Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta
Try this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta recipe
Try this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta recipe
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1 3/4 cup milk (i used 1%)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded with mallet to even thickness
- 1/4 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper plus more for sauce
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup cream or half and half
- 3 oz neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese) diced into pieces
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 lb asparagus trimmed of ends, remaining diced into 2-inch pieces and steamed
- 4 - 5 slices bacon cooked and crumbled into small piece
- Carbohydrate 36.6383063536705 g
- Cholesterol 106.449180745937 mg
- Fat 9.48497712357211 g
- Fiber 1.76565655586216 g
- Protein 26.1130533333287 g
- Saturated Fat 4.65700504218215 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (240g)
- Sodium 122.903295851596 mg
- Sugar 34.8726497978084 g
- Trans Fat 1.12120907858555 g
- Calories 337 calories
Step-by-step
- In a small bowl, stir together basil, oregano, thyme and 1/4 salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the herb mixture evenly over tops of chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken to skillet, herbed side down, then add remaining herb mixture to tops of chicken.
- Cook chicken until fully cooked through, about 8 - 12 minutes, occasionally rotating chicken (time will vary based on thickness of chicken breasts. If chicken is browning too quickly reduce heat to medium low as needed).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a plate, let rest 5 minutes then dice into pieces.
- Meanwhile cook pasta according to directions listed on package, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a clean skillet (large and deep), melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, add garlic and cook 30 seconds longer, stirring constantly.
- While whisking, slowly pour in milk then cream (whisk vigorously to break up clumps).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste (a fair amount of each) and bring mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once it reaches a boil and thickens, reduce heat to medium-low, add Neufchatel and parmesan cheese and cook, stirring frequently, until cheeses have melted.
- Toss in cooked pasta, then add cooked chicken, steamed asparagus and bacon and toss to evenly coat.
- Add in reserved pasta water as desired (it will thicken as it rests and the pasta will absorb the liquids, so add up to 1/2 cup as needed).
- Serve immediately.
Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta recipe is a true game-changer. It's quick, it's easy, and it's incredibly flavorful – perfect for those weeknights when you need a comforting meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent, but surprisingly light, thanks to the use of Neufchatel cheese, a lighter alternative to traditional cream cheese.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the asparagus for other vegetables you have on hand, like broccoli, peas, or spinach. You can also experiment with different types of pasta – penne is classic, but rotini, farfalle, or even linguine would work wonderfully. One of my favorite things about cooking is the adaptability; the freedom to adjust recipes to your own tastes and available ingredients is one of the things I most cherish. So don't be afraid to get creative!
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. The chicken cooks quickly, the sauce comes together in minutes, and the asparagus steams in a flash. You can easily have this entire meal on the table in under 30 minutes – leaving you with more time to spend with family or simply relax after a long day. It's the perfect kind of comfort food that satisfies without weighing you down. It’s healthy enough to feel good about, and delicious enough to crave again and again.
I often find myself making a double batch and enjoying leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. This is a testament to the quality of the ingredients and the simplicity of the recipe. It’s not overly complicated or fussy, it’s just a really well-balanced, flavourful and satisfying dish.
Beyond its deliciousness and convenience, this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Asparagus is packed with nutrients, and the creamy sauce makes it easy for even picky eaters to enjoy. It’s a subtle way to introduce more greens into your family's diet, without sacrificing taste or ease of preparation.
If you're looking for a simple yet impressive weeknight dinner, this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is a must-try. It's a recipe that I've made countless times, and it never fails to impress. Give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll quickly become a staple in your own kitchen, a go-to for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in a flash. So, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
A few tips for success:
- Don't overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through.
- Use good quality cheese. The cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Every palate is different. Add more or less salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your liking.
- Serve immediately. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it's best to serve this dish right away.
This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the fact that delicious food doesn't have to be complicated. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can conjure up a culinary masterpiece that will leave you feeling both nourished and satisfied. So go on, give it a try – you won't be disappointed! This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta will quickly become a family favorite, a reliable weeknight option that never fails to deliver on flavor and convenience.
