Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Are you looking for a new recipe to add to the rotation? Then you are most definitely going to want to try this one! This chicken asparagus pasta may look like somewhat of a mess — I was hesitant to share because the photos don’t do this pasta justice (and it’s one of those things where the noodles absorb all that saucy goodness before you can get a nice pic) — but it was seriously too good not to share! This chicken bacon pasta is perfectly creamy and it has just the right amount added flavor from the Parmesan, Neufchatel cheese and the garlic. After the pasta is tossed in the lighter Alfredo-style sauce, it is then upgraded with a few of my favorite dinner ingredients — herbed chicken, fresh asparagus and salty bacon. You can never go wrong with bacon, right? I listed the bacon as optional in case you want to keep it healthier, but if you are willing to splurge a little it really makes this pasta so delish. Even though this pasta takes a few steps and a few pans, it is more than worth it!
Chicken Asparagus Pasta Ingredients
For this creamy chicken pasta, you’ll need:
Chicken breasts Olive oil Dried herbs (oregano, basil thyme) Salt and pepper Penne pasta Steamed asparagus Butter Flour Garlic Milk Cream or half and half Neufchatel cheese Shredded Parmesan Cooked and crumbled bacon
How to Make Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Sprinkle chicken breasts with dried herb mixture, salt and pepper. Cook in oiled skillet, then dice. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. In a clean skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic and flour for a minute, then slowly pour in cream and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, then stir in both cheeses. Toss penne with sauce, then stir in steamed asparagus and crumbled bacon.
Can I Use Frozen Asparagus?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the asparagus before adding it to the pasta. I like my asparagus to have a bit of a bite to it, so try not to over cook it!
Can I Add Another Veggie to This Pasta?
Yes, peas would work well in this recipe, as would spinach (you’d just need to wilt it a bit first).
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta
If you don’t have penne, you can use another sturdy, short pasta (such as bow tie or rigatoni). It’s very important that you cook the flour for a minute or so in the butter, otherwise your sauce will taste a bit pasty. Taste the cheese sauce before adding in the pasta to see if it needs additional salt or pepper.
More Easy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love:
Creamy Broccoli Chicken Shells and Cheese Lemon-Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp Pesto Pasta with Shrimp and Asparagus Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Cajun Chicken Pasta
