Lemon Garlic Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta
Tender chicken and crisp asparagus simmer in a bright lemon-garlic sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. A weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breasts
- 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces asparagus
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cubes and season with salt and pepper. Sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add asparagus pieces. Cook for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Step 4: Return chicken to skillet with lemon juice and dried dill. Toss to coat, then add drained spaghetti and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and coats pasta strands.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Garlic Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon Garlic Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Garlic Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon Garlic Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon Garlic Sautéed Chicken and Asparagus Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a quick dinner with my kids.
- ★★★★★
Loved it! Easy and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
The lemon flavor was a bit overpowering, but still tasty.
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