Penne with Chicken and Asparagus

This chicken and asparagus pasta is a quick and easy, light-tasting dish that's ready in about 30 minutes so perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Calories: 332 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or more to taste
• 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
• 1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta
• 1 bunch slender asparagus spears, trimmed, cut on diagonal into 1-inch pieces

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in chicken and season with 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until chicken is cooked through and browned, about 5 minutes. Remove chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Stir in asparagus, sliced garlic, and another pinch garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and steam until asparagus is just tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Return chicken to the skillet and cook until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir chicken mixture into pasta and mix well. Let sit for about 5 minutes. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, stir again, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.