Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Asparagus

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Bathed in a bright lemon-herb sauce, served over perfectly al dente pasta with crisp-tender asparagus. This italian-inspired pasta (high-protein) ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, spaghetti, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  2. Step 2: Trim asparagus ends and cut into 2-inch pieces. In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, heat over medium, and cook asparagus for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender with slight char; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add garlic to skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then deglaze with white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in chicken broth and lemon zest, then simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Return chicken and asparagus to skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
  4. Step 4: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain. Toss pasta with remaining sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to coat. Stir in chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Asparagus 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 Pasta with Asparagus?

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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Asparagus?

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 Pasta with Asparagus 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.

Is Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Asparagus high-protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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