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Homemade 15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Vegetables recipe photo

15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Vegetables

This 15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Vegetables is a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will love!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 8 ounces your favorite pasta (penne, ziti, rigatoni, rotini, wheels, or small shells)
For the Vegetables:
  • 1 12-ounce package broccoli and cauliflower florets (or all broccoli or all cauliflower)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots (loosely measured)
  • 1 to 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 4 to 5 green onions (thinly sliced)
  • 3 to 5 cloves garlic (finely minced or pressed)
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (diced into bite-sized pieces)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 to 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander for draining pasta
  • Large skillet or frying pan for cooking chicken and vegetables
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient quantities

Method
 

Cooking Steps:
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. To the skillet with the chicken, add the minced garlic, shredded carrots, and the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
  4. Once the vegetables are tender, add the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together to combine. Next, add the fresh baby spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt down. Finally, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and everything is well coated in that creamy goodness.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot, and enjoy your 15-Minute Cheesy Chicken Pasta and Vegetables right away!

Notes

  • Feel free to swap in whatever vegetables you have on hand.
  • This dish is perfect for meal prep; portion out for easy meals.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.