Parmesan Chicken, Vegetables And Pasta
A hearty and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, pasta, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
- Cut each chicken tender in half lengthwise, then cut in half again.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and diced zucchini to the skillet and sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Add the chicken tenders to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add chopped tomatoes, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables.
- Toss everything together and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice beforehand. If you don't have fresh tomatoes, canned diced tomatoes work just as well. Feel free to swap out the zucchini for bell peppers or spinach, depending on your preference. For a heartier dish, you can incorporate cooked bacon or sausage, similar to the Sweet Italian Sausage Skillet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side salad for a refreshing contrast, or pair with garlic bread for a comforting meal. A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors beautifully. For a twist, consider serving it alongside Italian Rice With Mushrooms for a more filling experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Chicken, Vegetables And Pasta contains roughly 247 calories, with 11g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 893mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking. You may need to increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they are thoroughly cooked.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
While ziti or rotelle are great options, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Short pastas hold the sauce well, but long pastas like fettuccini can also work if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times according to the package instructions.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and replace it with more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even chickpeas for protein. The same cooking method applies, and you'll still have a delicious meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of the vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).