Linguini With Asparagus And Chicken
A flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and creamy herb sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless and skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh garden onion, chopped fine
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper
- 12 to 16 fresh asparagus spears ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup whipped cream, unwhipped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.
- Chop the onion finely.
- Mash the garlic clove into a paste with a fork until smooth.
- Trim off the tough ends of the asparagus.
- Peel the stalks, if desired, to remove the little points on the stem.
- Cut the asparagus into diagonal 1-inch pieces.
- In a heavy skillet, sauté the chicken in olive oil for 5 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from skillet.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic paste to the skillet.
- Cook until the onion is tender and softened, but not browned.
- Stir in the chicken broth and asparagus, and cook for 2 minutes or until the asparagus is just crisp.
- Add the whipped cream and heat until very hot, ensuring it does not boil or curdle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dish, consider replacing the whipped cream with Greek yogurt or a light cream alternative. If asparagus isn't in season, green beans or broccoli can be great substitutes. To enhance flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking the chicken. Ensure to season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the linguini with asparagus and chicken topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Italian recipes like 'Fettuccine Alfredo With Variations' or 'Zita Chicken' for a complete dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the sauce and maintain its creamy consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linguini With Asparagus And Chicken contains roughly 386 calories, with 19g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (170% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen asparagus, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish. Frozen asparagus may cook faster, so adjust your cooking time accordingly to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this linguini dish gluten-free, simply substitute the linguini with gluten-free pasta, which is widely available. Ensure that the chicken broth you use is also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten as a thickening agent.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For extra flavor, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme can also enhance the dish. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you prefer some heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).