If you’re looking for a wholesome dinner that’s ready in about 30 minutes, this Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta is the perfect choice. Tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and penne pasta come together in a light balsamic and lemon sauce for a fresh, satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Made with simple pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
- Light, fresh flavors without heavy cream.
- Family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1- to 2-inch strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black 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 fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with the salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the chopped red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with the diced shallots. Cook for 4–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and lightly caramelize.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, reserved pasta water, and cooked penne. Toss everything together and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the pasta. This Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta comes together beautifully as the flavors blend.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Cut the chicken into even-sized strips for quicker cooking.
- Don’t overcook the peppers—they should remain slightly crisp for the best texture.
- Reserve the pasta water before draining to help create a silky sauce.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness if desired.
- Substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary preferences.
- Add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli for extra vegetables.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Nut-Free
Notes
- Fresh parsley adds the brightest flavor, but dried parsley works well too.
- For extra protein, stir in white beans before serving.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella for a richer meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 470
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 18g
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta ahead of time?
Yes. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheats beautifully.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide extra flavor and remain juicy.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What vegetables work well in this recipe?
Broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes are excellent additions.
Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes. Rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, bow ties, or farfalle all work wonderfully.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to restore moisture.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1- to 2-inch strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black 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 fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken strips and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with the salt and black pepper.
- Stir in the chopped red, yellow, and orange bell peppers along with the diced shallots. Cook for 4–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and lightly caramelize.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, remaining tablespoon of olive oil, reserved pasta water, and cooked penne. Toss everything together and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce lightly coats the pasta. This Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta comes together beautifully as the flavors blend.
- Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Fresh parsley adds the brightest flavor, but dried parsley works well too.
- For extra protein, stir in white beans before serving.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella for a richer meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Conclusion
This Chicken Vegetable Skillet Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be—quick, colorful, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked penne tossed in a light balsamic lemon sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing meals for the week, this easy pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite.