Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe

Restaurant-Quality Chicken Pasta Primavera – Made in Your Kitchen

There’s something magical about a steaming plate of creamy, colorful pasta primavera. The combination of fresh, vibrant vegetables, tender chicken, and a luscious Alfredo sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. The best part? You don’t have to visit a fancy Italian restaurant to enjoy it! With the right ingredients and techniques, you can make restaurant-quality chicken pasta primavera right in your own kitchen.

As someone who has spent years perfecting recipes, I’ve found that pasta primavera is one of those meals that feels indulgent but can easily be made healthy with a few simple swaps. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Let’s dive into how you can recreate this creamy, flavorful, and wholesome dish at home with my easy step-by-step guide!

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What Makes a Great Chicken Pasta Primavera?

The secret to making a delicious pasta primavera lies in balancing the flavors and textures:

Fresh vegetables add crunch, color, and nutrients.

High-quality chicken ensures juicy, tender bites.

Perfectly cooked pasta holds the sauce beautifully.

A rich yet healthy Alfredo sauce ties everything together without being overly heavy.

By using the right cooking techniques, you can achieve that restaurant-quality flavor while keeping it light and nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Pasta Primavera:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon olive oil

8 ounces whole wheat pasta (or regular pasta of choice)

1 cup bell peppers, sliced (red, yellow, or green)

1 small zucchini, sliced into thin rounds

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup mushrooms, sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Creamy Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ cups low-fat milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option)

1 cup chicken broth

¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 tablespoon flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free option)

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for depth of flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions.

3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add another tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Sauté bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes.

3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Whisk in flour (or cornstarch) and cook for 1 minute.

4. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, and let it thicken for 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the pan with vegetables.

2. Pour in the Alfredo sauce and toss everything together.

3. the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.

4. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.

Recommended Kitchen Tools & Ingredients

1. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Skillet

This premium stainless steel skillet ensures even cooking and a perfect sear on your chicken.

Check it out on Amazon

2. De Cecco Whole Wheat Pasta

This high-quality whole wheat pasta holds sauce well and adds extra fiber.

Get it on Amazon

3. Microplane Parmesan Grater

A sharp Parmesan grater makes a world of difference for a creamy Alfredo sauce.

Shop it on Amazon

How to Make It Healthier

Swap pasta: Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for lower carbs.

Use Greek yogurt: Replace half the Parmesan with Greek yogurt for added protein.

Lighten the sauce: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.

Add more veggies: Broccoli, spinach, or asparagus make great additions.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Pair With:

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Garlic bread made with whole wheat baguette.

Variations:

Seafood twist: Swap chicken for shrimp.

Dairy-free option: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Spicy kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Final Thoughts

This restaurant-quality chicken pasta primavera is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious, creamy yet healthy meal at home. With fresh vegetables, a homemade Alfredo sauce, and tender chicken, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.

it’s your turn! Try this recipe and let me know how it turned out in the comments. If you loved it, share it with your friends!