Pasta And Chicken Primavera
A vibrant pasta dish featuring tender chicken and crisp vegetables in a flavorful white wine sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that appeals to both family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup corn oil ⓘ
- 1 pound boned chicken breast, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 2 small zucchini, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 2 carrots, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1/3 cup dry white wine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 8 ounces spaghetti, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- Crushed red pepper (if desired) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat corn oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips, chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried basil; stir frequently and cook until chicken turns white.
- Add zucchini and carrots; stir frequently.
- Pour in dry white wine and chopped parsley; add crushed red pepper if desired.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Dissolve chicken broth packet in 1 cup warm water and add to the skillet.
- Place cooked spaghetti on a large platter.
- Top with the chicken and vegetable sauce.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Toss everything together and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, swap the corn oil with olive oil and use whole wheat spaghetti. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding bell peppers or asparagus can enhance the dish's color and flavor. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, particularly with the crushed red pepper for heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad or a Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Chicken Over Spaghetti or crusty garlic bread for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta And Chicken Primavera contains roughly 557 calories, with 23g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (192% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (136% of the Daily Value), and iron (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1079mg per serving (47% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti. This helps save time on busy weeknights.
What can I use instead of white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or vegetable broth. This will maintain the moisture in the dish while adding flavor. Alternatively, a splash of lemon juice can provide acidity without the alcohol.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat to your Pasta and Chicken Primavera, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add fresh chopped chili peppers to the skillet. You could also serve with a side of hot sauce for those who like an extra kick.
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).