Description
Chicken Zucchini Pasta is a quick and healthy weeknight meal combining lean chicken protein, fresh zucchini, and whole wheat pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers vibrant flavors with a light, satisfying texture perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into half-moons or cubes
Pasta and Aromatics
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or penne preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Zucchini: Slice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Chop the zucchini into half-moons or cubes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about half a cup of the pasta water for later to adjust sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the zucchini and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still slightly crisp and fragrant.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet with the zucchini. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Splash in reserved pasta water and lemon juice to add moisture and brightness. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then toss everything together until evenly mixed.
Notes
- Don’t overcook zucchini; keep it slightly crisp to maintain texture and color.
- Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta and add silkiness.
- Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor impact, avoiding pre-minced or jarred garlic.
- Slice chicken thinly for quicker cooking and tender texture.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken zucchini pasta, healthy chicken pasta, quick chicken dinner, zucchini pasta, weeknight meals, easy chicken recipe