Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Chicken
This bright and fresh lemon asparagus pasta with chicken combines springtime flavors in a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and zesty lemon create a restaurant-quality dish in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti any pasta shape
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb fresh asparagus woody ends removed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 lemons juice and zest
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Boil pasta water: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.
- Prep ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Trim asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Cook pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions.
- Cook chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden and no longer pink.
- Add garlic: Stir minced garlic into the cooked chicken and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook asparagus: Add asparagus to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking time.
- Reserve water: Before draining, scoop out 1/4 cup of pasta water and set aside.
- Combine everything: Drain pasta and asparagus, then add to the skillet with chicken and garlic.
- Create sauce: Add lemon juice, zest, butter, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together.
- Finish dish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Add depth with a splash of white wine added to the pan after cooking the garlic.
- Make ahead by cooking components separately and storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Brighten flavors by adding a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
- Create creamier sauce by stirring in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the Parmesan.
- Boost nutrition by tossing in a handful of baby spinach during the final toss – it wilts perfectly.