If you’re craving a meal that sings with freshness, vibrant colors, and a burst of savory goodness, the Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish perfectly balances tender grilled chicken, crisp asparagus, al dente pasta, and the bright zing of lemon, all finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a healthy, satisfying dinner idea that feels both comforting and indulgent, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right means choosing simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the juicy grilled chicken to the bright lemon juice, every item plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all those delicious juices.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and grilled to perfection.
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds crunch, color, and a fresh bite.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: For marinating, sautéing, and bringing everything together with richness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth with a little punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that enhances the grilled chicken.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to elevate every ingredient.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, creamy, and melts into the pasta for richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish): Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Delivers zesty brightness that wakes up the whole recipe.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing 2 tablespoons of olive oil with minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pour this flavorful marinade over your chicken breasts, making sure they’re thoroughly coated. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—this step infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and keeps it juicy once grilled.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
While your grill heats up to medium-high, remove the chicken from the marinade and lay it on the hot grill. Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing. This gives you tender, smoky chicken strips ready to star in your pasta dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Asparagus
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until their color is a vibrant green and they’re crisp-tender. Transfer them immediately to an ice bath to stop cooking and preserve that fresh snap. Drain and pat dry so they’re ready to sauté.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
In the same boiling water, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help create a silky sauce when tossed with the pasta and asparagus.
Step 5: Sauté and Combine
Heat the last tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the blanched asparagus and sauté for a few minutes just until warmed through. Add the pasta and start tossing everything together. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until a creamy, luscious texture forms. Then add sliced chicken and continue to mix everything evenly.
Step 6: Finish with Lemon and Parmesan
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the pasta, drizzle the fresh lemon juice, and toss once more until the cheese melts and the flavors harmonize beautifully. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. This final step brings a bright, cheesy, and citrusy magic to the entire dish.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top for a pop of color and herbal freshness that makes each bite even more inviting. A light drizzle of olive oil can also add a silky sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and complementary. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread perfectly rounds out this meal without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this pasta family-style in a large shallow bowl encourages sharing and savoring. Or plate individual portions with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge on the side for a restaurant-worthy touch. Adding edible flowers or microgreens also elevates the presentation beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken asparagus pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps retain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, but note that the texture of asparagus may soften after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the creaminess without drying out the chicken or pasta. Avoid microwaving unless covered to prevent the dish from drying.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work beautifully, feel free to swap in farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it necessary to blanch the asparagus before sautéing?
Blanching brightens the asparagus color and softens it slightly, so it cooks evenly when sautéed. You can skip blanching if you prefer a firmer crunch, but blanching helps balance textures in the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the grilled chicken and consider adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted chickpeas for protein and hearty texture.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for this recipe?
Slicing the rested chicken into thin strips ensures every bite mixes well with pasta and asparagus, making the dish easier to eat and perfectly balanced.
How can I adjust the flavors if I like more tangy or cheesy notes?
Feel free to add extra lemon juice for more brightness or sprinkle on additional Parmesan cheese to boost the rich, savory profile right before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delightful, bright, and wholesome meal, the Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe is a total winner. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again because it’s just so satisfying and easy to customize. Grab those fresh ingredients, fire up your grill, and get ready for a delicious dinner that feels special every time.
Print
Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Lemon and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a delicious and healthy dinner option that combines tender grilled chicken breasts with crisp asparagus and perfectly cooked pasta. Tossed in a light garlic and olive oil sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, this dish offers a flavorful and balanced meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Pasta
- 8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne)
Marinade and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 2 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for sautéing)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
Garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly with this marinade, place in a resealable bag or shallow dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat or warm a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Blanch the asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add asparagus pieces and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer immediately to ice water to halt cooking.
- Drain and dry asparagus: After cooling in ice water, drain asparagus and pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook the pasta: Return the boiling water to a boil and add pasta. Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining pasta, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Drain pasta: Drain pasta in a colander without rinsing.
- Sauté asparagus: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add blanched asparagus and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Combine pasta and asparagus: Add drained pasta to the skillet with asparagus and toss to combine.
- Create creamy sauce: Gradually pour in reserved pasta water while stirring until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add grilled chicken: Toss sliced grilled chicken into the pasta and asparagus mixture.
- Finish with cheese and lemon: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and drizzle lemon juice over the pasta. Toss until cheese melts and ingredients are well combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken asparagus pasta in bowls or on plates.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and add additional Parmesan cheese on top.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor.
- Do not overcook asparagus; blanching helps retain its texture and color.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieving a creamy sauce without added cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh note but is optional.
