Lemon-Herb Creamy Chicken Pasta with Asparagus

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon-herb sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then set aside and slice thinly.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet over medium heat; add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 lemon zest, 1 lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, simmering for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously for 1 minute until sauce coats pasta. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
  6. Step 6: Add sliced chicken, 1 cup asparagus, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley to skillet; cook for 2-3 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and heated through, adjusting with more pasta water if needed.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Creamy 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Creamy 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 Creamy 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.

What goes well with Lemon-Herb Creamy Chicken Pasta with Asparagus?

Italian one pot 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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