Skillet Chicken and Vegetables 🍳🥒

This colorful and hearty dish brings together tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, making it both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together quickly and is sure to please the whole family. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete meal or serve it over rice for extra heartiness! 🥗🍚

Ingredients

For the chicken and vegetables

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, julienned
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped

For serving

• 1 (7 ounce) package spaghetti
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
• 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, and dried basil. Cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is slightly browned.

   🔥 Ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken to get a nice sear, enhancing the flavor!

2. Add the sliced mushrooms, zucchini, chopped onion, green pepper, and sweet red pepper to the skillet. Continue to cook and stir for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender.

   🌈 Feel free to substitute any vegetables you have on hand, such as broccoli or asparagus, to customize the dish to your taste!

3. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, boil the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente.

4. Once the chicken and veggies are done, stir in the mayonnaise (or salad dressing) and 3 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese into the mixture.

5. Drain the spaghetti and serve topped with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.

   🍽️ For an added twist, you can serve this dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for more flavor.

Variations

• Pasta-free: For a lighter option, skip the spaghetti and serve the chicken and vegetables over a bed of mixed greens.
• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce while cooking the chicken for some heat! 🌶️
• Creamy twist: Swap out the mayonnaise for a cream-based sauce or a light Alfredo for added richness.
• High altitude: If cooking in high altitude, increase the cooking time slightly to ensure everything is fully cooked and tender.

Enjoy your meal and the burst of flavors in every bite! 🌟