Nora
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, Chicken Zucchini Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels like a cozy restaurant-quality meal. Tender, well-seasoned chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection, tossed with fresh zucchini slices, and layered over perfectly cooked rotini pasta. The light cream sauce clings to every spiral of pasta, making each bite irresistible.
This dish strikes a beautiful balance between hearty and wholesome. The zucchini adds a fresh, slightly sweet bite, while the Parmesan cheese brings a savory richness that ties everything together. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this pasta delivers satisfying flavor with a nutritious twist.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Zucchini Pasta
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Wholesome yet indulgent: A balanced combination of protein, veggies, and carbs.
- Customizable: Swap in your favorite pasta shape or add a hint of spice with red pepper flakes.
- Meal prep friendly: Reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
What Kind of Zucchini Works Best for Chicken Zucchini Pasta?
Fresh, firm zucchinis are best for this recipe. Look for medium-sized ones with smooth, glossy skin—they hold up well when sautéed without turning mushy. Avoid oversized zucchinis, as they tend to be watery and have larger seeds, which can affect the texture of the dish.
Ingredients for the Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture in this dish:
- Chicken breast – Lean and tender, it absorbs the seasoning beautifully while adding protein.
- Zucchini – Brings a fresh, mild sweetness and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Rotini pasta – The spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil – For searing the chicken and sautéing the zucchini, adding a light fruity depth.
- Garlic – Provides a warm, aromatic base flavor.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds savory richness and a slightly nutty finish.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half – Creates the luscious, velvety sauce.
- Salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning at every stage.
- Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
How To Make the Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken on medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini
In the same pan, add sliced zucchini. Sauté until tender but still slightly crisp, absorbing the flavorful bits left from the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Boil rotini pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat, add garlic to the pan, and sauté briefly. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into a smooth sauce. Thin out with reserved pasta water if needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken (sliced) and zucchini to the pan. Toss in the cooked pasta until everything is well coated. Finish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Serving and Storing Chicken Zucchini Pasta
This dish serves 4 generous portions, making it great for family dinners or meal prep. The creamy sauce holds up well, and the zucchini retains its pleasant bite even after reheating.
To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Freezing is not recommended as zucchini can become watery.
What to Serve With Chicken Zucchini Pasta?
Garlic Bread
The ultimate sidekick for mopping up every drop of creamy sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A light, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Roasted Broccoli
Oven-roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for extra greens.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make a bright, summery pairing.
Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus
Adds a cheesy crunch to complement the pasta’s creamy texture.
Lemon Butter Shrimp
For seafood lovers, this is a wonderful protein boost.
Crispy Air Fryer Mushrooms
A fun, snackable side with a satisfying crunch.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you’re loving this Chicken Zucchini Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these other flavorful creations:
- Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole – Creamy, cheesy, and perfect for a family dinner.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A romantic, rich pasta dish that never fails to impress.
- Tomato Spinach Shrimp Pasta – A light, seafood twist with fresh veggies.
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta – Comforting and easy, with smoky flavors in every bite.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Seafood lovers rejoice with this decadent option.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra Parmesan? Maybe a pinch of chili flakes for some heat? Share your twist—I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.
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Chicken Zucchini Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 medium chicken breasts
- 2 medium zucchinis sliced
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
- Sauté zucchini until tender but still crisp.
- Cook pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water.
- Make sauce by sautéing garlic, adding cream and Parmesan, thinning with pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken and zucchini to pan, toss with pasta, garnish with parsley.