This Easy Skillet Chicken Primavera brings together tender chicken and colorful veggies for a quick meal. It’s light, fresh, and full of flavor!
I love how it all cooks in one pan. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy dinner and maybe even a little dessert! 🍰 Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you want a lighter option, try turkey breast or use leftover rotisserie chicken for even less prep time.
Pasta: I love using egg noodles for their texture. However, you can swap them with whole wheat pasta for fiber, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles if you want a lighter meal.
Vegetables: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while zucchini, green beans, and mushrooms add variety. Feel free to replace them with bell peppers, asparagus, or even spinach based on what you have on hand.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking to cut calories, half-and-half works nicely. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or a nut-based cream to get a similar richness.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken correctly is crucial for a tender meal. Start by heating the skillet just enough to get a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan.
- Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking. This enhances its flavor.
- Cook in a single layer; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning. If needed, do this in batches.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe and fully cooked.
Letting it rest for a couple of minutes after cooking helps keep the juices in, making each bite more flavorful.
Easy Skillet Chicken Primavera
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or tenders, sliced into strips
- Pasta: 8 oz egg noodles or fettuccine pasta
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut in half
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
- Other:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Perfect for a busy weeknight! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything together in one skillet.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (that means it’s cooked but still has a little bite). Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for flavor. Then, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for about 4-6 minutes until it’s browned and fully cooked through. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the mushrooms, green beans, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they’re tender and vibrant in color. The smell will be amazing!
4. Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Now, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften up and the garlic becomes fragrant. It’s time to bring all the flavors together!
5. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to blend everything together. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens a bit. You’ll see the colors and flavors meld beautifully.
6. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing everything to coat the chicken in that delicious sauce. Then, add the drained pasta and gently stir everything together until it’s all mixed well and heated through. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish
Finally, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Dish up your Easy Skillet Chicken Primavera while it’s hot, and enjoy your colorful, creamy dinner!
Enjoy every bite of your comforting Easy Skillet Chicken Primavera! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking! You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry before adding it to the skillet to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Keep in mind that coconut milk has a distinct flavor that can add a nice tropical twist to the dish.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients beforehand and store them separately in the fridge. However, it’s best to cook the chicken and veggies just before serving to maintain their texture and freshness. The dish is best enjoyed when it’s freshly made!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much during storage.