Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe
- Shannon Greenfield
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Looking for a tasty and nutritious lunch option for your family? Chicken Pasta Primavera is a fantastic choice! This vibrant dish is packed with colorful vegetables that not only make it visually appealing but also provide essential nutrients for growing children. Pair it with 1% milk and a serving of fruit, and you have a complete, balanced lunch that kids will love.
The Power of Vegetables
Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This vitamin is crucial for good vision, immune function, and overall growth. Carrots also provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Zucchini is low in calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C is important for the immune system and helps the body absorb iron, while vitamin B6 supports brain development and function. Zucchini also contains potassium, which is vital for muscle function and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They also provide vitamin C, potassium, and folate, which are important for overall health and development.
Bell Peppers are packed with vitamin C, which is essential for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. They also contain vitamin A, which supports eye health, and vitamin B6, which is important for brain development. The fiber in bell peppers helps keep the digestive system healthy.
Asparagus is a nutrient powerhouse, offering vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber and folate. Vitamin K is important for bone health and blood clotting, while folate is crucial for cell growth and development11. The fiber in asparagus aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Packed with nutrients that support growth and development, this Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe is a delicious lunch that children will love.
Meal Pattern Contribution: 1 cup provides 2.00 oz eq meat/meat alternate, ½ cup total vegetable (1/8 cup additional vegetable, ⅛ cup red/orange vegetable, ¼ cup other vegetable).
This Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe was scaled to 8 servings by the Child Lane Nutrition Program, a CACFP-hosted program that supports 500+ Family Child Care Home Providers in Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Chicken Pasta Primavera Recipe
Yield: 8 – 1 cups
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Printable PDF:
Ingredients
Chicken Breast | 2.5 lbs
Bow tie Pasta, enriched (dry) | 0.5 lbs
Carrot, shredded | 1 cup
Zucchini, sliced | 1 cup
Tomatoes, diced | ½ cup
Bell Peppers, diced | 1 cup
Asparagus | 1 cup
Chicken Broth | 4 cups
Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup
Italian Seasoning | ½ Tbsp
Oil | 1 Tbsp
Salt and Pepper | To taste
Directions
Preheat a large pot over medium-high heat and add oil to coat. Add diced chicken, salt, and pepper, and cook for 4 minutes, stirring once or twice.
Then add the chicken, broth, pasta, and salt. Stir, cover, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, then add diced bell peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, shredded carrots, asparagus spears, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 15 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Turn off the heat.
Add parmesan cheese, gently stir to combine, and serve.
Note: Pair with fruit and 1% milk to make a complete lunch. 1 cup serving for age group 1-5 years old.
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