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Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet

Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet
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This Chicken Zucchini Pasta Skillet is a quick, wholesome, and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, fresh zucchini, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines nutritious ingredients with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that is healthy, simple, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Pasta & Liquids

  • 8 oz dry short pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese & Herbs

  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the zucchini, slicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and mincing the garlic. This prep work ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly in the skillet.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Aromatics and Zucchini: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in the garlic and zucchini. Sauté until the zucchini softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, roughly 3 minutes.
  4. Add Pasta and Liquids: Pour in the dry pasta and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring it to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add cherry tomatoes, and gently stir. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the tomatoes and blend the flavors together.
  6. Add Cheese and Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top. Stir in chopped fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish before serving.

Notes

  • Pat Chicken Dry: Drying chicken pieces before cooking helps achieve a nice sear and better flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming, getting a golden crust instead.
  • Pasta Choice Matters: Use short pasta that holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the skillet.
  • Fresh Herbs Last: Add fresh herbs at the very end to keep their flavor vibrant.
  • Adjust Broth Amount: Add more broth if pasta seems too dry during cooking for perfectly tender noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken, zucchini, pasta, skillet, quick dinner, healthy, one-pan meal, family-friendly

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/chicken-zucchini-pasta-skillet/