Cheesy Zucchini and Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort meal with this Cheesy Zucchini and Chicken Pasta, a creamy, flavor-packed dish that combines tender pasta, juicy pan-seared chicken, and thinly sliced zucchini in a velvety Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a delightful balance of protein, vegetables, and rich, cheesy goodness. The hint of garlic, a splash of chicken broth, and optional red pepper flakes give the dish a gourmet touch, while quick prep and cook times make it easy to whip up any night of the week. Perfectly finished with fresh parsley, this satisfying and family-approved recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 pieces Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium Zucchini, thinly sliced into half-moons
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup Chicken broth
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 3

Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the zucchini slices to the skillet, season with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.

Step 7

Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.

Step 8

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the cheesy sauce.

Step 9

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes, if using, and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1689.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2941.2

Total Fat 173.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 87.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 696.1mg	0%
Sodium 6317.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 127.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 13.3g
Protein 195.4g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 1865.1mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 2307.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 54.7%

Protein: 27.4%

Carbs: 17.8%