Vegetable Chili with Cornbread Topping Casserole
◷ 1 hr 40 min
Main CourseReader rated
Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Fresh Summer Veggies
This dish combines juicy chicken and crispy bacon with vibrant summer vegetables for a fresh, flavorful meal. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for enjoying those sunny days with a comforting pasta twist.
◷45 minTotal Time
♜4Servings
▥MediumDifficulty
Ingredients
4servings
Instructions
1
Crisp the bacon
Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, turning it now and then until it’s nice and crispy, which should take about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the bacon on some paper towels and leave about 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet.
2
Saut Onions and Mushrooms
Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook it over medium heat until it turns golden and soft, roughly 5 to 10 minutes. Toss in the mushrooms and garlic, and keep cooking until they’re nicely browned, about 10 more minutes.
3
Cook Chicken and Zucchini
Now, add the grilled chicken pieces and zucchini to the pan. Cook everything together until the zucchini is tender but still has a little bite, which should take around 5 to 10 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat, then stir in the fresh tomatoes and let them warm through for about 5 minutes.
4
Cook Penne Pasta
While that’s going on, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente, usually about 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and put it in a big bowl.
5
Combine and Season Pasta
Finally, mix the veggie and chicken mixture into the pasta. Stir in some Parmesan cheese and season everything with black pepper to taste. Give it a good mix, and it’s ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines the smoky flavor of bacon with tender chicken and fresh summer vegetables. It’s a perfect balance of savory and light, making it great for warm-weather meals. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad and a glass of chilled white wine. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top can add extra freshness and depth.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken and veggies. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture.
