If you are craving a meal that is both satisfying and vibrant, this Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Combining juicy, marinated grilled chicken with tender-crisp asparagus and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a subtly tangy, creamy sauce made from olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan, this dish brings fresh flavors and a wonderful balance of textures to your dinner table. It’s wholesome, beautifully colorful, and easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious and healthy recipe shine in your kitchen!

Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll want on hand for this recipe—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating the beautiful harmony of taste, texture, and freshness that makes this dish unforgettable.

8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne): The base that soaks up all the luscious flavors and binds the dish together wonderfully.
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, perfect for grilling and absorbing the marinade’s aromatic spices.
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds a vibrant color and a crisp freshness that balances the richer elements.
3 tablespoons olive oil: Used both for marinating and sautéing, it brings richness and helps carry the flavors.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a pungent warmth that elevates the overall flavor profile.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean notes.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that are absolutely essential to bring all the flavors into focus.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta providing creamy texture and a salty kick.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish): Lifts the dish with an aromatic brightness and gorgeous color contrast.
Juice of 1 lemon: Adds a fresh zing that cuts through the creamy richness and brightens every bite.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade. Coat your chicken breasts thoroughly and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it ensures your chicken will come off the grill juicy and bursting with herb-infused goodness.

Step 2: Prepare Your Grill

While your chicken marinates, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. A properly hot grill creates those beautiful char marks and seals in the juices, giving your chicken an irresistible smoky flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the chicken directly on your hot grill and cook about 6-7 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes—this makes sure the juices redistribute and every slice is tender and moist.

Step 4: Blanch the Asparagus

Quickly blanch the asparagus in boiling salted water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Then plunge them into ice water to keep that vibrant color and stop the cooking process. This step locks in their delightful snap and vivid hue, which adds such a fresh element to the dish.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Using the same boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining—it’s a secret ingredient that will help create a silky sauce.

Step 6: Sauté and Combine

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet, add the blanched asparagus, and sauté briefly just to warm them through. Toss in the drained pasta and gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy texture. Finally, add your sliced grilled chicken and mix everything together for even flavor distribution.

Step 7: Final Touches

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the pasta. Toss it all until the cheese melts and the flavors marry beautifully. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Top your pasta with fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and herbal freshness. You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan to enhance the creamy, savory notes. These small touches take your presentation from simple to stunning.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a crusty artisan bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted cherry tomatoes or a light soup complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe family-style in a large, rustic bowl and watch everyone dig in happily. Alternatively, plate it neatly with sliced chicken fanned out on top and a small basil sprig for an elegant dinner party touch. No matter how you serve it, it’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more, making your next meal just as delicious.

Freezing

While pasta dishes can be tricky to freeze without losing texture, you can freeze the grilled chicken separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to maintain its juiciness.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This method keeps the pasta moist and the chicken tender without drying out the vibrant asparagus.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this grilled chicken asparagus pasta recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work beautifully, feel free to experiment with other shapes like farfalle or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Is it necessary to blanch the asparagus before adding it to the pasta?

Blanching is recommended because it softens the asparagus slightly while preserving its bright color and snap, which really enhances the dish’s texture and visual appeal.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes! You can use a grill pan or even a hot cast iron skillet to cook the chicken; the goal is to get some char and lock in the juices, so any method that achieves that works perfectly.

What if I don’t have fresh basil for garnish?

No worries! You can omit it or substitute with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs. The dish will still be flavorful and lovely looking.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Simply leave out the Parmesan cheese and consider adding a drizzle of extra olive oil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

There is something so special about sitting down to a plate of grilled chicken asparagus pasta that tastes like it was made with love and care—and now you can make that magic happen at home anytime. This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and big flavor that invites everyone around the table to pause, savor, and smile. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your own recipe rotation!

Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 87 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Grilled Chicken Asparagus Pasta is a flavorful and healthy dinner option combining tender grilled chicken breasts, crisp-tender asparagus, and al dente pasta tossed in a light, creamy sauce with Parmesan cheese and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that balances protein, vegetables, and carbs in one dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

Pasta and Sauce

8 oz. pasta (fettuccine or penne)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Marinade and Cooking Essentials

3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade, place them in a resealable bag or shallow dish, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high or preheat a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, place them on the hot grill, and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Blanch the Asparagus: While the chicken is grilling, bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add the asparagus pieces, and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Transfer asparagus immediately into ice water to cool and stop cooking.
Drain and Dry Asparagus: After cooling, drain the asparagus and pat dry with paper towels if needed to remove excess moisture.
Cook the Pasta: Using the same boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out and save about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce.
Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it to maintain sauce adhesion.
Sauté the Asparagus: In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add blanched asparagus and sauté for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Combine Pasta and Asparagus: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss together with the asparagus evenly.
Create Creamy Sauce: Gradually pour reserved pasta water into the skillet while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes creamy and reaches your preferred consistency.
Add Grilled Chicken: Incorporate the sliced grilled chicken into the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine all elements.
Finish with Cheese and Lemon: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and drizzle fresh lemon juice. Toss well until the cheese melts and integrates fully. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Portion the grilled chicken asparagus pasta into bowls or plates for serving.
Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer than 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) enhances the flavor significantly.
Blanching asparagus keeps it crisp and vibrant; do not overcook to maintain texture.
Reserving pasta water helps create a creamy sauce without added cream.
Do not rinse pasta after cooking to allow the sauce to cling better.
You can substitute penne or fettuccine with any pasta shape you prefer.
Fresh basil garnish adds a fragrant finish but is optional.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature (165°F/75°C).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American