Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? This 30 Minute Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta is packed with juicy chicken, colorful peppers, and a light, flavorful sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Tender chicken pairs beautifully with sweet sautéed peppers and a tangy balsamic finish. It’s family-friendly, balanced, and comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup simple and stress-free.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked dried penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (cut into strips)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium orange bell pepper, chopped
- 2 medium shallots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–8 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped peppers and shallots. Cook for 4–7 minutes until slightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, reserved pasta water, and cooked pasta. Toss everything together and cook for 3–4 minutes. This brings the 30 Minute Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta together beautifully.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley.
Tips & Tricks
- Slice chicken evenly for consistent cooking
- Use fresh parsley for brighter flavor
- Add chili flakes for a touch of heat
- Swap penne with fusilli or farfalle
- Reserve pasta water for a silky sauce texture
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Serve with salad or warm bread
- Optional: sprinkle grated cheese on top
Nutrition (Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 15g
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, they add extra juiciness and flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, store and reheat when ready.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or fusilli works well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, but vegetables may soften slightly.
Storage
- Fridge: up to 3 days in airtight container
- Freezer: up to 2 months
- Reheating: warm in skillet with a splash of water or broth
Similar Recipes
30 Minute Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked dried penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken (cut into strips)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 medium red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium orange bell pepper chopped
- 2 medium shallots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–8 minutes until fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped peppers and shallots. Cook for 4–7 minutes until slightly browned.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, reserved pasta water, and cooked pasta. Toss everything together and cook for 3–4 minutes. This brings the 30 Minute Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta together beautifully.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Serve with salad or warm bread
- Optional: sprinkle grated cheese on top
Conclusion
This 30 Minute Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta is a perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and convenience. It’s a dependable go-to meal for busy days when you still want something homemade and satisfying.