Zucchini "Pasta" Primavera with Grilled Chicken (or Shrimp)

As I stand over all these yummy veggies all chopped and prepped and ready to roll, the aromas of the fresh garlic, basil and tomatoes are so enticing - and the colors are fabulous!  It took me about 15 minutes to chop all these veggies, but it's SOOOOO worth it!  You can always chop all the veggies ahead.  It's awesome how versatile "pasta" dishes are and how they lend themselves to chicken or shrimp.  This dish is packed FULL of yummy veggies and makes a really hearty meal without the meat...so for the Vegetarians out there, enjoy!  Toss in some white beans if you like, and maybe amp up the cheese!

One of the best new recipes I have done in a while, loved this!

2 zucchinis, spiralized (you can use a spaghetti squash and add 1/2 zucchini, diced)
1 yellow squash, diced
1 lb. asparagus, chopped into 2 inch pieces
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup, carrots, chopped
1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (I used cremini)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 chicken breasts, grilled and chopped into bite sized pieces (if you are using shrimp 1/2 lb. per adult grilled or broiled until pink)
1/4 cup sundried tomato, chopped (optional - my kids don't love these)
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
2 garlic cloves, smashed/chopped
1/2 sweet onion, diced
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained WELL
1/2 cup shredded parmesan (optional)
1 stem fresh basil leaves, washed & chopped
olive oil
pepper

Chop all the veggies and set them aside.  Mix the ricotta cheese with the drained spinach and set aside.  Grab your BIGGEST sauté pan and coat the bottom with olive oil, a couple tablespoons, turn to medium heat.  Add the garlic, onion, peppers and allow this to cook slowly for about 5 minutes.  Then add mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, squash, sundried tomatoes, spiraled zucchini and chicken, cook for about 5-7 minutes, until softened, tossing to combine.  Add the ricotta mixture and stir to coat while cooking, finally add fresh basil and fresh tomatoes and continue to cook for 2 minutes while tossing.  Sprinkle with parmesan and pepper and serve!

Look at all the colors!!!  

I add my veggies in order of hard to soft.

Fresh Tomato and Basil.

Finish with Parmesan if you like.

So good!