Description
Chicken Zucchini Pasta is a light and satisfying Italian-inspired dish combining tender cubes of chicken breast, fresh zucchini slices, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a simple lemon-herb sauce enhanced with garlic and Parmesan cheese. This wholesome, high-protein pasta meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious summer meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or spaghetti
Protein
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the cubed chicken breasts with paprika, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the pieces.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still crisp.
- Sauté the garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning and to release the aroma.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes followed by the chicken broth. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors and soften the tomatoes.
- Combine pasta and seasonings: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry or to help create a light sauce.
- Finish with cheese and lemon: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice until the cheese is melted and the pasta is evenly coated.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your flavorful, balanced meal.
Notes
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.
- Add fresh spinach during the zucchini cooking step for extra vegetables and nutrients.
- Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood variation.
- For a creamy texture, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or cream after removing from heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
