Lemon-Herb Chicken Pasta with Asparagus
Tender chicken breasts 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 12 oz asparagus
- 1 large lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
