Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 8 oz. dry pasta (see note)
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless, chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise and thinly sliced
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup half and half
• 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp. lemon zest
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest. Do not rinse the pasta.

2. 2

   In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 2 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove to a bowl and keep warm.

3. 3

   To the same pan, add 1/4 cup tap water, reduce heat to medium, and add asparagus. Cover and simmer until tender crisp, about 4 minutes. Remove to the same bowl as chicken.

4. 4

   Next, add butter to the pan and when melted, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Add half and half and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. I like to use a wooden spoon or a whisk for this step.

5. 5

   Stir in the pesto, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a simmer. Taste the sauce for salt and pepper.

6. 6

   Add pasta, chicken, and asparagus, and toss with sauce. Add reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce as needed. Do not add all of the water at once.