Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and al dente pasta all coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this one-pan meal is both satisfying and elegant without requiring hours in the kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarlicasparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)pastachicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheeseItalian seasoningred pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove from pan and slice.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Add the asparagus and cook for about 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle boil.

Add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 40 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different protein.

Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.

Try using penne, fettuccine, or linguine depending on your preference.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to keep it creamy.Freezing is not recommended as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, but thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water in the sauce.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne or farfalle, or long noodles like fettuccine all work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust or omit them based on your preference.

Can I add cheese other than Parmesan?

Yes, Romano or Asiago are good alternatives with similar sharpness.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a rich and flavorful meal that balances protein, vegetables, and carbs in one comforting dish. Easy to make yet full of depth, it’s a dinner recipe you’ll come back to time and again—especially when you want something warm, creamy, and satisfying on the table fast.