Description
This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta recipe combines tender grilled chicken, crisp-tender asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a light, creamy mixture of Parmesan cheese and lemon juice. It’s a healthy and flavorful dinner option that is easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Marinade and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
Garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, coat well, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, or heat a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat if grilling indoors.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Blanch the asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add asparagus pieces, blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking.
- Drain and dry asparagus: After cooling, drain asparagus and pat dry with paper towels if needed; set aside.
- Cook the pasta: In the same boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander without rinsing.
- Sauté asparagus: Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add blanched asparagus, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Toss pasta with asparagus: Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to combine with asparagus.
- Add reserved pasta water: Gradually pour reserved pasta water into skillet while stirring continuously, creating a creamy sauce. Add water slowly to achieve desired consistency.
- Add grilled chicken: Add sliced grilled chicken to the skillet and toss everything together well.
- Incorporate cheese and lemon: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top, drizzle with lemon juice, and toss until cheese melts and mixture is well combined. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken asparagus pasta in bowls or on plates.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy: Dig in and savor your flavorful, healthy grilled chicken asparagus pasta!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) increases flavor intensity.
- Be careful not to overcook the asparagus to maintain its crisp-tender texture.
- Reserving pasta water is key to creating a smooth, light sauce without cream.
- Letting the grilled chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
