Indulge in Chicken zucchini tomato pasta – a delightful blend of spaghetti embraced in a savory tomato sauce, mixed with zucchini, aromatic basil, and succulent chicken. It’s a speedy and effortless 30-minute meal.
I absolutely adore this easy and fast chicken zucchini tomato pasta. It’s brimming with veggies! It’s my favorite way to savor squash season because the marinara sauce pairs perfectly with them. With juicy chicken, al dente spaghetti, and fragrant basil, it’s incredibly fulfilling! That’s why I often whip it up for my mom and me to relish.
Table of Contents
PREP Time: 10minutes
COOK TIME: 20minutes
TOTAL TIME: 30minutes
Chicken zucchini tomato pasta recipe video:
Chicken zucchini tomato pasta Ingredients and Instructions:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of pasta (your choice)
- 1-pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First, get a big pot of water boiling with some salt added. Then, toss in the pasta and cook it just like the package says until it’s nice and firm, but not too soft. After that, drain the pasta and leave it to the side.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Put a tablespoon of olive oil in a big frying pan and heat it up over medium to high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Take out the cooked chicken from the pan and keep it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Add the diced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to release their juices.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Put the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked pasta and chopped fresh basil to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Season the chicken zucchini tomato pasta with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), to taste. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir gently to incorporate.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Step 7: Enjoy
Your delicious chicken zucchini tomato pasta is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot as a comforting and satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Chicken zucchini tomato pasta Nutrition Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Serving Size | 1 Serving |
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| – Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| – Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 28g |
Chicken zucchini tomato pasta health benefits:
- Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken helps build and repair body tissues and supports muscle growth. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like niacin, which aids in metabolism, and phosphorus, vital for bone health.
- Zucchini: Low in calories and high in fiber, zucchini aids in digestion and promotes a healthy gut. It’s also rich in vitamins C and K, supporting immune function and bone health.
- Tomatoes: Loaded with antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes promote heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. They also provide a good amount of vitamins A and C.
- Basil: Packed with vitamin K and antioxidants, basil supports bone health and offers anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds a burst of fresh flavor without extra calories.
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast provides essential protein, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth. It also helps you feel full and satisfied, which makes it a great choice for managing your weight.
- Fiber: Zucchini and tomatoes are both rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut. Fiber also contributes to feelings of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
- Antioxidants: Basil contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and may lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Nutrient Diversity: The variety of vegetables in this dish ensures you’re getting a range of vitamins and minerals essential for overall health, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate.
Storage Instructions:
To store any leftovers of your Chicken Zucchini Tomato Pasta, follow these simple instructions to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- 3-4 days keep the container in the fridge.
- When ready to enjoy, reheat the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- For best results, sprinkle a little water over the pasta before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
- Once reheated, garnish with fresh basil leaves and Parmesan cheese for a finishing touch before serving.
Reheat & Reuse Instructions:
If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to reheat and repurpose your Chicken Zucchini Tomato Pasta for another delicious meal:
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to maintain moisture.
- Alternatively, transform the leftovers into a hearty pasta salad by tossing with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.
- Get creative and use the pasta as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or portobello mushrooms, topping with cheese before baking until golden and bubbly.
- For a quick and satisfying lunch, serve the pasta cold as a flavorful addition to a mixed green salad or wrap it up in a whole wheat tortilla for a tasty wrap.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to give your leftover pasta a new flavor profile, such as adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
FAQ’s
Q. Is zucchini a good substitute for pasta?
These days, you can easily pick up spiralized zucchini noodles at the store, but they’re truly exceptional when freshly cut. With their curly and elongated shape, they might seem like a straightforward pasta replacement, but trust me – these freshly made, colorful veggie noodles can do far more than just stand in for spaghetti.
Q. What is chicken spaghetti made of?
Chicken spaghetti features a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that envelops tender chicken and spaghetti noodles. Tangy Rotel tomatoes are included to add an extra burst of flavor and to harmonize with the creamy texture of the dish.
Q. When should you not use zucchini?
You’ll notice that bad zucchini feels rubbery or slimy when you touch it. It might also emit an unpleasant odor and have dark or fuzzy moldy patches. Inside, the flesh of bad zucchini can appear off-white to brownish, with a mushy texture and large, hard seeds.
Q. Is zucchini pasta healthy?
Zucchini is a healthy choice because it’s low in fat, sugar, and calories. Plus, it’s packed with vitamin C and fiber, which are good for you in many ways. Fiber keeps your digestion on track and supports gut health, while vitamin C works as an antioxidant, shielding your cells from damage.
Q. Does zucchini taste like pasta?
Although zucchini noodles don’t have the exact taste of pasta noodles, when cooked just right (not too soft, but al dente), they can be quite satisfying.