Get ready to fall in love with a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate: the Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, fresh asparagus, and a velvety garlic-infused sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The parmesan cheese and bright lemon zest add just the right touch of richness and freshness to make every bite irresistible. It’s comfort food elevated with vibrant, healthy ingredients, perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this dish works together seamlessly to create a balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Understanding what you need will make the cooking process feel effortless and ensure your pasta turns out perfectly every time.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein, providing tender, juicy meat with plenty of flavor once seared properly.
- Oil: Essential for browning the chicken to golden perfection without sticking.
- Rotini pasta: A short pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and creates a satisfying bite.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory base to the creamy sauce without overpowering.
- Cold milk: Gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and mellows out the chicken broth’s saltiness.
- Garlic powder: A simple seasoning to infuse a subtle yet indispensable garlic flavor throughout the dish.
- Asparagus: Fresh and crisp, cut into 1-inch pieces to add color, crunch, and a vibrant vegetable element.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty tang that thickens the sauce and boosts umami.
- Lemon zest: Just the zest brightens the whole dish with a fresh citrus note that lifts the creaminess perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; essential for seasoning each component and balancing flavors.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—this caramelization is crucial for maximum flavor. Then reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the chicken cook through slowly. Depending on your chicken’s thickness, this usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and once the juices run clear, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Asparagus
In the same skillet, add your pasta along with chicken broth, cold milk, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer without a lid. After about five minutes, toss in the asparagus slices. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender, the asparagus is just cooked but still crisp, and the sauce has thickened into that luscious creamy consistency we’re craving.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest, which both melt into the pasta to create a velvety, flavorful finish. Slice your cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces or strips, then serve immediately, placing the chicken over or alongside the creamy pasta and asparagus. This step ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish truly shine, sprinkle some additional freshly grated parmesan over the top just before serving, and add a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper. A small handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil can add a lovely green pop and fresh herbal lift that complements the lemon zest beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus in the dish. Crusty garlic bread is another fantastic option — perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate. For a heartier meal, consider steamed green beans or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side for extra color and a burst of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in individual shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling beneath the chicken and asparagus. Alternatively, plate the pasta with the chicken slices fanned on top and a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice as they please. For a casual gathering, family-style presentation with a big bowl of pasta in the center encourages everyone to dig in together, enhancing that cozy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy pasta holds up well for about 2 to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a ready-made meal later without sacrificing too much texture or flavor.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it if necessary. Place cooled pasta and chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that asparagus may become softer after freezing and reheating, so you might want to undercook it slightly the first time around if planning to freeze.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce from separating and maintain that beautifully creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini works excellently due to its shape holding the sauce well, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and make sure the pasta doesn’t overpower the delicate creaminess and veggie crunch.
Is there a substitute for parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano can be a great alternative, offering a slightly sharper flavor. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can lend a cheesy flavor, although the sauce will be less creamy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To keep it hearty, consider adding mushrooms or chickpeas for protein, and don’t forget to keep the asparagus for that fresh crunch.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius) and the juices run clear. If you don’t have a thermometer, just cut into the thickest part to check that there’s no pink remaining.
What can I do if my sauce isn’t thickening enough?
If the sauce seems too thin, continue simmering uncovered for a few more minutes to let it reduce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a touch more parmesan can also help thicken by melting directly into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that is both comforting and fresh, and this Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. Its rich, velvety sauce paired with tender chicken and crisp asparagus makes it a weeknight favorite you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to pasta that’s as quick to make as it is delicious!
Print
Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta featuring tender chicken breast, tender-crisp asparagus, and rotini pasta all simmered in a flavorful garlic-infused creamy sauce with parmesan and lemon zest, making for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
Pasta & Vegetables
- 4 cups rotini (or any other short pasta shape)
- 1 pound asparagus (sliced into 1 inch pieces)
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lemon (zest only)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on both sides, then reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet with a lid. Check occasionally, cooking until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear, about 10-15 minutes depending on size. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm covered on a plate.
- Cook the pasta and asparagus: To the same skillet, add the rotini pasta, chicken broth, cold milk, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer without covering. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the sliced asparagus. Continue simmering until the pasta and asparagus are tender and the sauce has thickened, roughly another 5-7 minutes.
- Finish the dish: Stir the grated parmesan cheese and lemon zest into the creamy pasta mixture, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Slice the cooked chicken breast and serve it immediately over the creamy asparagus pasta.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- For a thicker sauce, cook a bit longer or reduce the liquid slightly before adding asparagus.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Asparagus can be substituted with other green vegetables like broccoli or green beans depending on preference.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce; low-fat milk may result in a thinner consistency.
