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chicken asparagus alfredo

Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Linguine  

Easy Pasta Dish with hint of Lemon and Asparagus in a Creamy Alfredo Sauce

Course Dinner
Cuisine American
About Chicken and Asparagus Alfredo
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal
Author DinnerPlanner

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated + more for serving
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth, divided
  • 1 lb. linguine
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup shallots chopped
  • 2 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest, preferably organic
  • 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley sprigs and sliced lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese sauce by combining the heavy cream, butter, and cream cheese in a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and whisk to combine.
  2. Heat the cheese mixture, stirring continually, until no lumps remain, approximately 1-2 minutes. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, one-quarter cup at a time, until completely incorporated into the sauce.
  3. Stir one-half cup chicken broth into the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. Remove from heat and keep warm.
  4. While the cheese sauce is simmering, heat a large pot of generously salted water over high heat and prepare the linguine according to package directions.
  5. While the pasta water comes to a boil, add olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add the chicken and lemon zest and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  7. Deglaze the skillet by adding the remaining chicken broth, gently scraping the bottom with a spatula to release any browned bits.
  8. Add the asparagus and stir to combine. Cook just until the asparagus is crisp-tender, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
  9. Using tongs, transfer the cooked linguine from the pot directly into the skillet with the cooked chicken and asparagus. Add the cheese sauce and toss to combine.
  10. Serve immediately garnished with fresh parsley sprigs, lemon slices, and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Testing Note: Transferring the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the chicken and asparagus (from the pot it was prepared in) adds just enough of the cooking liquid to help thicken up the sauce while eliminating the need to drain and rinse the pasta. 

Nutrition Facts
Creamy Chicken and Asparagus Linguine  
Amount Per Serving
Calories 480 Calories from Fat 288
% Daily Value*
Fat 32g49%
Saturated Fat 14g88%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 50mg17%
Sodium 480mg21%
Potassium 580mg17%
Carbohydrates 32g11%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 30g60%
Vitamin A 1000IU20%
Vitamin C 8mg10%
Calcium 200mg20%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.