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Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet
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A quick, flavorful, and wholesome one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and perfectly cooked pasta. This Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is loaded with vibrant colors and textures, ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1½ cups penne or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth or water, enough to just cover the pasta

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Finishing Touches

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the zucchini into half-moons. Mince the garlic cloves and halve the cherry tomatoes. Having all ingredients ready makes cooking smooth and efficient.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, then sauté the garlic and zucchini until zucchini softens slightly and garlic becomes fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they begin to blister.
  4. Combine Pasta and Broth: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Pour in enough chicken broth or water to just cover the pasta. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, approximately 10-12 minutes.
  5. Mix in Chicken and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs over the top. Allow cheese to melt slightly before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

  • Cut chicken and vegetables evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Watch pasta carefully to avoid overcooking; al dente texture is ideal.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to keep flavors bright.
  • Sauté garlic first and brown chicken well to develop depth of flavor.
  • Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen sauce if necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken zucchini pasta skillet, one-pan chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, healthy pasta skillet, zucchini pasta recipe

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