Light and easy Pasta Primavera with sweet crunchy bell peppers, tomatoes, and lean chicken breast served over penne pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese.
It’s Monday! How was your weekend? Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? Did any of your favorites win? I’m an awards show junkie, so I made naan pizza for the occasion (OMG, so good, recipe coming soon) and happily settled in for three hours of beautiful people giving each other awards. I was super excited to see my fav, Olivia Colman get recognized, and oh man, those Viola Davis and Meryl Streep speeches were so great.
Also, Kristen Bell has maybe inspired me to cut my hair into a lob again. Tell me not to do it, people. Talk me down from this ledge!
I realized as I started writing this post that today, in the dead of winter, I’m posting a pasta with a name that basically translates into “spring pasta.” I could say that was intentional and that I’m dreaming of spring, but to be perfectly honest, I love winter (at least my mild SoCal version of it). I’m in no hurry to see spring take its place. I just really love eating this pasta all year round and wanted to share it with you now. 🙂
Up there with other favorites like my Ham and Potato Soup (that recipe just got new photos, have you seen them?), BLT Salad, and Peasant Soup, it’s one the recipes I make most often in my own kitchen, because it’s just a dinner you feel good about eating and making.
This easy Pasta Primavera is all about lots of veggies (okay, tomatoes are a fruit), some lean chicken breast, and a little bit of cheese coming together to make a damn good pasta. I love that it’s easy to make. I love that it’s a bit spicy and just a tiny bit sweet. And I love that it’s a nice and light pasta for those times when I desperately need some carbs in my life.
More Easy Pasta Dishes
Easy Pasta Primavera for Two
Ingredients
- 4 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small (about 8 ounces) boneless chicken breast cubed
- Salt
- 1 large bell pepper (any color) diced small
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with green green chilies
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup (1oz) shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Put a medium pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta and cook pasta according to package instructions.
- While your pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, over medium to medium-high heat, melt butter. Add chicken breast, sprinkle with salt, and cook until cooked through. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Return pan to heat and add bell pepper and garlic. Cook over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes, until vegetables just begin to soften.
- Add tomatoes and spices, bring to a simmer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture becomes thick and saucy, about 6 to 10 minutes (different brands of tomatoes will vary). Stir in cooked chicken and simmer for 1 minute more or until chicken is hot.
- Stir in cooked pasta, dish up, and top with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Adapted from AllRecipes
Miriam - londonkitchendiaries.com says
A bowl of pasta is so beautiful and comforting especially during winter. Looks delicious! I have not watched the Golden Globes live but saw Meryl Streep’s speech later, so powerful and touching. Have a great weekend!
Miriam
http://www.londonkitchendiaries.com
Tracy says
Thanks, Miriam! I agree, pasta during the winter=the best. 😉
Valentina | The Baking Fairy says
This sounds like such a healthy take on pasta! Not like you can ever make pasta truly ~healthy~, but I’m sure the chicken and veggies don”t hurt, right? 😉 Also I will totally NOT talk you out of cutting your hair into a lob because I’m totally considering the same thing! I had that cut last year and now I’m tempted to do it again. It’s just so much more fun than my standard long hair!
Tracy says
Exactly, on the chicken and veggies!
And so not helpful, Valentina. I wanted you guys to talk me back from this hair cutting ledge!! 😉
Rahul @samosastreet.com says
This is so good, light/healthy recipe. This one is a keeper. Wishing you a Happy New Year Tracy.
Tracy says
Thanks, Rahul! Happy New Year to you too!
Ali says
This looks so tasty! I don’t know why, but pasta primavera just never makes it onto our menu. After reading this, I definitely want to give it a try.
Tracy says
Thanks, Ali. You totally should!!
Lindsay Cotter says
Looks so delicious! This easy pasta primavera for two is a dish worthy as a date-night-in meal to share with the hubby! I’ll use my favorite gluten free penne of course. Add a big salad and our favorite wine and we’re all set!
Tracy says
Sounds like a perfect date night! 😉 Thanks, Lindsay!
Kristine says
Oh goodness, this pasta for two is perfection! Your photos make me want to reach through the screen for a bite! Gorgeous! I’m always on the lookout for small recipes, I’m so excited! Thank you!
Tracy says
Aw, thanks, Kristine!!
Diana says
I love comfort foods like this! I can eat a whole bowl of this right now 🙂
Tracy says
Hehe, thanks, Diana! Me too. 😉
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
I never watch award shows. I know, I know, I don’t know what I’m missing. I just don’t like sitting through them for some reason. I love all pasta dishes, and I too can eat pasta primavera all year round. Thanks for this delicious looking dish!
Tracy says
Ha! I don’t blame you. I think you’re either all in on awards show or all out. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of in between! 🙂
And thanks!!
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish says
This is so my kinda dinner! Love the recipe.
Tracy says
Thanks, Suzy!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
No! I didn’t watch the Golden Globes! Actually, we spent the night watching Big Bang Theory. Love that show and can watch on repeat (and have, lol). That haircut is really nice. I always let my hair grow and then cut it and grow and cut it….it’s a never ending cycle, lol 😀
This pasta sounds delicious! And with snow on the ground around here and it being super cold, this is just what I want! A big bowl of carby goodness 🙂 Looking forward to seeing that naan pizza recipe too 😉 Have a great week, Tracy!
Tracy says
Thanks, Dawn! Sounds like a cozy evening! And you just described my exact hair cycle. I’m at the loooong end now, hence the sudden desire to chop it all off. 😉