Summer Time Pasta
A creamy, vegetable-packed pasta dish with tender chicken, fresh flavors, and a cheesy basil sauce, perfect for a hearty summer dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 3 c. milk ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 4 c. chopped fresh vegetables (broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, celery, green beans) ⓘ
- 1/4 c. onions ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. pasta ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove from heat and whisk in milk. Return to heat.
- Bring to a simmer and cook over medium heat until smooth and thickened, stirring constantly.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Set the sauce aside.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil and cook thinly sliced chicken breasts until browned and cooked through.
- In a separate pot, cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté chopped fresh vegetables and sliced onions until tender.
- Combine cooked chicken, vegetables, and pasta with the sauce.
- Toss everything together and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic or a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. If you prefer a lighter dish, use less butter or replace half of the pasta with zucchini noodles. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can elevate the flavors even more.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Aunt Belle's Cheese Soup or a side of roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. This will help maintain the creamy texture and prevent it from becoming too thick.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Summer Time Pasta contains roughly 1039 calories, with 59g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (98% of the Daily Value), and iron (91% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2184mg per serving (95% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Parmesan adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a creamier texture or even feta for a tangy twist. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the dish's profile and keep it exciting.
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).