Lemon Rosemary Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus & Spinach
A simple pasta dish with chicken, asparagus and shrimp — topped with a delicious creamy lemon rosemary sauce.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time15 minutesmins
Total Time25 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 30 minute, chicken, pasta
Servings: 2-4 servings
Ingredients
12oz.pasta (I used mostaccioli)
3Tbsp.olive oil
1Tbsp.fresh rosemaryfinely chopped
2bonelessskinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1bunch (about 1 lb.) fresh asparagusends trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
3clovesgarlicminced
1tsp.lemon zest
1tsp.lemon juice
2/3cup(about 1 carton) Greek yogurtplain
1/3cupgrated Parmesan cheese
2cupsfresh baby spinach
optional garnish: extra shredded Parmesan and/or chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook pasta in generously-salted water until al dente according to package instructions. (I would add the pasta to the boiling water around the time you begin cooking the asparagus.)
Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. (You will know that it is ready when the oil is shimmering, or it sizzles when you place a drop of water in the oil.) Season both sides of the chicken with a pinch of salt and freshly-cracked black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear. Remove chicken and set aside. Wait a few minutes, then slice the chicken into thin strips.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add asparagus, garlic, lemon juice and zest, and rosemary and saute for 4-5 minutes until the asparagus is cooked but still slightly crisp. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and baby spinach.
Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain the pasta but reserve 1/4 cup pasta water. Toss together the pasta, creamy vegetable mixture and the chicken. Add some of the reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and/or chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to substitute in 2 tsp. (divided) dried rosemary if you don’t have any fresh rosemary.