Simple Penne Pasta With Chicken And Crisp Asparagus

This dish brings together tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s a simple recipe that’s full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients to make this Penne Pasta

• 1 (16 oz) package dried penne pasta

• 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (or more if you like)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and sliced diagonally into 1-inch pieces

• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package until it’s just tender but still has a bite. Drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the sliced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the asparagus pieces and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

4. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes so the flavors come together.

5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything well to combine and warm through.

6. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Prep and Cooking Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cooking: 20 minutes

• Total: 30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4) about this Penne Pasta

• Calories: Around 450

• Protein: 35g

• Carbs: 45g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sodium: Moderate

FAQ

Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before cooking. You might need to sauté it a little longer to avoid sogginess.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt works fine if you want a lighter taste.

How do I make the dish creamier?
Stir in a splash of cream or some cream cheese when you add the pasta for a richer texture.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently with a bit of broth or water to keep it from drying out.

Source: www.allrecipes.com