Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Chicken Pasta

Bright, creamy, and satisfyingly crunchy, this Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Chicken Pasta is a complete meal that brings elegance to the dinner table. Tender strips of golden sautéed chicken and al dente pasta are tossed in a luscious lemon-garlic cream sauce, creating a rich base for the star of the show: roasted asparagus. Each spear is coated in a savory blend of panko, Parmesan, and Asiago, adding an irresistible texture that elevates this Italian-American classic.

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The secret to the depth of flavor in this dish lies in roasting the asparagus separately with its cheesy topping, ensuring every bite remains crisp and flavorful rather than getting lost in the sauce.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) penne or rigatoni
• Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 450 g/1 lb), sliced into strips; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil
• Asparagus: 1 bunch (about 300 g/10 oz) asparagus, woody ends trimmed, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Asiago cheese
• Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; zest of 1 lemon; juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp); 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese; salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

On a baking sheet, toss asparagus pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, and Asiago. Sprinkle evenly over asparagus. Roast for 10–12 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender and topping is golden.

Step 4

While asparagus roasts, season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and lemon zest, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and cream; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, add Parmesan, and stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Step 7

Gently fold in roasted asparagus with its crispy topping. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra layer of crunch, you can double the panko-Parmesan topping and roast it separately on a small tray. Sprinkle it over individual portions right before serving to ensure every bite has maximum texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If Asiago cheese is unavailable, it can be replaced with extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for a sharper finish. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply substitute the pasta and breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives.

Serviervorschläge

This vibrant pasta dish pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Serve it alongside a light green salad or some warm crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce.

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This Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Chicken Pasta is a wonderful way to enjoy the freshness of the season in a comforting, cheesy bowl. With its balance of protein, greens, and bright citrus notes, it is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make the creamy sauce lighter?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. You can also use whole milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch whisked in to help thicken.

→ What other vegetables work well in this dish?

Broccoli florets, green beans, or Brussels sprouts halved would roast beautifully with the same Parmesan-panko coating. Adjust roasting time based on vegetable thickness.

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, fusilli, farfalle, or campanelle catch the creamy sauce well. Short pasta with ridges or tubes works better than smooth long noodles like spaghetti.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency. The crispy topping will soften but flavors remain delicious.

→ Can I prepare components ahead?

Cook pasta and roast asparagus up to a day ahead. Store separately. Reheat asparagus to restore crispness before combining with freshly made sauce and chicken.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or cornflake crumbs. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.