Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Try this Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- juice and zest of one lemon
- 7 ounces dried pasta (i used bow tie)
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch chunks or strips
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic divided
- 1 pound asparagus ends trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish if desired
- Carbohydrate 3.95322073952729 g
- Cholesterol 396.097916697305 mg
- Fat 148.319864203451 g
- Fiber 0.294653422026478 g
- Protein 7.4048009678749 g
- Saturated Fat 93.1908405792462 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (386g)
- Sodium 2283.90256207352 mg
- Sugar 3.65856731750081 g
- Trans Fat 10.1685130773854 g
- Calories 1349 calories
Step-by-step
- In a large pot bring water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, black pepper and oregano. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
- Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Transfer to plate and set aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium high heat. Add remaining minced garlic and asparagus and saute for 1 minute, until just starting to turn bright green.
- Whisk in the cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, oregano, parmesan and mozarella cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken and cheese to melt.
- Add the drained pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste (I used about 1½ teaspoons salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper).
- Toss to coat well until everything is heated through.
- Serve hot and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and lemon slices, if desired.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the general chaos of family life. But I've learned that a little planning and a few simple recipes can make all the difference. This Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta is my go-to meal when I need something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It's a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup, and it's so versatile – I can easily adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The bright, zesty lemon juice perfectly complements the savory garlic and tender chicken. The asparagus adds a touch of freshness and a vibrant green color to the plate. And the creamy sauce, made with a simple combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese, ties everything together beautifully. The whole family loves it, and even my picky eaters are always excited to have this for dinner.
I usually start by prepping the ingredients in advance. While I'm getting the kids ready for school or working on emails, I’ll chop the asparagus and chicken. This cuts down on cooking time considerably. Once everything is chopped, the dish comes together remarkably quickly. I often use pre-cut asparagus to save even more time. The recipe easily scales up or down, depending on the number of people I'm feeding. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a larger family gathering. Plus, leftovers are fantastic!
The Magic of Lemon: The lemon juice and zest add a surprising brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream and cheese. It's a subtle flavor enhancer that elevates the whole dish, preventing it from becoming too heavy. I often experiment with different types of pasta – bowtie pasta is a personal favorite, but penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti would work equally well. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.
Beyond the Basics: I've been known to add other vegetables to this dish, depending on what's in season or what I feel like eating. Some great additions include cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini. They all add their own unique flavors and textures. If I'm feeling adventurous, I might even add some sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor profile. The possibilities are truly endless.
The Perfect Weeknight Solution: This Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta isn't just a quick and easy recipe; it's also a healthy and nutritious meal. The chicken provides a good source of protein, while the asparagus is packed with vitamins and minerals. The pasta provides carbohydrates for energy, making this dish a well-rounded and satisfying meal. It’s the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition and convenience, especially when you're juggling multiple responsibilities.
This recipe has become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, and I hope it becomes a favorite in yours. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious, healthy meals don't have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a weeknight dinner that your whole family will love. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta a try. You won't regret it!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or firm tofu.
- Add some greens: Toss in some baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Creamy variations: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese.
- Herb variations: Basil or thyme would also complement this dish nicely.
Enjoy this easy and delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta!
