and a boost of vitamins, while the chicken provides lean protein to keep you full and energized.

In this blog post, you’ll find detailed chicken and pasta recipes that incorporate a medley of fresh vegetables, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and tasty variations to suit your preferences. Plus, I’ll share serving suggestions and nutrition facts to help you enjoy this dish as part of a balanced lifestyle.

If you love wholesome meals bursting with flavor, this post is your go-to guide for easy, delicious chicken and pasta recipes with vegetables!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken and pasta recipe with vegetables is a winning combination for several reasons:

• Balanced nutrition: Protein-rich chicken paired with fiber-filled pasta and nutrient-dense vegetables makes a complete, satisfying meal.
• Flexible and customizable: You can swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal favorites, making it easy to adapt.
• Quick and easy to prepare: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether a busy weekday or a cozy weekend, this dish fits the bill.
• One-pot or skillet options: You can streamline cleanup by cooking everything in one pan.

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Colander for draining pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for Parmesan cheese (if using)

Instructions

1. 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. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
4. Add tomatoes and spinach: Toss in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften, about 2 minutes.
5. Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. Final seasoning and cheese: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and gently mix to combine.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when deglazing the pan instead of chicken broth.”

• Vegetable swaps: Use mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli, or peas instead of or in addition to the listed vegetables.
• Protein alternatives: Substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or a plant-based protein for variety.
• Make it creamy: Stir in 1/2 cup of cream or a dollop of cream cheese for a richer sauce.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of homemade chili powder for heat.
• One-pot meal: Cook the pasta directly in the skillet with broth and veggies to save time and washing up.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a refreshing complement, serve with chilled lemon water or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

You can also elevate the meal with roasted vegetables on the side for an extra boost of nutrients and colors. If you’re looking for more vegetable-forward ideas to accompany your meal, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.

Conclusion

Chicken and pasta recipes with vegetables are a timeless classic that bring together wholesome nutrition and irresistible flavor. This recipe is designed to be approachable for cooks of all levels, with simple steps and flexible ingredients that allow you to tailor it to your taste and pantry.

The combination of lean protein, fiber-rich pasta, and fresh vegetables makes it a balanced meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings, making it a versatile staple in your recipe collection.

Ready to explore more delicious dishes? Dive into our collection of Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals or discover hearty options with Chicken and Roasted Veg Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

Happy cooking and enjoy every bite of your vibrant, flavorful pasta creation!

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