I’m so excited to share this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe with you—it’s become one of my absolute favorite weeknight meals. There’s just something about the rich, garlicky butter sauce mingling with tender chicken, sweet corn, fresh zucchini, and pillowy ravioli that makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a fresh twist or something quick yet flavorful, this recipe hits all the right notes.
This dish works great any time you want a hearty, satisfying dinner without endless prep. I love how everything comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup, and it’s versatile enough to tweak with whatever veggies or seasonings you have on hand. Trust me, once you make this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe, it’ll be one you come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Ease: You cook most of it in the same skillet, meaning less mess and more time to relax.
- Balanced Flavors: The garlic butter elevates the chicken and veggies, while lime juice adds a bright kick you won’t forget.
- Family Friendly: This dish pleases everyone — my family goes crazy for it and yours likely will too!
- Quick to Prepare: Complete in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect when you want a delicious dinner without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together harmoniously for that perfect balance of savory, buttery, and fresh. I always keep frozen or refrigerated ravioli on hand since it speeds up dinner so nicely without sacrificing taste.
- Ravioli: Choose a good-quality store-bought ravioli, either frozen or refrigerated, because fresh pasta takes the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing veggies and chicken; extra virgin is my go-to for flavor.
- Zucchini: Adds a lovely fresh crunch and soaks up the buttery garlic sauce wonderfully.
- Corn kernels: I prefer fresh corn from the cob, but frozen works just as well—adds a naturally sweet pop.
- Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless make for quick cooking and easy slicing.
- Smoked paprika & chili powder: These spices bring warmth and a mild smoky depth — feel free to adjust heat to your liking.
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all other ingredients.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for that punch of fragrant garlicky goodness.
- Fresh lime juice: I love this brightens the whole dish, cutting through the richness.
- Butter: Key for the luscious garlic butter sauce that coats every bite.
- Fresh cilantro: For sprinkling on top – it adds freshness and a pop of color when serving.
Variations
One of my favorite things about this Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve played around with the veggies and seasonings to keep it interesting, and you can tailor it to suit your dietary needs or whatever’s fresh in season.
- Vegetable swaps: Sometimes I use asparagus or bell peppers instead of zucchini for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Spice level: If you like it hot, try adding a pinch of cayenne or fresh chopped chilies along with the chili powder.
- Protein change-up: For a lighter meal, swap chicken breasts for shrimp or even tofu — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Dairy-free option: Replace butter with vegan butter or more olive oil to make it dairy-free while keeping richness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe
Step 1: Cook the ravioli perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this helps the ravioli not stick and flavors them subtly. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 7 to 10 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside, but keep them warm by covering the pot lid or placing them in a warm bowl, so they’re ready when the rest of the dish is done. This also gives you time to prep the veggies and chicken while waiting.
Step 2: Sauté zucchini until tender-crisp
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet (I love my cast-iron here) over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini with just a pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out its sweetness. Cook for about 3 minutes, flipping once until the zucchini develops a nice golden sear but is still crisp — you don’t want mushy veggies here. Transfer the zucchini to a plate and set aside; we’ll add it back later to soak up those buttery chicken juices.
Step 3: Cook the flavorful garlic butter chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into strips, then generously season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the same skillet on medium heat. Add the chicken strips in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes—for a nice sear—before flipping. Add minced garlic when you flip, cooking for another 2 minutes so the garlic softens but doesn’t burn.
Lower heat to low, then stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring frequently for about 2 more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and coated in that buttery garlicky sauce. Be careful not to overcook—the chicken should stay juicy and tender.
Step 4: Bring it all together with veggies and ravioli
Now add the cooked zucchini and corn kernels back into the skillet with the chicken. Drop in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt on low heat, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. This quick step is the secret to that luscious, garlicky sauce lingering on each bite.
Finally, add the cooked ravioli and stir carefully to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, or lime juice as you prefer. Remove the pan from heat and get ready to serve something seriously delicious!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: I always let my chicken rest out of the fridge for 15 minutes before cooking—it helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcook Ravioli: Since ravioli cooks fast, timing it to finish just as the chicken does keeps it from getting mushy.
- Fresh Lime Juice Makes a Difference: I used bottled once, but fresh lime juice adds that bright, fresh tang that balances the richness perfectly.
- Skip the Garlic Burn: Add garlic after flipping the chicken to avoid bitterness and keep the flavor mellow and aromatic.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe
Garnishes
I always top this dish with freshly chopped cilantro—it adds a wonderful fresh, herbaceous brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich butter and spices. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny dash of chili powder on top for a fun pop of color and a hint of extra heat right before serving.
Side Dishes
This recipe is a hearty enough one-pan meal, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted garlic bread to mop up any extra butter sauce. A crisp cucumber salad also works great if you want something light and refreshing on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve this in colorful shallow bowls to spotlight the vibrant veggies and garnish. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top turns it into a real showstopper. Sometimes I also drizzle a little extra lime juice or a thin stream of chili oil for a fancy finishing touch that guests love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the ravioli separate if possible to avoid sogginess, or refrigerate everything together if you plan to reheat gently. Reheating slowly helps maintain texture and flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish once or twice, mostly without the ravioli because pasta can get mushy after freezing. Freeze the chicken, zucchini, and corn in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through heating to keep everything even and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta instead of ravioli?
Absolutely! While ravioli is my favorite here because it soaks up the sauce nicely and adds a touch of indulgence, you can swap in tortellini, gnocchi, or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to the pasta you choose.
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Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well if you store the chicken and veggies separately from the ravioli. Pasta tends to get mushy when frozen, so I recommend freezing just the protein and veggies and reheating them before adding fresh cooked ravioli later.
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How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken. Fresh chopped chili peppers or a drizzle of hot sauce just before serving also give a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving during cooking, which some people prefer. Just slice them similarly and adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe has easily become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, flavorful, and customizable. I love how it looks impressive without requiring hours of work, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do — honestly, it feels like a warm hug on a plate every time!
PrintGarlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini, Corn, and Ravioli is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender, spice-seasoned chicken with sautéed fresh vegetables and tender ravioli. The dish features a rich garlic butter sauce enhanced by lime juice and aromatic spices, making it a quick and satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz ravioli (store-bought, frozen or refrigerated)
Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels (about 3 ears corn)
Garlic Butter Chicken
- 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (or more to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (or more to taste)
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Ravioli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ravioli according to package instructions, typically 7 to 10 minutes, until tender. Drain well and set aside. This step can be done first to have the pasta ready while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, high-sided cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the sliced zucchini and season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté the zucchini for about 3 minutes, flipping once to cook evenly, until tender but still crisp. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and place on a plate to keep warm.
- Make Garlic Butter Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken slices in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to get a good sear. Flip the chicken pieces over, add the minced garlic, and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Lower the heat to low, add freshly squeezed lime juice and 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir frequently and cook for another 2 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the garlic softens.
- Assemble the Dish: Return the cooked zucchini and the cooked corn kernels to the skillet with the chicken. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt it over low heat, stirring gently to combine so the butter coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. Add the cooked ravioli to the skillet and toss everything gently to coat all components in the garlic butter sauce. Remove from heat.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired by adding more salt, smoked paprika, chili powder, or lime juice. When serving, top the dish with freshly chopped cilantro and optionally sprinkle a small amount of chili powder over the chicken and ravioli for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use any store-bought ravioli variety, such as cheese or spinach, based on your preference.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- If fresh corn is unavailable, frozen or canned corn can be a convenient substitute; just be sure to drain well and heat through.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika to your spice tolerance level.
- Cast-iron skillet is recommended for even heat distribution, but any large skillet will work.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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