The Zesty Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken Recipe

Culinary magic happens when tender lemon asparagus pasta meets perfectly grilled chicken in a dish that sings of spring’s vibrant flavors.

Crisp green stalks and juicy citrus notes dance across delicate noodles.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure comfort without complicated techniques.

Fresh ingredients become your palette for creating something memorable.

Succulent chicken provides protein while bright lemon cuts through rich undertones.

Asparagus adds a delightful crunch that makes each bite interesting.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this surprisingly simple yet sophisticated meal.

Answers to Questions About Lemon Asparagus Pasta

• What makes this chicken and asparagus pasta special?

This dish combines grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, and a zesty lemon sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a light, fresh meal with balanced flavors and textures.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or linguine. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well and complements the ingredients.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels carefully.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding extra protein like grilled shrimp, white beans, or tofu to increase the protein content while maintaining the dish’s light and fresh profile.

Why Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken Is So Refreshing

• Conquer Culinary Complexity: Surprisingly manageable recipe that looks like a restaurant-quality dish but feels totally doable for home cooks.
• Create Restaurant-Level Magic: Transforms simple ingredients into an impressive meal that will surprise and delight dinner companions with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Quick Performance Powerhouse: Parallel cooking techniques allow multiple components to prepare simultaneously, cutting down total preparation time and maximizing kitchen efficiency.
• Versatile Flavor Adventure: Bright citrus sauce with tender chicken and crisp asparagus creates a balanced profile that appeals to varied taste preferences, making it perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients for Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides the primary source of meat in this dish and creates a golden-brown exterior when grilled.

• Asparagus: A fresh, green vegetable that adds crunch and nutrition to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational ingredient that serves as the primary carbohydrate and carrier of sauce in the recipe.

• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: A citrus-infused liquid combination that creates a vibrant and tangy sauce base.
• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and provide a smooth cooking surface.
• Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that adds depth and fragrance to the sauce.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: Classic finishing ingredients that add sharp, salty notes and fresh herbal brightness to the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and dish.

Step-by-Step Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Grill The Chicken

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Prepare Asparagus

Trim woody ends from asparagus and slice diagonally into 2-inch segments. Set aside for blanching.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Blanch Asparagus

Drop asparagus into boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp. Immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.

Step 5: Create Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 6: Build Citrus Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Create a vibrant citrus-infused sauce that will beautifully coat the pasta.

Step 7: Slice Chicken

Cut grilled chicken into diagonal strips, preparing for final assembly.

Step 8: Combine Asparagus

Drain asparagus and add to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with sauce and warm through.

Step 9: Mix Pasta

Add drained pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution. Use reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.

Step 10: Final Touches

Stir in butter. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Arrange sliced chicken on top.

Step 11: Serve And Enjoy

Plate immediately. Garnish with additional parmesan and parsley if desired, presenting a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Tips to Perfect Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

• Grill Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Preserve Asparagus Texture: Shock blanched asparagus in ice water immediately to maintain bright green color and crisp-tender texture.
• Enhance Sauce Flavor: Use fresh lemon zest and juice for a vibrant, tangy sauce that brightens the entire dish.
• Control Pasta Consistency: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness, helping ingredients cling better and creating a silky finish.
• Season Strategically: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at each cooking stage to build layers of flavor throughout the recipe.

Flavorful Twists for Lemon Asparagus Pasta Fans

• Low-Carb Zucchini Pasta Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile and texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with grilled firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in similar seasonings and following identical cooking techniques for protein-rich meal.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour, ensuring recipe remains accessible for individuals with gluten sensitivities while preserving original taste.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate oregano, thyme, and rosemary into seasoning mix, adding robust Mediterranean flavors and creating a more complex herb-infused dish.

Great Pairings for Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio perfectly complements the bright lemon and garlic notes, cutting through the richness of the chicken and parmesan.
• Create Herbal Cocktail Companion: Mix gin with fresh lemon juice and sparkling water, garnished with parsley, echoing the dish's citrusy and herbal undertones.
• Select Refreshing Sparkling Water: Add cucumber or lemon slices to mineral water, providing a light, palate-cleansing option that matches the dish's fresh Mediterranean profile.
• Boost with Crisp Side Salad: Prepare mixed greens with light vinaigrette featuring lemon and herbs, reinforcing the meal's citrus and green vegetable elements.

How to Store Lemon Asparagus Pasta the Right Way

• Store leftover chicken and pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing asparagus, as it can become mushy upon thawing.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed thoroughly.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.

Lemon Asparagus Pasta With Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon asparagus pasta with grilled chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. Fresh herbs and creamy parmesan create a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Base:

• 12 oz (340 g) linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) fresh asparagus spears

Protein:

• 2 (8 oz/225 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 lemons (juice and zest)
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by seasoning with salt and pepper, then grill on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, creating a golden-brown exterior.
2. While chicken cooks, trim woody ends from asparagus and slice diagonally into 2-inch segments, preparing for quick blanching.
3. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
4. Simultaneously, blanch asparagus in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and crisp-tender, then immediately transfer to ice water to halt cooking.
5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
6. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, creating a vibrant citrus-infused sauce that will coat the pasta.
7. Slice grilled chicken into diagonal strips, preparing for final assembly.
8. Drain asparagus and add to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce and warm through.
9. Incorporate drained pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
10. Finish the dish by stirring in butter, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and arrange sliced chicken on top.
11. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan and parsley if desired, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Notes

• Chicken Perfection: Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken to uniform thickness before grilling, preventing dry edges and ensuring juicy meat throughout.
• Asparagus Tip: Select fresh, firm asparagus with tight, compact tips and vibrant green color for optimal texture and flavor in the dish.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserved pasta water contains starchy goodness that helps create a silky, clingy sauce, so never discard it completely.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a low-carb or gluten-sensitive friendly version of this recipe.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg