recipe: a new family fave! chicken primavera pasta bake

If you’re on the hunt for a new dinner idea that’s as delicious as it is easy, you’re in for a treat! Say hello to this Chicken Primavera Pasta Bake, a crowd-pleaser that’s quickly earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Once again, Cooktop Cove delivered inspiration. Those “my husband loves this dish” headlines get me every time! And guess what? It’s true—this one really is a winner.

This dish is loaded with colorful veggies, tender chicken, and pasta, all brought together with a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection. It’s comforting, hearty, and secretly packed with nutrients thanks to all those veggies. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your family’s preferences (or whatever you have in the fridge).

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 yellow squash, sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup carrots, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 pound penne pasta, cooked al dente

• 1 cup heavy cream (or more, because why not?)

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

How to Make It:

1. Preheat and Prep:

2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Veggies:

4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they’re fragrant and translucent. Toss in the bell peppers, zucchini, yellow squash, broccoli, and carrots. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until the veggies are just tender but still vibrant.

5. Mix It All Together:

6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sautéed veggies, and cooked penne pasta. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated and oh-so-creamy.

7. Assemble the Bake:

8. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

9. Bake to Perfection:

10. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible—trust me.

11. Let It Rest and Serve:

12. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes (if you can wait!). Serve warm, and watch as everyone dives in for seconds.

Pro Tip:

This is America, so I unapologetically added extra heavy cream and mozzarella cheese. You know, just enough to make this dish the ultimate comfort food. #Freedom #MoreCheesePlease

Why You’ll Love It:

• Packed with Veggies: You’ll feel good about sneaking in all those vitamins for the kids (and yourself).

• Easy to Make: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something that looks fancy without the effort.

• Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies, use a different pasta shape, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Trust me, this one’s a must-try. Make it tonight, and let me know if it becomes a family favorite in your house too!