When it comes to comfort food, this Creamy Chicken Pasta Primavera is a true delight. It combines tender chicken and vibrant vegetables in a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table with every bite.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to satisfy and impress. Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook the penne pasta according to the instructions on the package. Before draining, remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Sauté the Vegetables: As the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Start by sautéing red onion and carrot for 2 minutes. Add broccoli and bell pepper, cooking for another 2 minutes, followed by squash and zucchini for 2-3 more minutes, until the veggies are almost tender.
- Add Final Ingredients: Incorporate garlic, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning into the skillet, and sauté everything together for an additional 2 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Veggies: Transfer the sautéed vegetables into the drained pasta pot or a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta, drizzle in fresh lemon juice, and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary. Mix while gradually adding the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Mix in 1/4 cup of shredded parmigiano and chopped parsley. Serve the pasta primavera with the remaining parmesan sprinkled on top, adding extra cheese if desired for a richer flavor.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Red onion
- Carrot
- Broccoli
- Bell pepper
- Yellow squash
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano, divided
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2075 | Fat: 70g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 30mg | Sodium: 990mg | Potassium: 4220mg | Carbohydrates: 285g | Fiber: 30g | Sugar: 45g | Protein: 50g | Vitamin A: 23000IU | Vitamin C: 561mg | Calcium: 985mg | Iron: 11.5mg
FAQ
- What is Pasta Primavera?
- Pasta Primavera is an American dish consisting of pasta and fresh vegetables. Contrary to popular belief, it is not Italian but was created by chef Sirio Maccioni along with two other chefs. The dish gained fame after being served in a New York City restaurant and later featured in the New York Times.
- What ingredients do I need for Pasta Primavera?
- To prepare Pasta Primavera, you’ll need penne pasta, salt, olive oil, a variety of fresh vegetables like red onion, carrot, broccoli, bell pepper, yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and garlic. You’ll also need dried Italian seasoning, lemon juice, fresh parsley, and shredded Parmigiano cheese.
- Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
- Yes, Pasta Primavera is quite flexible. You can swap in vegetables like shelled peas, asparagus, eggplant, cauliflower, spinach, or green beans based on what you have available.
- What is the best type of pasta to use for Pasta Primavera?
- While penne pasta is commonly used, any medium-sized pasta such as farfalle, fusilli, ziti, mostaccioli, or gemelli would work well in this recipe.
- Is it possible to add protein to Pasta Primavera?
- Definitely! You can enhance this dish by adding proteins such as grilled chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or sautéed shrimp for a more filling meal.
Tips
- Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain the ideal texture for your dish.
- Season the pasta water with salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks.
- Cook the vegetables until they are tender but still slightly crisp, rather than soft and mushy.
- Consider adding extra parmesan cheese to enhance the dish’s flavor, starting with the suggested half cup but adding more if desired.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 12-inch deep skillet for sautéing vegetables
