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Monday, August 10, 2015

Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

Chicken and Asparagus Pasta: Savory Sweet and Satisfying

I have done it yet again! I have made a dish with asparagus in it and love it. I sometimes still can't believe how I grew up hating asparagus and it wasn't until well into adulthood that I discovered it really isn't so bad, especially if it is cooked just a little so it still has a crisp bite to it. 

Chicken and Asparagus Pasta: Savory Sweet and Satisfying

Chicken and Asparagus Pasta

Ingredients:
  • 12 ounces bow tie pasta
  • 2 cups cubed boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 rounded tablespoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • pinch red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup half and half
  • 4 ounces reduced fat cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • black pepper, to taste
Directions:
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add the asparagus in during the last 5 minutes of cooking time.
  2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and asparagus.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in cubed chicken and cook until just about done.
  4. Add in the minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Add in the chicken broth, half and half, cream cheese and 1/2 of the parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is completely combined.
  6. Add the pasta and asparagus to the chicken mixture and stir to combine well.
  7. Add reserved pasta water if pasta seems to dry.
  8. Stir over medium heat until desired consistency is reached.
  9. Add in remaining parmesan cheese and season with black pepper.
 Enjoy!!!

Serves: 6
Calories: 474
Total Fat: 11.1g
   Saturated: 4.5g
   Polyunsaturated: 0.3g
   Monounsaturated: 2g
   Trans: 0g
Cholesterol: 107.1mg
Sodium: 311.9mg
Potassium: 23.8mg
Total Carbs: 44.8g
   Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
   Sugars: 2.2g
Protein: 45.4g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 3.1%
Calcium: 10.1%
Iron: 16.2%
*The nutritional information will vary slightly depending on the brands you use.
*Adapted from lil' luna.