Name: Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet with Al Dente Pasta
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried basil; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet with Al Dente Pasta

HoneyedKiwi4066

This Italian Chicken and Vegetable Skillet with Al Dente Pasta is a dinner that delivers bold Mediterranean flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome nutrition—all in under 40 minutes. By cooking the pasta 'al dente' and finishing it in the skillet with reserved pasta water, you create a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. Lean chicken breast and a rainbow of seasonal vegetables make this dish filling yet light, aligning perfectly with weight loss goals. The finishing touch of Parmigiano and fresh parsley brings an authentic Italian flourish that will make you excited to dig in!

Ingredients

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just al dente (firm to the bite), according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until golden and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add garlic, cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell pepper. Season with oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Sauté until vegetables are tender but still vibrant, 5-6 minutes.
Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together with reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Toss vigorously to coat the pasta and meld flavors, 1-2 minutes.
Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano and chopped parsley. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately.