This recipe for lemon asparagus pasta combines tender asparagus and grilled chicken with pasta in a lemon cream sauce. It’s a delicious and hearty entree that everyone will want seconds of!
I am a huge fan of easy chicken dishes. Some of my all time favorites include baked chicken wings, chicken parmesan pasta, chicken and broccoli pasta and this chicken asparagus pasta.
Spring has sprung here in California – the trees are full of blossoms, the temperature has been around 70 degrees and spring produce is starting to pop up in stores. When I saw that asparagus was on sale I had to pick up a bunch to have for dinner, and that’s how this lemon asparagus pasta with grilled chicken came to be.
Lemon Asparagus Pasta Ingredients
To make this recipe you’ll need cooked chicken, asparagus, linguine pasta, heavy cream, butter, salt, pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest and parmesan cheese.
How do you make lemon asparagus pasta?
Start by bringing water to a boil in a large pot, then add your pasta. During the last few minutes of the cooking time, add your asparagus. Make sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water for later use. In a small pot or skillet, mix together the cream, butter, salt and pepper. Let the sauce thicken, then take it off the heat and stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix the pasta, asparagus, chicken, sauce and parmesan cheese together and toss to coat. Add pasta water as needed to thin the sauce. Sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect dish
- I like this recipe with grilled sliced chicken, but really any cooked chicken will work. When I’m short on time, I buy a rotisserie chicken and dice up the meat to add to the pasta.
- It’s very important to remove the pan from the heat before you add the lemon, otherwise the sauce could separate.
- I find that lemon asparagus pasta is best when served immediately, as the pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Recipe FAQs
Start by snapping the tough woody ends off the asparagus. Next, you’ll want to cut your stalks into 1 inch pieces. You do not need to peel asparagus, as the peel is thin and tender.
Asparagus is great with lean protein such as chicken, shrimp or fish. It also goes nicely with cheese, including parmesan and feta. It is a great addition to many dishes including pasta, pizza, stir fries and even sandwiches.
Flavor Variations
This pasta is great as-is, but you can customize the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Protein: Try a different type of protein such as salmon, scallops or shrimp. For a vegetarian meal, you can use a can of white beans.
- Pasta: Any long pasta will work including spaghetti, angel hair pasta and fettuccine. Just make sure to adjust the cook time accordingly. I’ve also had success with penne, farfalle and shell pasta.
- Vegetables: No asparagus on hand? This dish works well with lots of other types of veggies including green beans, broccoli, peas and zucchini.
Once you try lemon asparagus pasta with chicken, you’ll find yourself making it on a regular basis. It’s just that good!
More great pasta recipes
Lemon Asparagus Pasta Video
Lemon Asparagus Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts grilled and cut into strips
- 1 pound asparagus ends removed, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 10 ounces linguine pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine will also work)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- Optional garnishes: Lemon slices and chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Add the asparagus to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking time.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking liquid.
- In small pot, combine the heavy cream, butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until thick enough to coat a spoon, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice.
- Place the pasta and asparagus back into the pot you cooked it in along with the chicken.
- Pour the cream sauce over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly, adding pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Stir in the parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can toss just the pasta with the sauce and arrange the chicken and asparagus over the top of the pasta.
- Add more salt and pepper to taste if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- I like this recipe with grilled sliced chicken, but really any cooked chicken will work. When I’m short on time, I buy a rotisserie chicken and dice up the meat to add to the pasta.
- It’s very important to remove the pan from the heat before you add the lemon, otherwise the sauce could separate.
I have made this recipe several times for my women groups. Everyone has enjoyed this dish and even asked for the recipe! It is great for lunch or dinner.
This was a fast delicious dinner. I really liked the lemon sauce with the asparagus. It was a lighter, less heavy pasta dinner that went together so easily. Definitely keeping this recipe handy.
Works great with bay scallops, too!
This recipe is super delicious and pretty easy to make! We used a 16 oz box of linguini, doubled the cream sauce ingredients and added some minced garlic. Great recipe!!!
Made it. Ate it. Loved it! So did the husband. 👍
My family LOVED this recipe. “Restaurant quality” was my feedback and that was coming from my 18 year old son! I used an entire box of linguini and doubled the sauce recipe and used an entire cup of grated parmesan. I coated the chicken in olive oil and seasoned it with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning and cooked it in my air fryer. So good! As my husband says, “This recipe is a repeater.”
This is absolutely delicious! It’s definitely one we will make again, many times. Such a great combination of flavors.
Mannnnn…. this looks so good! 🙂 I need to add this to my weekly dinner rotation soon.
I am ALWAYS trying to find ways to get some veggies in, and this lemon asparagus chicken pasta has it all- balance, flavor, and some vegetables!
One of my favorite combos! Love the delicious pasta and the asparagus is absolutely amazing!