As the first tender shoots of asparagus make their appearance in the springtime, it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with a light, fresh, and delectable dish – chicken and asparagus pasta. This delightful meal combines succulent chicken, crisp asparagus, and your choice of pasta, all tossed together in a creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a dish that sings of springtime, with its vibrant green hues and delicate flavors, perfect for enjoying al fresco on a warm evening. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a culinary ode to spring with this scrumptious chicken and asparagus pasta recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or bow-tie work well)
- 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: lemon zest, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. During the last 3-4 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Drain the pasta and asparagus, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta, asparagus, and chicken to the skillet, tossing to combine and coat the ingredients with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil, and toss until the cheese has melted and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates, and garnish with lemon zest, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
In summary, chicken and asparagus pasta is a delightful springtime dish that celebrates the season’s fresh produce and delicate flavors. To make the most of this recipe, it’s essential to select fresh, crisp asparagus with firm, bright green stalks and tightly closed tips. Additionally, using high-quality Parmesan cheese will add a rich depth of flavor to the creamy sauce. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering taste, this chicken and asparagus pasta is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire, perfect for sharing with friends and family as you savor the joys of spring.