Easy Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta in a Skillet
Creamy Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta in a Skillet is a quick and cozy dinner made with tender chicken, asparagus, pasta, and a creamy lemon parmesan sauce. It is fresh, comforting, and perfect for an easy meal that feels a little special.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini) Use your preferred pasta shape.
- 1 lb Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces Thighs stay juicy if preferred.
- 1 bunch Asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces Fresh asparagus works best.
- 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic enhances flavor.
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- 3/4 cup Heavy cream Half and half can be used for a lighter option.
- 1/2-3/4 cup Parmesan, freshly grated Finely grated melts faster.
- 1 each Lemon zest and juice Adds freshness to the sauce.
- Salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes To taste.
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Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until just done. Save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat a big skillet on medium-high with olive oil. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add asparagus to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bright and snappy.
- Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to avoid burning.
Making the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits.
- Lower heat, add cream and parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combining
- Toss in the drained pasta and add a splash of pasta water for a silkier texture.
- Finish with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Note
Save pasta water to achieve a creamy sauce. Grate parmesan finely for a smoother texture and season in layers for balanced flavor.