Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta: A Springtime Delight

This Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish to celebrate the flavors of spring. It’s bright, fresh, and bursting with lemony goodness. Tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta are tossed in a light and creamy lemon sauce that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is easy to make, relatively quick, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta is sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Bright and Fresh:** The lemon juice and zest add a vibrant, refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the asparagus and chicken.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different types of pasta, vegetables, or protein.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** This dish is packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves pasta, and the addition of lemon, asparagus, and chicken elevates this dish to something special.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, rotini all work well).
* **Chicken:** 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Asparagus:** 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces.
* **Lemon:** 1-2 lemons, zested and juiced (you’ll need about 1/4 cup of lemon juice).
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons olive oil.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter.
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup chicken broth.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes (for a little heat), fresh parsley (for garnish).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Lemon zester
* Lemon juicer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta:

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
* Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is essential for creating a creamy sauce.
* Drain the pasta and set aside.

**2. Prepare the Chicken:**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes).
* Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (like garlic powder or Italian seasoning).

**3. Sauté the Chicken:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**4. Sauté the Asparagus and Garlic:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter to the same skillet. Melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the asparagus and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until tender-crisp. You want the asparagus to still have a bit of bite to it.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**5. Make the Lemon Sauce:**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits add a ton of flavor to the sauce.
* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
* Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
* Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), to taste.

**6. Combine Everything:**

* Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the lemon sauce.
* Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to bind the sauce and create a creamy texture.

**7. Serve:**

* Serve the Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta immediately.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Al dente pasta is key to a great pasta dish. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh lemon juice and zest will provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice, which can taste artificial.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the entire dish. Keep a close eye on the garlic and cook it over low heat until fragrant.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a creamy sauce. Don’t skip this step!
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
* **Add More Vegetables:** You can easily add other vegetables to this dish, such as peas, spinach, or broccoli.
* **Use a Different Protein:** If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can substitute shrimp, sausage, or tofu.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **For a Lighter Dish:** Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

## Variations

* **Shrimp Scampi Pasta:** Substitute the chicken with shrimp and add a splash of white wine to the sauce.
* **Vegetarian Pasta:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
* **Creamy Pesto Pasta:** Substitute the lemon sauce with pesto sauce and add sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Spicy Arrabbiata Pasta:** Add red pepper flakes and a can of diced tomatoes to create a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
* **Lemon Ricotta Pasta:** Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end for a creamy and decadent pasta dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides.

* **Garlic Bread:** A classic pairing for any pasta dish.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up the delicious lemon sauce.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

## Make Ahead Tips

* **Cook the Chicken Ahead of Time:** You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Prepare the Lemon Sauce:** You can also prepare the lemon sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta and chicken.
* **Chop the Vegetables:** Chop the asparagus and garlic ahead of time to save time during cooking.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)

## Common Questions

* **Can I use frozen asparagus?** While fresh asparagus is preferred, you can use frozen asparagus in a pinch. Just thaw it completely before adding it to the skillet.
* **Can I use a different type of pasta?** Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, and rotini all work well.
* **Can I make this dish vegan?** Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using vegan pasta, substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh, using plant-based butter and cream, and omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan Parmesan alternative.
* **Can I add other herbs?** Yes, you can add other herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
* **How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?** To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little bit of olive oil after draining.

## Recipe Card

Enjoy this delicious and easy Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s the perfect way to bring the flavors of spring to your table.