Experience a burst of flavor with our Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken recipe – a delightful fusion of vibrant ingredients and zesty lemon-infused cream sauce. Tender grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, and al dente pasta are perfectly combined in a creamy sauce enhanced with the bright flavors of lemon zest and juice. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with a vibrant and flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled and cut into strips)
- 1 pound asparagus (ends removed, cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 10 ounces linguine pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine will also work)
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- Optional garnishes: Lemon slices and chopped parsley
Directions:
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add the asparagus to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking time. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking liquid.
- In a small pot, combine the heavy cream, butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- Place the pasta and asparagus back into the pot you cooked it in along with the grilled chicken.
- Pour the cream sauce over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly, adding pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can toss just the pasta with the sauce and arrange the chicken and asparagus over the top of the pasta.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle additional lemon zest over the plated dish for a burst of citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Top each serving with freshly chopped herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the flavors and add a touch of freshness.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: Accompany the Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta dish.
- Offer Red Pepper Flakes: Set out a bowl of red pepper flakes for guests to add a spicy kick to their pasta according to their preference.
- Serve in Individual Bowls: Present the dish in individual serving bowls or pasta plates for an elegant and inviting presentation.
- Arrange Asparagus Spears: For an eye-catching presentation, arrange a few whole asparagus spears on top of each plated serving.
- Add a Squeeze of Fresh Lemon: Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their pasta for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: Finish each serving with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness and depth of flavor.
- Pair with White Wine: Serve alongside a glass of chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a perfect pairing.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Promptly: Store any leftover Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat with Care: When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent it from drying out.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the cream-based sauce, it’s not recommended to freeze this dish as it may separate and become watery upon thawing.
- Store Components Separately: If preparing ahead of time, store the grilled chicken, cooked pasta, and asparagus separately to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: Allow refrigerated leftovers to come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for the best taste and texture.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the grilled chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or tofu cubes for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Shrimp Substitute: Swap out the grilled chicken for grilled or sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist on the recipe.
- Creamy Lemon Sauce: For a richer sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese.
- Pesto Addition: Stir in a spoonful of pesto sauce to the cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor and a vibrant green hue.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta for a sweet and tangy flavor boost.
- Spinach Variation: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach leaves with the pasta and asparagus for added color and nutrients.
- Goat Cheese Garnish: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the plated dish for a creamy and tangy finish.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Finish each serving with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy contrast to the lemony flavors.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative with added fiber.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken: Season the grilled chicken with lemon pepper seasoning before grilling for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Can I grill the asparagus instead of boiling it with the pasta?
- Absolutely! Grilling the asparagus adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Simply toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill until tender.
- Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?
- You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there is no pinkness and the juices run clear.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble them just before serving. Store the grilled chicken, cooked pasta, and sauce separately in the refrigerator.
- Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use frozen asparagus if fresh is not available. Simply thaw the frozen asparagus before adding it to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Omit the grilled chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the sauce for a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
- How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
- To prevent the cream sauce from curdling, make sure to simmer it gently over low to medium heat and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce or cooking it at too high a temperature.
- Can I add other vegetables to the pasta?
- Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the pasta for added flavor and nutrition.
- What wine pairs well with Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken?
- A crisp and light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the lemony flavors and pairs well with the grilled chicken and asparagus in this dish.
Elevate your dinner game with our Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken recipe – a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight meal or served as a star attraction at your next dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, zesty taste, and satisfying combination of ingredients. So gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your taste buds with this zesty pasta creation that’s perfect for any occasion!