Creamy Pesto Chicken Primavera Pasta
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Creamy Pesto Chicken Primavera Pasta. This delightful dish combines tender strips of chicken breast with a medley of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, all tossed with angel hair pasta in a luscious sun-dried tomato pesto sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also delivers a burst of freshness and richness that will leave everyone asking for seconds. You’ll feel like a culinary expert—even if you spent just minutes in the kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
angel hair pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
refrigerated sun-dried tomato pesto
7 ounces (divided)
boneless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into strips)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
red bell pepper
1 (seeded and sliced thin)
orange bell pepper
1 (seeded and sliced thin)
red onion
1 small (peeled and chopped)
zucchini
1 (quartered and sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the angel hair pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato pesto to evenly coat the pasta, then cover and set aside to keep warm.
2
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips to the hot oil and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and orange bell peppers, and chopped red onion. Sauté the vegetables for about 8 minutes, until they begin to soften.
4
Next, add the quartered and sliced zucchini to the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender.
5
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the remaining pesto sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine.
6
Finally, add the warm pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly mixed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra pesto if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Chicken Primavera Pasta?
It is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast strips with a medley of colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion, all tossed with angel hair pasta in a sun-dried tomato pesto sauce.
How much angel hair pasta is needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1 lb of angel hair pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente.
What type of pesto is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of refrigerated sun-dried tomato pesto, which is used in divided portions.
What kind of chicken should I use?
You should use 1 lb of boneless chicken breast cut into thin strips.
How do I prepare the chicken for cooking?
The chicken strips should be seasoned with salt and pepper before being sautéed in olive oil.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken strips should be sautéed in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What vegetables are included in the primavera mix?
The vegetable medley includes one red bell pepper, one orange bell pepper, one small red onion, and one zucchini.
How should the bell peppers be prepared?
The red and orange bell peppers should be seeded and sliced into thin strips.
How is the red onion prepared for this recipe?
The small red onion should be peeled and chopped.
How do I cut the zucchini for this dish?
The zucchini should be quartered and then sliced.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Begin by cooking the angel hair pasta according to the package directions, then drain it and stir in 3 tablespoons of pesto to prevent sticking and add flavor.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to cook the chicken and vegetables.
When do I add the zucchini to the skillet?
Add the zucchini after the peppers and onions have sautéed for about 8 minutes, then cook for an additional 8 minutes.
How do I keep the pasta warm while cooking the chicken?
Once the pasta is coated with the initial 3 tablespoons of pesto, cover the pot and set it aside.
When do I combine the chicken back into the skillet?
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet after all the vegetables have become tender.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is designed to be quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
Can this recipe be served to guests?
Yes, it is described as an impressive meal for guests due to its richness and fresh flavors.
Is this a one-pan meal?
While the pasta is boiled in a separate pot, the main chicken and vegetable components are prepared in one large skillet.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, pasta, pesto, primavera, quick dinner, easy recipe, one-pan meal, healthy, colorful, and italian.
Can I add extra garnish to the finished dish?
Yes, the instructions suggest serving immediately and garnishing with extra pesto if desired.
What makes this pasta 'creamy'?
The richness of the sun-dried tomato pesto combined with the natural moisture from the sautéed vegetables creates a luscious, creamy texture.
Should the pasta be cooked al dente?
Yes, the recipe specifies cooking the angel hair pasta until it is al dente.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What heat setting should be used for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
How long do the peppers and onions cook together?
They should be sautéed for about 8 minutes until they begin to soften.
When is the remaining pesto added to the dish?
The remaining pesto sauce is poured over the chicken and vegetable mixture just before adding the pasta.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed until it is golden brown and tender.
Is this recipe categorized as Italian?
Yes, it features Italian-inspired ingredients like pesto, pasta, and zucchini, and is tagged as Italian.
What color bell peppers are used?
The recipe specifically calls for one red bell pepper and one orange bell pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the recipe uses 1 lb of pasta and 1 lb of chicken, typically serving 4 to 6 people.