Chicken and Asparagus Pasta
Satisfy your cravings with Chicken and Asparagus Pasta. This creamy, comforting dish pairs tender chicken with crisp asparagus and bowtie pasta, making it an easy weeknight dinner that's sure to impress. You won't want to miss out on making this tonight!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 116 oz. Bowtie Pasta
- 2 cups Chicken cubed
- 1 bunch Asparagus trimmed and cut into 4
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1/4 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Basil
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 pinch Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 oz Cream Cheese
- 1/3 cup Half and Half
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- to taste Garlic Salt
- to taste Pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it's hot, add the cubed chicken and sauté for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden brown. You'll know it's cooked correctly when the chicken is no longer pink inside and has a nice color on the outside.
- While your chicken is cooking, bring a pot of water to boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the trimmed and cut asparagus to the water. This will ensure that the asparagus is tender yet crisp.
- Drain the pasta and asparagus, but be sure to reserve one cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help in creating the sauce. Set everything aside while you prepare to combine the flavors.
- Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, add the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes, allowing the spices to release their aroma. You'll notice the kitchen will start smelling incredible!
- Next, pour in the chicken broth, half and half, and cream cheese into the skillet. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. Don’t forget to add half of your parmesan cheese to enhance the richness.
- Now, it’s time to add the cooked pasta and asparagus back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together until well combined. If the pasta seems too dry, gradually add the reserved pasta water, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency. The sauce should be creamy and cling to the pasta.
- Season the dish with salt, pepper, and any additional parmesan cheese to taste. Make sure to give it a final stir to incorporate the seasonings.
- Once everything is combined and heated through, remove the skillet from heat. You can serve Chicken and Asparagus Pasta immediately for the best experience. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired!
- Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness with a side of your favorite salad or some crusty bread!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to do so without the cream sauce. Freeze the chicken and pasta separately, then combine with fresh sauce when ready to eat.
- Pairing: Serve this dish with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Seasonal Variations: Feel free to swap out asparagus for other seasonal vegetables like peas or spinach depending on what’s available.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese! You could use mozzarella or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor.
- Cooking Method: For added flavor, consider grilling the chicken before adding it to the dish.