Description
This creamy chicken and asparagus pasta is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese and parmesan. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or other bite size pasta)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus spears, ends removed
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
Sauces and Dairy
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup half and half (or substitute whole milk or cream)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Asparagus: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the fresh asparagus spears to the boiling water with the pasta. Once cooked, drain both pasta and asparagus and set aside.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cut chicken pieces and cook for about 2 minutes, browning them on all sides to create a nice sear.
- Sauté Aromatics and Spices: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and half and half, then add the cream cheese pieces and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the chicken is cooked through.
- Toss Pasta and Asparagus: Add the cooked pasta and asparagus into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over the dish and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
- Adjust Consistency and Flavor: Taste the dish and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Notes
- Substitute half and half with whole milk or cream for a richer or lighter sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
- You can add other vegetables such as peas or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Leftovers taste great reheated; store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
