Description
Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a comforting, one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and al dente pasta tossed in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or entertaining, this easy recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and offers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s customizable, satisfying, and ideal for spring and summer meals—or any time you crave creamy, savory goodness in a single dish.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
8 oz penne pasta
Water (for boiling pasta)
Salt (for pasta water)
For Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 bunch asparagus (approx. 1 lb), trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes (Optional):
Chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan
Lemon zest
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5–6 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add asparagus and cook for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
Notes
Pasta Choices: While penne is a great option, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni. Just make sure it holds up well in a creamy sauce.
Chicken Tips: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness before slicing to ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Asparagus Doneness: For a vibrant color and slight crunch, cook the asparagus until just tender. Overcooking will dull its color and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Sauté
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg