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Creamy Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy lemon asparagus chicken pasta that combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and a bright lemon cream sauce for a cozy and refreshing dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in a single layer for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Lower heat to medium. Pour in chicken broth and scrape the skillet bottom to loosen browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in sauce. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute to blend flavors.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Use frozen asparagus if fresh is unavailable, adding it earlier when cooking. For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free. Avoid overcooking asparagus to maintain a crisp texture. Add lemon juice and zest towards the end to preserve brightness. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water or broth to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy lemon asparagus chicken pasta, easy dinner, cozy dinner, quick pasta recipe, lemon chicken pasta, asparagus pasta

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/creamy-lemon-asparagus-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-idea/