Irresistible Chicken and Asparagus Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Recipe

Creamy chicken and asparagus spinach artichoke pasta promises a delightful culinary adventure that breaks away from ordinary dinner routines.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with each elegant forkful.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between vibrant green asparagus and silky pasta strands.

Artichoke hearts add a tangy complexity that elevates this dish from simple meal to gourmet experience.

Spinach contributes its earthy richness, creating layers of satisfying textures and tastes.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, making this recipe feel both comforting and sophisticated.

You’ll savor every single bite of this restaurant-quality meal crafted right in your kitchen.

Grab a fork and let deliciousness take center stage!

Why Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Works

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this delightful pasta in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrient-Packed Culinary Delight: Combine protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded spinach, and tender asparagus for a balanced dish that's both tasty and nutritionally wholesome.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe can be customized with vegetarian alternatives or adjusted to suit various taste buds.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup and maximize flavor by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.

Everything In Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

• Pasta: A classic foundation for this creamy and flavorful dish, best when cooked al dente.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and heartiness to the meal, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle heat and complements the chicken's mild flavor.

• Asparagus, Artichoke Hearts, Spinach: Fresh green vegetables that add nutritional value and vibrant color, select tender and crisp varieties.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and richness to the sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adds a bright and fresh finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and provides a smooth base.
• Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky sauce texture.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty and nutty flavor, enhances the overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Steps To Make Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil. Slide the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. Scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Warm a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook until it develops a beautiful golden crust and is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Prepare Vegetable Base

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly. Add asparagus and cook until it’s bright green and just tender. Stir in artichoke hearts and let them warm through.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle lemon zest into the skillet. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Let the sauce simmer and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt and turn vibrant green. Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing everything thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to create a silky coating.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Divide the pasta among warm plates. Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’d like. Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and the sauce is creamy.

Helpful Hints For Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Save that starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every noodle, preventing dryness and adding extra flavor to your dish.
• Asparagus Timing Trick: Cook asparagus just until tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and less appetizing.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and creates a delicious caramelized crust.
• Spinach Wilting Wisdom: Add spinach at the very end of cooking to preserve its bright green color, nutrients, and fresh flavor, preventing it from becoming soggy or discolored.
• Creamy Sauce Secret: Simmer the sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, luxurious consistency that perfectly complements the pasta and chicken.

How To Store Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

• Refrigerate leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Cool the pasta completely before storing to avoid bacterial growth.
• Separate chicken and sauce from noodles when possible to preserve texture.
• Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Avoid freezing this creamy pasta dish, as dairy-based sauces tend to separate and lose their smooth consistency when thawed.
• When ready to enjoy, warm slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute heat and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.
• Consume reheated pasta within 1-2 days for the best taste and quality.

Best Sides For Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the dish's creamy, lemony flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the richness and complementing the asparagus and artichoke notes.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light side salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's creaminess and add a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare toasted rustic bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding a crunchy texture to the meal.
• Complement with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refresh the palate with a cold sparkling water garnished with a lemon slice, cutting through the rich sauce and cleansing between bites.

New Takes On Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

• Mediterranean Medley: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp and add sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta experience.
• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted white beans and add extra artichoke hearts to create a protein-packed vegetarian version of the dish.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap Parmesan for pepper jack cheese, and add corn kernels for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Rustic Herb Fusion: Introduce fresh herbs like basil and thyme, include crispy pancetta bits, and use goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a rustic, herbaceous touch.

FAQ For Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta

• Is this pasta dish healthy?

Despite being creamy, it offers nutritional benefits with lean chicken protein, nutrient-rich spinach and asparagus, providing a balanced meal that includes vegetables and protein.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa. The remaining ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• What if I don't have fresh asparagus?

Frozen asparagus works perfectly fine. Just thaw and drain before adding to the skillet. You can also substitute with green beans or broccoli for similar texture.

• How spicy are the red pepper flakes?

Red pepper flakes add a mild heat that enhances flavor without overwhelming the dish. Use a pinch for subtle warmth or skip entirely if you prefer no spice.

Chicken And Asparagus Spinach And Artichoke Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and asparagus spinach and artichoke pasta brings Mediterranean comfort to weeknight dining. Parmesan-kissed sauce and tender chicken meld with garden-fresh vegetables, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (14 ounces) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Dairy:

• 12 ounces penne, fettuccine, or pasta of choice
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the foundation by boiling a generously salted water bath for the pasta, ensuring it reaches a rolling boil before introducing the noodles. Cook until they reach a perfect al dente texture, then carefully extract and preserve a small portion of the starchy liquid before draining.
2. Transform the chicken into a golden delicacy by searing it in a hot skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Season thoroughly with salt and freshly ground pepper, creating a crisp exterior while maintaining a juicy interior. Once cooked through, transfer to a waiting plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to create a flavor base, introducing minced garlic and allowing it to become fragrant. Gently incorporate asparagus, coaxing it to a tender-crisp state, followed by artichoke hearts that will add depth and complexity to the dish.
4. Craft a luxurious sauce by introducing cream, bright citrus notes from lemon juice and zest, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. For those seeking a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will elevate the flavor profile. Allow the mixture to simmer and slightly reduce, creating a silky consistency.
5. Reunite the elements by returning the chicken to the skillet, then dramatically fold in fresh spinach leaves, watching them wilt and integrate into the creamy landscape. Introduce the cooked pasta, tossing everything together with deliberate movements, using reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect sauce consistency if needed.
6. Present the culinary creation with artistic flair, distributing among serving plates. Finish with a flourish of chopped parsley and an optional dusting of additional Parmesan cheese, inviting diners to indulge in this harmonious Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish.

Notes

• Opt for fresh asparagus at peak season for the most vibrant, tender texture and sweetest flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Reserve pasta water strategically – its starchy magic helps create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand without feeling heavy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance, adding a pinch for subtle warmth or more for a spicier kick that complements the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg