Sometimes you want pasta that actually feels comforting, but not the kind that sits heavy after a few bites. Something creamy, but still a little fresh.
This creamy chicken and asparagus penne is exactly that — simple, quick, and balanced. The sauce is rich, but the lemon and asparagus keep it from turning into just another heavy cream pasta.
I usually make this on evenings when I want a proper dinner but don’t feel like doing anything complicated.
What you’ll need
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Before draining, save a small splash of the pasta water — it helps later if the sauce gets too thick.
- In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chicken. Let it sit for a minute before stirring so it can brown slightly — that’s where most of the flavor comes from. Once it’s lightly golden, season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Then stir in the garlic and cook briefly — just until you smell it. If it starts browning, the heat is too high.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan. All those browned bits dissolve into the sauce and make a difference.
- Add the asparagus and let it cook for a few minutes until bright green and just tender. You don’t want it soft — a bit of bite works better here.
- Lower the heat and pour in the cream. Stir gently, then add the Dijon mustard, lemon zest, and lemon juice. At this point it should smell slightly fresh, not just creamy.
- Add the Parmesan and stir until the sauce turns smooth and glossy. If it feels too thick or a bit heavy, add a splash of the reserved pasta water — it loosens everything without making it watery.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated.
- Finish with fresh parsley and serve right away. This is one of those dishes that’s best while the sauce is still silky.
Lower the heat before adding the cream — this helps keep the sauce smooth and prevents it from turning grainy.
If you don’t have asparagus, green beans or even zucchini work really well here.The idea stays the same: something fresh to balance the sauce.
If you like simple, balanced pasta like this, you might also enjoy:
– Turkey Mince Pasta Recipes
– Boursin Pasta
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