Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti around your fork, each noodle glistening with a savory sauce while tender pieces of chicken flirt with crisp green asparagus. This chicken and asparagus pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds like a Broadway show. Each bite is like an encore performance, leaving you craving more while making even your pickiest eaters nod in approval.

I still remember the first time I made this dish. My kitchen transformed into a bustling Italian trattoria as I tried to impress my friends with my culinary skills. They were skeptical at first—who wouldn’t be? But when they took that first bite, I swear I saw angels singing above their heads! It’s ideal for weeknight dinners or when guests drop by unexpectedly; it’s sure to leave an unforgettable impression.

A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.

My friends were so impressed they asked me if I could teach them how to make it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on your crowd size; they cook up juicy and flavorful.
• Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm stalks without blemishes; they should snap easily when bent.
• Pasta of Choice: Spaghetti works wonderfully, but feel free to swap in your favorite kind for variety.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the overall flavor; I prefer extra virgin for its richness.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is essential; chop them finely for maximum flavor infusion.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan right before serving—nothing beats that freshly grated goodness!
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate all the other flavors; don’t skimp!
• Lemon Juice: A splash adds brightness; use fresh lemons for the best taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season the chicken with salt and pepper until well coated.

In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil until shimmering but not smoking. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant but not browned—about 30 seconds should do it.

Add chopped asparagus to the skillet and sauté until bright green yet tender-crisp—around three minutes will keep them crunchy!

Cook your pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente; remember to reserve some pasta water before draining.

Once everything is ready, combine cooked pasta with sautéed garlic and asparagus in the skillet. Toss gently while adding lemon juice for that zesty kick!

Finally, stir in sliced chicken breasts along with grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well-coated; drizzle additional olive oil if desired.

Serve hot garnished with more Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper! Enjoy every delightful bite as you relish this simple yet impressive meal.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing a light garlic sauce. This sequence ensures everything is perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out asparagus for broccoli or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra zing. Experimenting with different herbs can also elevate this dish to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep the pasta moist and delicious.

I remember cooking this dish for my parents’ anniversary dinner. Their smiles after the first bite made all the chopping worth it!

FAQ

Can I use frozen asparagus for chicken and asparagus pasta?

Yes, but fresh asparagus delivers better texture and flavor in this dish.

What other proteins can I use besides chicken?

Shrimp or tofu are great alternatives that work well with this pasta.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety like quinoa or brown rice pasta.

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Delicious Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Savor the vibrant flavors of this easy chicken and asparagus pasta, perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus
• 8 oz spaghetti (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chopped asparagus; sauté until bright green and tender-crisp (about 3 minutes).
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions; reserve some pasta water before draining.
5. Combine cooked pasta with garlic and asparagus in the skillet. Add lemon juice.
6. Stir in sliced chicken and Parmesan cheese until well-coated. Drizzle with extra olive oil if desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg