Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 8 people
This is an easy weeknight dinner packed with lush chicken and tender asparagus. A creamy and delightful chicken pesto pasta that you can throw together in less than thirty minutes! If desired, you can throw in your preferred healthy veggies such as frozen peas, snap peas, broccoli florets, blanched green beans, or halved cherry tomatoes in place of the asparagus.
INGREDIENTS :
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound of chicken breasts, trimmed
- 1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2-inches pieces
- 4 tablespoons pesto sauce
- 2 c. heavy whipping cream
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta, (or linguine)
- 1 teaspoon salt, (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
DIRECTIONS :
Step 1: Following the package directions, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta when done.
Step 2: In the meantime, cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and sprinkle with half 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on all sides.
Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the hot skillet in one layer and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until completely cooked. Set the chicken breasts aside when done and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing them into bite-sized strips.
Step 4: In the now-empty pan, drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil and add the pieces of asparagus. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until the asparagus are crisp-tender, stirring often.
Step 5: To the pan, add 2 c heavy whipping cream and bring to a simmer. Cook while stirring often, for about 3 minutes. Next, add 4 tbsp pesto and stir.
Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the pan and continue to cook for another 2 minutes. To taste, season the sauce with half tsp salt.
Step 7: Toss in the cooked and drained pasta right away after draining until the noodles are coated in sauce.
Step 8: Take the pan off the heat and serve the chicken pesto pasta immediately. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts:
Amount Per Serving: Calories 535, Calories from Fat 315, Fat 35g54%, Saturated Fat 15g94%, Cholesterol 154mg51%, Sodium 459mg20%, Potassium 472mg13%, Carbohydrates 34g11%, Fiber 2g8%, Sugar 2g2%, Protein 20g40%, Vitamin A 1500IU30%, Vitamin C 4.2 mg5%, Calcium 82mg8%, Iron 2.3 mg13%
