Description
This Delicious Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken breasts, fresh asparagus, and creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special but require minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and chopped
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic and Asparagus: Add the minced garlic and chopped asparagus to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the asparagus is bright green but still crisp-tender.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
- Toss Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained pasta and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- If asparagus is out of season, green beans or broccoli work well as alternatives.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give a subtle heat to the dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
