🥦 Creamy Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy One-Pot Dinner)
Make dinner effortless with this creamy asparagus chicken pasta a flavorful, one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners. Packed with tender chicken breast, crisp asparagus, and tossed in a zesty lemon garlic parmesan cream sauce, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Chicken Pasta
- ✅ One pot, 30 minutes = quick cleanup
- ✅ Creamy and satisfying, yet light
- ✅ Healthy, family-friendly, and meal-prep approved
- ✅ Bursting with fresh spring flavors: lemon, garlic, and parmesan
- ✅ Customizable with pesto, tomatoes, or whole wheat pasta
Whether you’re searching for lemon chicken asparagus pasta, creamy chicken asparagus pesto pasta, or just a quick chicken and asparagus dinner idea, this recipe checks all the boxes.
🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped
- 8 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, spaghetti, or whole wheat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest & juice of 1 lemon (regular or Meyer lemon)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese (or substitute ½ cup half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: thyme, basil, pesto, or green peas
💡 Tip: For a healthier option, try whole wheat chicken asparagus pasta or a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Read More: Quick High Protein Dinner Recipes for Busy Weeknights
👩🍳 How to Make One-Pot Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or sauté pan. Season and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Asparagus & Garlic
In the same pan, add garlic and asparagus. Cook until asparagus is bright green and just tender.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce
Add cream cheese (or half-and-half), parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Adjust seasoning and top with more parmesan or fresh herbs.
🍽️ Variations & Add-Ins
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Asparagus Pasta – Add extra garlic and zest for a punch of flavor
- Chicken Asparagus Pesto Pasta – Mix in a few tablespoons of basil pesto
- Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Tomatoes – Add halved cherry tomatoes for freshness
- Creamy Chicken Asparagus Pasta – Use heavy cream for extra richness
- Low-Carb Chicken Asparagus Pasta – Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash
- Healthy Chicken Asparagus Penne – Use whole wheat pasta and lighten the cheese
🥗 What to Serve with Chicken Asparagus Pasta
- Caesar wedge salad
- Air fryer broccolini or green beans
- Homemade garlic breadsticks
- Lemon cucumber water or chilled white wine
❓ Chicken Asparagus Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut for meal prep. Just skip the sautéing step.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but note that the texture of the creamy sauce may change slightly after thawing.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
Penne, bowtie, spaghetti, or linguine all work well. Use your favorite!
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use dairy-free cream cheese or omit cheese and replace with a spoonful of nutritional yeast for umami flavor.
Q: What pairs well with chicken and asparagus?
A: Chicken and asparagus pair beautifully with creamy sauces like Alfredo or lemon garlic butter, as well as sides like garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted potatoes. For added texture, try pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or parmesan cheese.
Q: Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
A: “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” gets its name from how irresistibly delicious it is legend has it, it’s so good it could inspire a marriage proposal! It usually features creamy sauces, sun-dried tomatoes, and seared chicken over pasta.
Q: Does asparagus go with chicken Alfredo?
A: Absolutely! Asparagus adds freshness and a slightly earthy contrast to rich Alfredo sauce. It’s a popular vegetable to serve with chicken Alfredo for a balanced, spring-ready dinner.
Q: Can you boil asparagus with pasta?
A: Yes, you can! Add asparagus during the last 2–3 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time so it becomes tender-crisp. This saves a pan and blends the flavors perfectly.
📌 Final Tip
This easy one-pot asparagus chicken pasta is perfect for spring and summer but comforting enough to enjoy year-round. Keep it in your weeknight rotation it’s a fast, flexible, and flavorful dinner winner!
