If you’re craving something that’s vibrantly fresh yet hearty enough for a main meal, this Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta is going to be your new weeknight hero. Imagine juicy grilled chicken paired with crisp-tender asparagus, all tossed together with al dente penne in a zesty, garlicky, Parmesan-kissed sauce. It’s a dish that somehow feels both light and incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for family dinners or lunch leftovers you’ll look forward to. Plus, it’s ready in just about half an hour, so you don’t have to save it for special occasions—Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings its own flavor, texture, or pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few pro tips for making this dish sing even more brightly.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Penne holds the sauce beautifully, but you can try whole wheat or gluten-free if you like.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and high-protein, they soak up grill flavor for deliciously juicy bites.
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Asparagus brings vibrant color and a sweet snap that balances the pasta and chicken.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Essential for grilling and making a silky sauce—use a good-quality extra virgin for the best flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Nothing boosts aroma and depth like fresh garlic sautéed in olive oil.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch adds gentle heat; adjust based on your spice love.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty Parmesan melts in to create a crave-worthy finish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Just a splash brightens everything with tangy freshness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that let every ingredient shine.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: A sprinkle adds color and a pop of fresh flavor to every bowl.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook until just al dente—about 10 minutes, or follow the package timing. Make sure to taste it! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is quick but absolutely essential for that perfect, chewy bite which is key to Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over your chicken breasts and season them well with salt and black pepper. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until it’s deeply golden and cooked through—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes so the juices stay locked in, then slice it thinly. This step gives Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta its signature smokiness and succulent texture.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Asparagus
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for about a minute until the kitchen smells amazing and the garlic starts turning golden—this aromatics base infuses the whole dish. Toss in the asparagus pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. The asparagus should stay bright green and just a little snappy.
Step 4: Toss it All Together
Add the cooked pasta and your sliced grilled chicken to the skillet with the asparagus. Gently toss to combine and coat everything in the infused olive oil. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and drizzle over the lemon juice, stirring well so every piece of penne, chicken, and asparagus gets a kiss of cheesy, tangy flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. That’s it—you’ve just made Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta in a handful of simple steps!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta
Garnishes
Freshness matters with Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta, so don’t skip the final sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra handful of grated Parmesan on top. The parsley gives each bowl a garden-fresh lift, while that snowy layer of cheese makes it absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to be the star, but you can serve it alongside a simple green salad or a warm, crusty baguette to soak up any remaining sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a chilled glass of crisp white wine really brings out the lemon and asparagus notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta in shallow pasta bowls with oversized shavings of Parmesan and a twist of lemon zest on each serving. Add roasted cherry tomatoes or a handful of baby spinach for an even more colorful presentation—it’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made more than you can eat in one go (lucky you!), simply transfer leftovers of Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta to an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember, the flavors tend to meld and get even better overnight.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, as cooked pasta and fresh asparagus can get a little mushy after thawing. If you do want to freeze, keep the chicken separate from the pasta and veggies, then reheat gently for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to a skillet, then gently warm the pasta over medium heat, stirring frequently. This helps restore moisture and revives the flavors so your leftover Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta tastes nearly as fresh as day one.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta?
Absolutely! Penne is classic, but feel free to swap in rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just choose a pasta that catches the sauce nicely so you get flavor in every bite.
What’s the best way to grill chicken if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
A grill pan on your stovetop works wonders, or even a regular skillet if needed. Just make sure to get a nice sear for that classic grilled flavor that makes Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta so mouthwatering.
Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Toss in some cherry tomatoes, spinach, or even peas to boost the color, nutrition, and flavor. Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta is wonderfully flexible for veggie lovers.
Is there a dairy-free version of this dish?
You can substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How can I make Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta more lemony?
For even more zing, add extra lemon juice or some lemon zest just before serving. The citrus really livens up the whole dish, making each bite of Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta taste like spring on a plate.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s every bit as easy as it is satisfying, Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta delivers with fresh, lively flavors and simple, wholesome ingredients. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever got through spring and summer without it in your recipe collection!
Print
Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender grilled chicken, vibrant asparagus, and flavorful Parmesan cheese, all tossed with al dente penne pasta and a hint of lemon juice. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Asparagus:
1 bunch asparagus (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Olive Oil:
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Garlic:
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
1/2 teaspoon
Parmesan Cheese:
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Lemon Juice:
1 tablespoon
Salt and Black Pepper:
to taste
Parsley:
chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat a grill and cook the seasoned chicken until done. Let rest and slice thinly.
- Sauté Asparagus: In a skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, then add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta and sliced chicken with asparagus. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Marinate chicken for added flavor before grilling.
- Try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
