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Creamy Zucchini and Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

This Creamy Zucchini and Chicken Pasta is a delicious, comforting meal combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made from zucchini and cottage cheese. With lean diced chicken breasts, sautéed onions, and garlic, this dish is flavorful and packed with nutritious ingredients. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, it’s an easy stovetop recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250 g pasta (9 oz, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 medium zucchinis (courgettes), cubed (≈300 g / 10.5 oz)
  • 1 small onion, chopped (≈70 g / 2.5 oz)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, diced (≈400 g / 14 oz)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (240 g / 8 oz)

Dairy and Cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g / 1.8 oz, optional)

Oils, Spices and Herbs

  • 2–3 tbsp olive oil or butter (30–45 ml / 1–1.5 oz)
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or sage
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add diced chicken breasts. Cook, stirring often, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and lightly browned, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Prepare Zucchini Sauce: Add the cubed zucchini to the skillet with the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender. Season with dried thyme or sage, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir frequently to combine flavors.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the cottage cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cottage cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy zucchini and chicken sauce. Heat through for another 2 minutes.
  6. Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil on top for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless thighs if preferred for more juiciness.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and add mushrooms or more zucchini.
  • If cottage cheese is too chunky, blend it briefly for a smoother sauce texture.
  • Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
  • Adjust nutmeg carefully as it is potent; just a pinch adds warmth.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Creamy Zucchini Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, Cottage Cheese Sauce, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Low Fat Chicken Pasta

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/creamy-zucchini-and-chicken-pasta-recipe/