Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

Why This Recipe Works

This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is a wonderful blend of flavors and textures. The tender pieces of chicken, the vibrant asparagus, and the rich, creamy sauce come together to create a comfort food dish that doesn’t just satisfy your hunger; it warms your heart. Using Neufchatel cheese in this recipe gives it a twist, making it lighter than traditional cream sauces. This means you can enjoy the creamy goodness without feeling weighed down, making it perfect for those who want a delicious yet slightly healthier meal.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta
• Ingredients
• Cooking Instructions
• Prepare the Chicken
• Cook the Pasta
• Make the Creamy Sauce
• Combine Ingredients
• Serve
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Storage Tips
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

What’s not to love? This dish balances savory chicken and crisp asparagus beautifully with creamy sauce and pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular weeknight dinner into something special. Not only does it taste incredible, but it’s also quick and easy to put together. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds, and you’ll only spend about 30 minutes in the kitchen. Perfect for impressing guests without all the fuss!

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 Tbsp butter
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 3/4 cup milk (1% recommended)
• 1/4 cup cream or half and half
• 3 oz Neufchatel cheese, diced
• 1/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 4-5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

First, grab a small bowl and combine the basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half of these herbs over the chicken. Next, heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet herb side down, then sprinkle the rest of the herb mixture on top. Cook it for about 8-12 minutes. Make sure to flip it occasionally to get that beautiful golden-brown color. If it looks like it’s browning too quickly, just lower the heat a bit. After it’s cooked through, let it rest before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, it’s a great time to tackle the pasta. Cook the penne according to the package instructions. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it. This starchy water will help glue everything together later. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Make the Creamy Sauce

Now, let’s work on the sauce. In a clean large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk it for about 1 minute to cook off that raw flour taste. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds. Gradually pour in the milk and cream as you whisk away, which will help avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring it to a gentle boil. Keep stirring regularly until the sauce thickens up nicely.

Combine Ingredients

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, lower the heat to medium-low. At this point, stir in the Neufchatel cheese and Parmesan until it’s all melted and creamy. Then, add in your cooked pasta, diced chicken, and steamed asparagus (and crumbled bacon if you’re using it). Mix everything well, coating all the ingredients in that luscious sauce. If it seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.

Serve

Now for the best part—serving! Dish out your Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta while it’s warm and enjoy every delicious bite!

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal even more delightful, consider pairing this pasta with a light green salad. A glass of crisp white wine complements it perfectly and elevates your dining experience, making it feel a bit more elegant.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your chicken is pounded evenly before cooking for uniform results.
• Keep a close eye on the sauce as it thickens to prevent overcooking or burning.

Variations

If you want to mix things up, feel free to substitute shrimp for the chicken for a seafood twist. Adding sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms will also enhance the flavor profile, bringing more depth to the dish.

Storage Tips

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it comes time to reheat, do so on the stovetop with a splash of milk to help restore that creamy texture.

Pairing Ideas

Enjoy this dish with a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or lemon-infused sparkling water. These drinks will enhance the meal and keep things light.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking so it cooks evenly.

2. What can I substitute for Neufchatel cheese?
Regular cream cheese works well, or you can opt for a dairy-free alternative if needed.

3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It stays fresh in the fridge and reheats nicely.

4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Just switch the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety.

5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Omit the chicken and bacon, and amp up the vegetables to make it heartier. Peppers or mushrooms work great!

In conclusion, this Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Pasta is more than just another recipe—it’s a comforting dish that brings joy to the kitchen. It’s quick enough for an evening meal but special enough to serve guests. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors. Happy cooking!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• Garlic Butter Salmon
• Strawberry Spinach Pasta Salad
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus

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