Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our creamy lemon pasta featuring tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and fresh spinach! This Italian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a comforting hug for your taste buds. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a luscious, tangy cream sauce that bursts with citrusy flavor. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a weeknight dinner, this recipe is your ticket to gastronomic bliss. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to become a family favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped asparagus and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender. If you like them a bit more cooked, you can sauté them for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the spinach to the skillet with the asparagus and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Allow the cream to warm up for about 2 minutes, but do not let it boil.
- Next, add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet, stirring to incorporate the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the creamy lemon sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Serve the creamy lemon pasta with chicken, asparagus, and spinach hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fettuccine or penne, to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserving some pasta water is crucial! It helps to adjust the sauce's consistency and adds extra starch for creaminess.
- Sautéing Technique: For perfectly tender asparagus, sauté just until bright green and tender-crisp. Overcooking can lead to mushy vegetables.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach and a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice and zest will brighten the dish significantly.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking throughout the cooking process for a perfectly balanced dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a touch of lemon zest on top before serving not only enhances flavor but also makes for an eye-catching presentation.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish can be made ahead of time! Just reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
