What Is In Chicken Primavera? A Light and Fresh Pasta Dish

Chicken primavera is a delicious Italian-American pasta dish that typically features a medley of fresh spring vegetables sautéed with chicken in a light cream or cheese sauce. The name “primavera” means “spring” in Italian, denoting the use of fresh produce when it’s at its seasonal best This bright, vegetable-focused pasta is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of spring

Ingredients in Chicken Primavera

While recipes can vary chicken primavera often contains

• Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle
• Chicken breast, cut into bitesize pieces
• Olive oil or butter for sautéing
• Garlic and shallots or onions
• Fresh vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, peas, broccoli, bell peppers, and/or tomatoes
• White wine or chicken broth
• Heavy cream, half and half, or cream cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, and/or chives

Sauce for Chicken Primavera

The sauce is an essential component that brings this dish together. It’s made by sautéing garlic and onions or shallots as a flavor base, deglazing the pan with white wine or chicken broth, then simmering in cream or cream cheese. Grated parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Fresh herbs enhance the spring flavors.

The sauce consistency can range from a thin, brothy sauce to a thick, creamy Alfredo-like sauce. The creaminess comes from the dairy – heavy cream, half and half, or cream cheese are commonly used. For a lighter sauce, chicken or vegetable broth with just a tablespoon or two of cream is an option.

Vegetables in Chicken Primavera

When making chicken primavera at home, you can customize the vegetable medley according to what’s in season or your favorites. Here are some commonly used vegetables:

• Asparagus – trim ends and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• Zucchini – slice thinly or cut into half moons
• Peas – frozen peas work well
• Broccoli – cut into small florets
• Bell peppers – sliced or diced
• Cherry tomatoes – left whole or halved
• Spinach – added at the end until just wilted
• Green beans – trim ends and cut into 1-2 inch pieces
• Carrots – sliced or shredded

Bringing it All Together

To make chicken primavera, first prepare the protein and vegetables – sauté chicken and harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli, then finish with quick-cooking greens. Cook pasta al dente, then toss everything with the creamy sauce to coat. The result is a bright, fresh pasta dish that’s perfect for spring and summer!

Primavera sauce, meaning “spring sauce” in Italian, is typically a light sauce featuring fresh vegetables and herbs, often with a base of olive oil, butter, or cream.