This Easy Skillet Chicken Primavera is packed with colorful veggies and juicy chicken. It’s a quick, tasty meal that brings a burst of freshness to your dinner table!
I love how everything cooks in one pan, making clean-up a breeze! Plus, it’s a great way to use up any veggies you have lying around. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook quickly. You could use chicken thighs for a juicier option or even swap in shrimp if you prefer seafood.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if you’re looking for a neutral taste or need to cook at higher temperatures.
Vegetables: Zucchini, tomatoes, and mushrooms are the stars here, but feel free to switch them out. Bell peppers, asparagus, or broccoli work well too. Just keep the cooking times in mind!
Pasta: Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta such as penne, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta can be used according to your preference.
Parmesan Cheese: While Parmesan adds richness, you could use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or Nutritional Yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Perfectly Cook Chicken in One Pan?
Cooking chicken until perfectly golden and juicy takes a little attention. Start with preheating your skillet on medium-high heat. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet; you want the chicken to sear rather than steam.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for great flavor.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate once it’s golden brown. This allows it to stay juicy while you cook the veggies.
In the same skillet, you’ll build your dish’s flavor with the garlic and onion, soaking up the bits left from the chicken. This steps adds amazing taste to the entire dish!
Easy Skillet Chicken Primavera
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried basil
For the Vegetables:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, whole
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish
- 8 oz egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing and cutting the ingredients, 15 minutes cooking everything in the skillet, and about 5 minutes for garnishing and serving. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s bubbling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté them together for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onion is soft. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Now, it’s time to add the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, peas, corn, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the tomatoes start to burst open. It will look vibrant and colorful!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together and the broth to reduce slightly.
6. Mix in the Pasta and Cheese:
Add the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, chicken, and veggies. Let it warm through for another minute.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste and add more salt or pepper as needed. You can also sprinkle in some extra Italian seasoning if you like more flavor.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, serve your Skillet Chicken Primavera hot, garnished with freshly sliced basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top. It’s now ready to delight your family or guests!
This colorful skillet meal is not only healthy and delicious but also a fantastic option for a quick dinner solution all in one pan. Enjoy your wonderful creation!
Can I Use Other Types of Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in any veggies you have on hand, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or asparagus. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender!
What Can I Substitute for Chicken?
If you’re looking for a different protein, diced turkey or shrimp work beautifully in this recipe. For a vegetarian option, consider using tofu or chickpeas for protein while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken or vegetables.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese. Instead, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or a dairy-free cheese alternative, adding it just before serving.