Picture this: a single pan sizzling away on the stove, the aroma of garlic and lemon weaving through the kitchen like a mischievous breeze. It’s like the culinary equivalent of a well-worn novel, familiar yet full of surprises—just like that unexpected TikTok dance you finally nailed last night. Creamy lemon pasta, tender chicken, and crisp asparagus come together in a dish that’s both comfortingly simple and joyously complex.
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the bottom is golden brown, approximately 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 4 minutes until fully cooked, then wrap it in foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 20 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and water, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen any browned bits. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then add the pasta and cover.
- Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, for about 8-9 minutes until it’s nearly tender. Without stirring, sprinkle the asparagus on top, cover, and cook for another 4-5 minutes until both the pasta and asparagus are tender.
- Add Neufchatel cheese, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pan, and stir until the cheeses are melted. Mix in the cooked chicken, then remove the pan from heat.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly and soak into the pasta. Garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Ingredients
- Chicken, diced
- Olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Butter
- Minced garlic
- Chicken broth
- Penne pasta
- Asparagus
- Neufchatel cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
- Lemon slices
- Fresh parsley
Nutritional Values
Calories 2550 | Calories from Fat 855 | Fat 95g | Saturated Fat 40g | Cholesterol 450mg | Sodium 2030mg | Potassium 3795mg | Carbohydrates 245g | Fiber 15g | Sugar 20g | Protein 150g | Vitamin A 5450IU | Vitamin C 50mg | Calcium 960mg | Iron 16.5mg | * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While diced chicken breast is recommended, chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer their texture and flavor.
- What other vegetables can I substitute for asparagus?
- You can use green beans or zucchini as substitutes. Just be mindful of the cooking time since green beans tend to be softer.
- How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Simply substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta and follow the package instructions for cooking times.
- Is this dish suitable for reheating?
- Yes, this creamy lemon pasta reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and enjoy them for lunch.
- What herbs and spices can I experiment with in this dish?
- Feel free to try different herbs and spices like rosemary, tarragon, or Italian seasoning. If you like a bit of heat, adding red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor.
Tips
- For a gluten-free version, simply swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative and follow the package instructions to ensure perfect texture.
- To add a bit of heat to the dish, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or experiment with spices like rosemary or tarragon for a unique flavor twist.
- If asparagus isn’t your favorite, feel free to substitute it with green beans or zucchini. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as green beans tend to be softer and may require less time.
- For leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish reheats well, maintaining its creamy texture without separating.
Equipment
- Pan Creamy Lemon Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus, assuming these items might not typically be found at home:
- 12-inch Sauté Pan
- Microplane or Zester (for lemon zest)
- Airtight Food Storage Containers (for leftovers)
