Imagine a plate of perfectly cooked pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters. This Chicken and Asparagus Penne isn't just another weeknight meal—it's a culinary journey that combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and creamy Parmesan in a symphony of flavors that will make you forget about takeout forever. Get ready to elevate your cooking game with this simple yet spectacular Italian-inspired dish that comes together in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 oz of penne pasta, 1 lb of sliced chicken breast, 1 bunch of trimmed asparagus, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breast to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- When the chicken is nearly done, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the trimmed asparagus to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
- Once the penne pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the chicken and asparagus. Toss everything together to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finally, remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the Chicken and Asparagus Penne hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always salt your pasta water generously and cook until al dente for the best texture.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Pat your chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown sear.
- Asparagus Tip: Choose fresh, firm asparagus and trim the woody ends for the most tender results.
- Flavor Boost: Don't skip sautéing the garlic—it releases incredible aromatics that enhance the entire dish.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta water before draining. Its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients stick together.
- Cheese Wisdom: Add Parmesan off the heat to prevent it from becoming grainy or separating.
- Quick Meal Prep: You can slice chicken and trim asparagus while pasta is cooking to save time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
