This recipe is a delightful fusion of tangy lemon, fresh asparagus, tender chicken and hearty pasta. A perfect meal for any season and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party.
For this recipe, you might not have all ingredients on hand. You may need to buy a few ingredients from the supermarket, like asparagus. Asparagus is a nutrient-packed vegetable that has a unique and delicious taste, which is excellent when combined with lemon and chicken. Another ingredient that you might not have readily available is heavy cream, which adds a rich texture to the dish.
Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta Ingredients
Kosher salt: Used to season the pasta water and the chicken.
Linguine: Serves as the base of this pasta dish.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used for frying the chicken.
Chicken breasts: The protein component of the dish.
Black pepper: Used for seasoning.
Italian seasoning: Adds additional flavor to the chicken.
Butter: Sauté the onions and asparagus.
Red onion: Adds a hint of sweetness.
Asparagus: Provides a fresh, crisp element.
Heavy cream: Gives a creamy consistency to the pasta sauce.
Chicken broth: Helps to create a flavorful sauce.
Lemon: Adds a zesty, fresh flavor.
Garlic: Enhances flavor.
Mozzarella: Adds a cheesy, rich element.
Parmesan: Gives a salty, nutty flavor.
Parsley: Used as a garnish for freshness and color.
One reader, Aurelie Dyer says:
This lemon asparagus chicken pasta recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so fresh and vibrant. The combination of tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and zesty lemon creates a delightful harmony. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a light and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques for Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe
Cooking the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
Cooking the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook in a skillet until golden and no longer pink. Let it rest before slicing.
Preparing the asparagus: Trim the tough ends of the asparagus and cut them into bite-sized pieces before cooking with the red onion.
Making the sauce: Simmer heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic in the skillet before stirring in the cheeses until melted.
Assembling the dish: Combine the cooked linguine with the sauce, then top with the sliced chicken and garnish with additional parmesan and parsley.
How To Make Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken pasta is cooked with sauteed asparagus and tender linguine, plus a cheesy white sauce made with lemon-infused heavy cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
- kosher salt
- 1lblinguine,or spaghetti
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- 1lbchicken breasts,boneless, skinless
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2tspItalian seasoning
- 2tbspbutter
- 1small red onion,chopped
- 1lbasparagus,stalks trimmed and cut into thirds or quartered if large
- ¾cupheavy cream
- ½cuplow-sodium chicken broth
- 1oflemon,juiced
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- ¾cupmozzarella,shredded
- ½cupParmesan,freshly grated, plus more for garnish
- 1lemon,sliced into half moons
- parsley,freshly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
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In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
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In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Cook for 8 minutes per side until golden and no longer pink. Transfer to a plate to let rest, then thinly slice.
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To skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add red onion and asparagus and season with salt and pepper.
-
Cook for 5 minutes until tender, then add heavy cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, and garlic and simmer for 5 minutes.
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Stir in cheeses and let cook until melty, then add lemon slices and cooked linguine.
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Top with sliced chicken and garnish with more Parmesan and parsley.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1039.66kcal
- Fat: 47.90g
- Saturated Fat: 23.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.47g
- Carbohydrates: 98.45g
- Fiber: 7.91g
- Sugar: 8.36g
- Protein: 54.81g
- Cholesterol: 178.21mg
- Sodium: 1211.15mg
- Calcium: 461.04mg
- Potassium: 953.28mg
- Iron: 6.42mg
- Vitamin A: 401.65µg
- Vitamin C: 31.07mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta
When preparing the asparagus, it's important to trim off the tough, woody ends before cooking. You can do this by holding the asparagus spear at both ends and bending it until it snaps. The asparagus naturally breaks where the woody part ends and the tender stem begins. This ensures that every bite of your lemon asparagus chicken pasta is tender and enjoyable.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, marinate meat, and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup time.
Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as boiling water while prepping ingredients.
Use kitchen tools: Utilize tools like food processors, mandolines, and kitchen shears to speed up prep work.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes that could lead to time-consuming fixes later on.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe
Kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and flavor to the dish.
Linguine - Substitute with fettuccine: Fettuccine has a similar texture and shape, making it a suitable substitute for linguine in this recipe.
Extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a good alternative for sautéing the chicken and asparagus.
Chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken in this recipe.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence blend can provide a similar aromatic and herbaceous flavor profile to the dish.
Butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used as a flavorful substitute for butter and adds a rich, nutty taste to the dish.
Red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to red onions in this recipe.
Asparagus - Substitute with green beans: Green beans can be used as a substitute for asparagus, providing a similar crisp texture and fresh flavor to the dish.
Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a creamy texture and subtle sweetness as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
Low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian-friendly alternative to chicken broth in the recipe.
Lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can provide a similar citrusy flavor and acidity to the dish.
Garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, providing a similar flavor profile.
Mozzarella - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese can offer a rich and creamy texture, complementing the flavors in the dish.
Parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese can provide a similar salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
Parsley - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the pasta in a nest shape on the plate, placing the sliced chicken on top for a visually appealing presentation.
- Garnish with finesse: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
- Lemon infusion: Place a thin slice of lemon on top of the chicken for a burst of citrus aroma and a visually stunning element.
- Balance the colors: Ensure the asparagus and red onion are evenly distributed throughout the dish to create a balanced and visually appealing composition.
- Use high-quality serving ware: Present the dish on elegant, white, or earth-toned plates to allow the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.
- Create a focal point: Position the plated dish slightly off-center on the plate to create an artistic and visually engaging presentation.
- Precision in portioning: Ensure the pasta is neatly twirled and the chicken slices are evenly placed to demonstrate attention to detail and precision in plating.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe
Let the lemon asparagus chicken pasta cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. This will prevent the pasta from becoming soggy and the sauce from separating.
Store the leftover pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen up the sauce if needed.
If you want to freeze the pasta, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Freeze the lemon asparagus chicken pasta for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat frozen pasta, place it in a covered dish and microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to help loosen up the sauce.
Keep in mind that the texture of the asparagus may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer. However, the flavor of the dish should remain delicious.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Pasta
Stovetop method: place the leftover lemon asparagus chicken pasta in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. add a splash of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. stir gently and continuously until the dish is heated through, about 5-7 minutes. if the sauce appears too thick, add more liquid as needed.
Microwave method: transfer the leftover pasta to a microwave-safe dish. add a splash of chicken broth or water and cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the pasta is heated through, about 2-3 minutes total.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c). place the leftover lemon asparagus chicken pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the dish is heated through. remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Regardless of the reheating method, you may need to adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the flavors after reheating.
If the pasta appears dry after reheating, you can stir in a small amount of butter, olive oil, or heavy cream to help revive the sauce and add richness.
Interesting Trivia About Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta
The lemon used in this recipe not only adds a refreshing flavor but also provides a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system and skin health.
Budget-Friendly: Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This lemon asparagus chicken pasta recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken and asparagus may increase the cost, but the dish's flavor and nutritional value justify the expense. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25. The combination of fresh ingredients and flavorful seasonings contributes to the overall appeal of this dish. On a scale of 1-10, this recipe rates a solid 8 for its taste, nutritional value, and satisfying portions.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This lemon asparagus chicken pasta recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes:
- Lean protein from the chicken breasts
- Nutritious asparagus, which is rich in vitamins and minerals
- Garlic, known for its immune-boosting properties
- Lemon juice, a good source of vitamin C
However, there are some aspects that make this recipe less healthy:
- Heavy cream and butter, which are high in saturated fats
- Generous amounts of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, adding to the fat and calorie content
- White pasta (linguine), which is a refined carbohydrate
To make this recipe healthier, I would suggest the following modifications:
- Replace the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or Greek yogurt
- Reduce the amount of butter used, or substitute it with a healthier oil like olive oil
- Use whole wheat linguine instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content
- Decrease the amount of cheese used, or opt for lower-fat varieties
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient density
Additionally, you could:
- Use a low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor without relying on salt
- Serve smaller portions of the pasta and pair it with a side salad to create a more balanced meal
By making these adjustments, you can transform this dish into a healthier option while still maintaining its delicious flavors.
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe
This lemon asparagus chicken pasta recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender asparagus and juicy chicken complement the creamy, tangy sauce perfectly. The addition of lemon adds a refreshing brightness to the dish, while the blend of mozzarella and parmesan creates a rich and indulgent sauce. The use of Italian seasoning adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile. This dish is a wonderful balance of savory and citrusy notes, making it a delightful and satisfying meal for any occasion.
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Why trust this Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying meal experience. The use of fresh asparagus and lemon juice provides a vibrant and zesty touch, while the tender chicken breasts add a hearty element. The incorporation of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses contributes a rich and creamy consistency, elevating the dish to a new level of indulgence. With the careful balance of Italian seasoning and garlic, this recipe promises to deliver a harmonious blend of savory and citrusy notes, making it a trustworthy choice for a delightful dining experience.
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