Lemon-Herb Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breast with fresh lemon and herbs, paired with crisp-tender asparagus and creamy garlic pasta for a vibrant weeknight meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts, trimmed asparagus, spaghetti for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 630 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.

★ 4.0 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 630 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden brown; transfer to a plate and let rest.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: While pasta cooks, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 12 oz trimmed asparagus and cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water. Simmer for 3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss vigorously for 2 minutes until coated. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Step 6: Slice rested chicken breasts and arrange over pasta. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken and Asparagus Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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-Herb 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 trimmed asparagus from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb 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-Herb 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-Herb 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.

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