Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that combines the tender juiciness of chicken, the crisp freshness of asparagus, and a bright, citrusy kick that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Lemony Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen. With just 30 minutes between you and a restaurant-quality dinner, get ready to impress your family and yourself with this simple yet sophisticated Italian-inspired dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken and asparagus. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still crisp. You may add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help steam the asparagus if needed.
- While the chicken and asparagus are cooking, prepare the lemon. Zest the lemon and then juice it, ensuring to remove any seeds. Once the asparagus is cooked, pour the lemon juice and zest over the chicken and asparagus mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for about 1-2 minutes.
- Once the pasta is ready and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and asparagus. Toss everything together, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon zest for added flavor.
Tips
- Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Slice chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Asparagus Texture Trick: Keep your asparagus crisp-tender by not overcooking. The goal is a bright green, slightly crunchy vegetable.
- Lemon Zest Magic: Add lemon zest at the end for an extra burst of citrus aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Parmesan Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the most robust flavor. Pre-grated cheese simply can't compare!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 403kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg
