Penne with Chicken and Asparagus

This chicken and asparagus pasta is quick, easy, and super tasty. It's ready in about 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
• 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 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
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder, or more to taste
• 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth

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.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat 3 tablespoons 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 browned and the juices run clear, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3

Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Add asparagus, garlic, and another pinch of 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

Transfer drained penne to a large bowl. Pour chicken mixture over top and mix until well combined. Let sit for about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.