Summer Pasta Primavera
A vibrant and flavorful summer pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, perfect for light, satisfying meals during warm months.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- Wesson no-stick cooking spray ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, cut in thin strips ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 medium yellow summer squash, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 (26 oz.) jar Healthy Choice pasta sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt if desired.
- Spray a large saucepan or Dutch oven with cooking spray until well coated.
- Over high heat, stir fry the chicken until no longer pink; remove and set aside.
- Re-spray the pan and over medium heat, saute onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender.
- Return chicken to the pan along with mushrooms, squash, basil, and cayenne pepper; saute for 5 minutes.
- Stir in pasta sauce and cooked pasta; heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute the chicken with shrimp for a different flavor profile or use zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can enhance the dish’s freshness. If you prefer a creamier sauce, consider stirring in a bit of cream cheese or ricotta before serving. This recipe can also be customized with your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Pasta Primavera with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complement the meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a delightful finishing touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Chicken recipes, making it a versatile option for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Cover to retain moisture and heat until warmed through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Pasta Primavera contains roughly 409 calories, with 2g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 953mg per serving (41% 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 dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily omit the chicken and use a variety of vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or spinach. For added protein, consider including chickpeas or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables are tender.
What type of pasta works best for Pasta Primavera?
While any pasta can work, using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can enhance the dish's nutrition. Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well, but long pasta like spaghetti also works beautifully. Choose based on your preference!
Can I freeze Pasta Primavera?
Yes, you can freeze it, but it's best to freeze the pasta sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water if needed.
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).