Description
This Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken pieces sautéed with fresh asparagus and garlic are combined with pasta and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, finished with a hint of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta & Dairy
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Cook the Asparagus and Garlic: Add the chopped asparagus and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp but still vibrant green.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cooked pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: If desired, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes for a little heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the skillet when sautéing the asparagus.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add cherry tomatoes or mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.
