Imagine a dish that combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemons, the tender succulence of perfectly cooked chicken, and the crisp elegance of asparagus—all twirled together in a perfectly al dente pasta. This Chicken Asparagus Lemon Pasta isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a quick yet sophisticated weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into bite-sized dice, trimming asparagus ends, and mincing garlic. Zest and juice the lemons, setting both aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add trimmed asparagus and sauté for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Plate the pasta and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the bright, fresh flavors of lemon, tender chicken, and crisp asparagus.
Tips
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Always add generous salt to your boiling water—it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is liquid gold for creating silky sauces. Don't drain it all away!
- High Heat for Chicken: Use medium-high heat to get a beautiful golden brown exterior on your chicken, which adds incredible flavor.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Don't Overcook Asparagus: Keep it crisp and bright green by sautéing briefly. Overcooked asparagus becomes mushy and loses its appealing texture.
- Finish with Cheese: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds depth and richness to the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 451kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 37g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 66mg
