Easy Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe

This chicken asparagus pasta is the perfect weeknight meal—delicious, nutritious, and ready in just 5 simple steps. Juicy seasoned chicken, tender-crisp asparagus, and sweet cherry tomatoes combine beautifully with flavorful basil pesto, creating a pasta dish that's vibrant, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. If you're looking for a quick pasta dinner your family will ask for again and again, this chicken asparagus pasta is a winner every single time!

Why I Love This Chicken Asparagus Pasta

This chicken asparagus pasta has quickly become a staple dinner in our home. I first tried this recipe after spotting it scribbled down in my aunt's old recipe notebook during a family visit. After tweaking it a bit to suit our tastes—like adding a touch of heat and plenty of fresh tomatoes—I knew I'd found a keeper.

My family loves how fresh and balanced this pasta dish tastes, and I love how simple it is to whip up. It’s now my go-to meal whenever I need a tasty dinner on the table fast, and it’s always a huge hit! Especially when I serve it with my Texas toast for a complete meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here's everything you’ll need to make this delicious chicken asparagus pasta dish:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
• 1 lb asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1½-inch pieces
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• ¼ cup basil pesto
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoon olive oil, divided
• 12 oz dry fettuccine or linguine

How to Make Chicken Asparagus Pasta (In Just 5 Easy Steps!)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Season the sliced chicken breast with garlic powder, red chili flakes, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for about 3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Remove from skillet and transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add asparagus pieces, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until asparagus is tender-crisp and tomatoes begin to soften.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Veggies

Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet, gently scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Return cooked pasta to the skillet, then add basil pesto and cooked chicken. Toss thoroughly until pasta is evenly coated with sauce and flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious chicken asparagus pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, or an extra sprinkle of red chili flakes, if desired. Enjoy it warm alongside crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal!

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Asparagus Pasta

• Al Dente Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente (firm to the bite) since it will cook slightly more when combined with the sauce.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh asparagus and cherry tomatoes enhances the vibrant flavors and texture of this pasta dish.
• Pasta Water: Don’t skip reserving the pasta water—it adds creaminess and helps bind the pesto sauce perfectly.
• Thinly Sliced Chicken: Slice your chicken thinly and evenly to ensure quick, uniform cooking.
• Customizing Heat Level: Adjust red chili flakes according to your spice preference, adding a bit more or less as desired.

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Recipe FAQs

Can I make chicken asparagus pasta ahead of time?

Yes, but it tastes best fresh. You can prep ingredients ahead—cook pasta, chicken, and veggies separately, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, toss everything together in the skillet with pesto and reserved pasta water until warmed through.

How long does chicken asparagus pasta keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture.

Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or linguine are great choices, you can also use spaghetti, penne, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta varieties.

Can I substitute other vegetables for asparagus?

Yes! Broccoli florets, green beans, spinach, or zucchini are all delicious alternatives. Just ensure vegetables are cooked until crisp-tender before adding pasta.

Is this chicken asparagus pasta recipe gluten-free?

As written, it contains gluten. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your pesto is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.

My Final Thoughts on This Recipe

 This chicken asparagus pasta dish has everything you need for a perfect family dinner—fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and an easy cooking process. The combination of juicy seasoned chicken, tender asparagus, sweet tomatoes, and flavorful pesto ensures this recipe becomes a fast favorite at your dinner table. Give this quick pasta recipe a try tonight, and let me know what you think!

More Pasta Recipes To Try Next

• Garlic parmesan chicken pasta
• Chicken bacon ranch pasta
• Four cheese pasta
• Chicken and chorizo pasta
• Chicken pot pie pasta