Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini, Corn, And Ravioli Recipe

Easy Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn & Ravioli Recipe

Garlic butter chicken enhances ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Rich, aromatic seasonings envelop tender meat in a luxurious embrace that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its simplicity and remarkable depth of taste.

The combination of garlic-infused butter creates a silky coating that elevates each ingredient’s natural essence.

Zucchini and corn contribute vibrant textures and fresh notes to this hearty main course.

Delicate ravioli nestled alongside provide a perfect carbohydrate complement that binds the entire dish together.

Your dinner guests will marvel at the sophisticated yet approachable culinary experience waiting on their plates.

Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli That Melts in Your Mouth

  • Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a stunning combination of smoky chicken, creamy garlic butter sauce, and fresh vegetables in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Create Texture Magic: The dish beautifully balances tender chicken strips, crisp zucchini, juicy corn kernels, and soft ravioli, providing a delightful mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Enjoy Versatile Spice Blend: Smoked paprika and chili powder transform simple ingredients into a zesty meal with layers of warm, slightly spicy flavors that complement the rich garlic butter sauce without overwhelming the palate.
  • Customize with Ease: Home cooks can quickly adapt this recipe by swapping ravioli types, using different vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and pantry ingredients.

What You’ll Need for Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies and Ravioli

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that absorbs delicious garlic butter flavor and provides a hearty main component for the dish.
  • Ravioli: Soft pasta pillow filled with cheese that adds richness and texture to the meal.
Vegetables:
  • Zucchini, Corn Kernels: Fresh summer vegetables that provide crunch, sweetness, and nutritional balance to the recipe.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Spice blend that adds depth, warmth, and complexity to the chicken's seasoning.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that creates a rich, savory base for the butter sauce.
  • Lime Juice: Bright, acidic element that cuts through richness and enhances overall dish flavor.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a vibrant, clean finish to the dish.
Fats and Liquids:
  • Olive Oil: Neutral cooking oil with a light flavor for sautéing chicken and vegetables.
  • Butter: Creamy ingredient that creates a luxurious garlic sauce and adds richness to the dish.

How to Cook Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli to Perfection

Step 1: Boil the Ravioli

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently add ravioli and cook according to package instructions, typically 7 to 10 minutes. Carefully drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Zucchini

Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini slices and season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once to ensure even browning. Transfer cooked zucchini to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Chicken

Season chicken strips with:
  • Smoked paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Add olive oil to the same skillet and cook chicken undisturbed for 4 minutes. Flip the strips, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Lower heat, pour in lime juice and of butter. Stir frequently and cook for 2 more minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Introduce cooked zucchini and corn kernels to the skillet. Add remaining of butter, quickly stirring to create a glossy garlic butter sauce that embraces all ingredients. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Final Toss

Add cooked ravioli to the skillet and gently toss to ensure complete coating with the luscious sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra spices and lime juice if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and a dash of chili powder on top. Plate immediately and enjoy your vibrant, flavor-packed meal!

Helpful Tips for Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn

  • Master Garlic Flavor: Crush fresh garlic cloves instead of using pre-minced to release more intense, robust flavors into the butter sauce.
  • Control Chicken Tenderness: Cook chicken on medium-high heat initially to develop a golden-brown crust, then reduce heat to ensure even cooking without drying out the meat.
  • Zucchini Texture Trick: Pat zucchini slices dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve a perfect caramelized exterior with a tender inside.
  • Butter Sauce Perfection: Add butter gradually and off direct heat to prevent burning, creating a smooth, silky sauce that coats ingredients evenly.
  • Quick Corn Enhancement: Use fresh corn kernels when in season for maximum sweetness and crunch, or opt for high-quality frozen corn as a convenient alternative.

How to Store Garlic Butter Chicken and Keep the Ravioli Just Right

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and ravioli in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed meals will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate zucchini and corn from chicken to prevent soggy vegetables.
  • Reheating Method: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to help restore the original garlic butter sauce's consistency. Stir gently and heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Freezing Option: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Pairings for Garlic Butter Chicken with Veggies and Ravioli

  • Sip a Crisp White Wine: Pair this garlic butter chicken dish with a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the lime and garlic flavors, cutting through the richness of the butter sauce.
  • Craft a Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty chicken and creamy ravioli, adding a bright, peppery contrast to the meal.
  • Enhance with Citrus-Infused Water: Prepare a refreshing citrus water with lime and mint slices to echo the dish's lime notes and provide a palate-cleansing accompaniment that supports the garlic butter chicken's vibrant profile.
  • Pour a Craft Beer Companion: Select a light wheat beer or hoppy pale ale that can stand up to the dish's bold spices while providing a crisp, effervescent counterpoint to the rich butter sauce.

Tasty Variations for Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli

  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Replace chili powder with harissa paste, swap zucchini for roasted eggplant, and use feta cheese as a topping for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Creamy Herb Fusion: Substitute butter with cream cheese, add fresh dill and parsley, and include roasted bell peppers for a herbaceous and creamy variation.
  • Asian-Inspired Wok Style: Use soy sauce instead of lime juice, add ginger and sesame oil, replace ravioli with rice noodles, and garnish with green onions for an Asian-inspired take.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, use smoked paprika for depth, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without meat.
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Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini, Corn, And Ravioli Recipe

Garlic Butter Chicken With Zucchini, Corn, And Ravioli Recipe


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4.9 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter chicken dances with zucchini, corn, and ravioli in this Mediterranean-inspired skillet masterpiece. Quick weeknight magic combines juicy chicken, seasonal vegetables, and pillowy pasta for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless, sliced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Vegetables and Pasta:

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1.5 cups corn kernels (cooked, about 3 corn ears)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) ravioli (store-bought, frozen or refrigerated)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for vegetables)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a generously sized pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge the ravioli and cook according to package guidelines, typically between 7 to 10 minutes, then carefully drain and set aside.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium temperature. Introduce sliced zucchini, seasoning with salt and black pepper, and sauté for approximately 3 minutes, ensuring a single flip midway through cooking. Transfer the tender zucchini to a separate plate.
  3. Generously coat chicken strips with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Utilize the same skillet, heating additional olive oil, and place chicken pieces without disturbance for roughly 4 minutes. Perform a careful flip, incorporate minced garlic, and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  4. Reduce the skillet’s heat to low, introduce fresh lime juice and of butter, gently cooking and stirring consistently for 2 more minutes to develop rich flavors.
  5. Integrate the previously cooked zucchini and corn kernels into the chicken mixture. Add the remaining of butter, quickly stirring to create a uniform, glossy garlic butter sauce that envelops all ingredients.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat, fold in the cooked ravioli, ensuring each piece is delicately coated with the aromatic sauce. Adjust seasonings as desired with additional spices and lime juice for enhanced taste.
  7. Present the dish garnished with freshly chopped cilantro and a delicate sprinkle of chili powder, creating a visually appealing and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Quick and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and cheesy ravioli in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
  • Use high-quality cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and beautiful caramelization of chicken and vegetables.
  • Smoked paprika and chili powder add depth and warmth to the dish, creating a complex flavor profile that elevates simple ingredients.
  • Cooking zucchini separately ensures perfect texture and prevents overcrowding the pan, which helps achieve a nice golden-brown sear.
  • Fresh lime juice brightens the rich garlic butter sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a tangy zip to the entire dish.
  • Garnishing with cilantro and extra chili powder provides a fresh herbaceous note and an optional kick of heat for personalization.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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