Description
This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a delicious and healthy dinner option combining tender grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan and lemon sauce. Easy to prepare and full of fresh flavors, this dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons 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 them, and ensure they are well coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, or heat a grill pan on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus pieces and blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to an ice water bath immediately to stop cooking.
- Drain and Dry Asparagus: After cooling, drain the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels if needed.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same boiling water, add pasta and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander without rinsing and set aside.
- Sauté Asparagus: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add blanched asparagus and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Combine Pasta and Asparagus: Add cooked pasta to skillet with asparagus and toss together.
- Add Pasta Water: Gradually pour in reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until the pasta mixture becomes creamy and reaches desired consistency.
- Add Chicken: Toss in sliced grilled chicken and mix everything thoroughly.
- Add Cheese and Lemon: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and drizzle with lemon juice. Toss until the cheese melts and the dish is well combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta in bowls or on plates. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy: Dig in and savor your flavorful grilled chicken asparagus pasta!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for 2 hours enhances flavor but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Blanching the asparagus keeps it tender-crisp and vibrant green.
- Reserving pasta water is key to making a creamy sauce without adding cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce added salt and use low-sodium pasta.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: grilled chicken pasta, asparagus pasta, healthy dinner, easy pasta recipe, grilled chicken dinner, creamy pasta, lemon Parmesan pasta
