Description
A vibrant pasta dish featuring juicy lime garlic chicken, colorful sautéed vegetables, and penne tossed together in a bright citrusy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 2 bell peppers (one red, one yellow), sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta while heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix lime juice, lime zest, salt, pepper, and half the garlic. Toss chicken to coat.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Add chicken to the skillet and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- Assemble the Dish: In the same skillet, add the rest of the garlic, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until tender.
- Cook to Perfection: Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and add directly to the skillet with vegetables. Stir in sliced chicken.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh parsley, tossing until everything is lightly coated.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate while hot, adding an extra squeeze of lime for brightness.
Notes
- Salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor.
- Always zest the lime before juicing for maximum flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of olive oil or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lime garlic chicken, vegetable penne, citrus pasta, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner