Lemon-Herb Chicken & Asparagus Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, zesty pasta dish with tender chicken and crisp-tender asparagus, finished with a lemony herb sauce that coats every strand perfectly. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, boneless chicken thighs, asparagus for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.

★ 3.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Pat 12 oz boneless chicken thighs dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then set aside.
  3. Step 3: Trim woody ends from 12 oz asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet, then add asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender and bright green.
  4. Step 4: While asparagus cooks, zest 1 lemon and squeeze 2 tbsp juice. Mince 3 garlic cloves and sauté in the skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup minced parsley, then simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and stir until melted.
  6. Step 6: Add drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until creamy. Add seared chicken and toss gently.
  7. Step 7: Squeeze lemon juice over the pasta and garnish with extra parsley before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken & 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 & 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-Herb Chicken & 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 & 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 & 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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