Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus

Pasta with Chicken and Asparagus is a delightful combination of tender chicken breast, fresh asparagus, and al dente pasta, all tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce. This dish is not only flavorful but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (fusilli or penne) - 150 grams
• Chicken breast - 250 grams, diced
• Fresh asparagus - 200 grams, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and asparagus. Pour in the reserved pasta water and lemon juice, then toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from chicken, which supports muscle health.
• Asparagus is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and is rich in antioxidants.

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