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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- While chicken cooks, trim woody ends from asparagus and slice diagonally into 2-inch segments, preparing for quick blanching.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the skillet, creating a vibrant citrus-infused sauce that will coat the pasta.
- Slice grilled chicken into diagonal strips, preparing for final assembly.
- Drain asparagus and add to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce and warm through.
- Incorporate drained pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly to ensure even sauce distribution, adding reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
- Finish the dish by stirring in butter, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and arrange sliced chicken on top.
- 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