Chicken & Asparagus Penne

Chicken & Asparagus Penne

Introduction

Did you know that a dish made with chicken and asparagus can meet your weekly veggie intake while satisfying your pasta cravings? Whether you’re preparing for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting friends, Chicken & Asparagus Penne offers a flavorful solution. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also packed with nutrition, providing a balanced meal that can be ready in about 30 minutes. Join me in exploring how you can whip up this delightful dish that bridges flavor and health effortlessly.

Ingredients List

• 8 oz penne pasta (whole grain for a healthier option)
• 2 cups of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups of cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (substitutable with Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (adds a zesty finish)
• Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Timing

This Chicken & Asparagus Penne can be prepared in 30 minutes, breaking down to 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking. This makes it 20% faster than the average pasta dish that often requires longer cooking times for meats and sauces, making it the perfect quick dinner solution.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Asparagus

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until bright green and tender-crisp. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Add Garlic & Chicken

Toss in the minced garlic and diced chicken, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. This will infuse the oil with delicious flavors, making the dish aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. If the mixture looks too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Step 5: Mix Everything

Add the drained penne to the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to marry the flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Dish out your Chicken & Asparagus Penne and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if using. Enjoy your vibrant meal!

Nutritional Information

One serving of Chicken & Asparagus Penne provides approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g

This dish offers a well-rounded profile, high in protein from chicken and complex carbs from penne, along with beneficial vitamins and minerals from asparagus and cherry tomatoes.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Pasta Swap: Use zucchini noodles or quinoa pasta for a gluten-free option.
• Cream Substitution: For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with a blend of low-fat cottage cheese and almond milk.
• Protein Variations: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu to cater to vegetarian or pescatarian diets.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken & Asparagus Penne can be elevated by pairing with:

• A side salad containing mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette.
• A glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, to enhance the rich flavors.
• Crusty whole grain bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to set a timer and check for the al dente texture to prevent mushy noodles.
2. Neglecting Seasoning: Always taste before serving; adjust with salt and pepper to enhance the dish.
3. Using Old Ingredients: Freshness matters! Make sure your asparagus and garlic are fresh for the best flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For optimal texture, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: While best served fresh, this dish can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken & Asparagus Penne is a quick, nutritious meal perfect for any occasion. Its delightful blend of flavors and textures makes it a favorite among family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe out and share your thoughts! If you’re exploring more delicious and healthy recipes, be sure to check out our meal prep section.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Just store them separately and combine when ready to serve.

Q: What can I use as a substitute for chicken?
A: Tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas work wonderfully as protein substitutes for a vegetarian or pescatarian option.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a creamy and cheesy flavor without dairy.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
A: Absolutely! Look for gluten-free penne made from rice, corn, or chickpeas at your local grocery store.

Dive into the world of flavors with this Chicken & Asparagus Penne recipe, and happy cooking!

Chicken & Asparagus Penne

A quick and nutritious dish that combines chicken, asparagus, and penne pasta for a delightful and satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta whole grain for a healthier option
• 2 cups fresh asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cups cooked chicken diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream substitutable with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice adds a zesty finish
• to taste salt and pepper
• optional Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Cooking the Pasta

• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, typically about 11-13 minutes, until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Sautéing the Asparagus

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until bright green and tender-crisp.

Adding Garlic & Chicken

• Toss in the minced garlic and diced chicken, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

• Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, adding reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Mixing Everything

• Add the drained penne to the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and let it cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serving

• Serve the Chicken & Asparagus Penne, sprinkling with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with chicken broth to prevent drying out. Can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Keyword Asparagus Dish, Chicken Pasta, Healthy dinner, Pasta Recipe, Quick Recipe

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest