Description
This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta features tender grilled chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy pasta, all enhanced with lemon and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- While the chicken is grilling, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus pieces and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- After a few minutes in the ice water, drain the asparagus and set it aside. Pat them dry with a paper towel if needed.
- In the same pot of boiling water, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the blanched asparagus and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the asparagus. Toss to combine.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes creamy. Add it slowly until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and drizzle the lemon juice. Toss until the cheese is melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the grilled chicken asparagus pasta in bowls or on plates.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh basil and add extra Parmesan cheese on top.
- Dig in and enjoy your delicious grilled chicken asparagus pasta!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- You can substitute the asparagus with other vegetables like broccoli or spinach if desired.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes