Creamy Asiago Chicken Asparagus Pasta (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and crispy roasted asparagus in a rich Asiago cream sauce with linguine.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12.3 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12.3 oz linguine

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 bunch asparagus (about 10.6 oz), woody ends trimmed, cut into 2 inch pieces
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Dairy & Cheese

06 - 4.2 oz Asiago cheese, grated (divided: 2.8 oz for pasta, 1.4 oz for asparagus)
07 - 6.8 fl oz heavy cream
08 - 1 oz unsalted butter

→ Pantry

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Extra grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss asparagus pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1.4 oz Asiago cheese. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until tender and golden at the edges.
02 - Cook linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 4 fl oz pasta water, then drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour, stir for 1 minute, then slowly pour in cream and 2.7 fl oz reserved pasta water while whisking constantly.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2.8 oz Asiago cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add additional pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
06 - Return chicken to the pan, add cooked linguine, and toss to coat in the sauce. Fold in roasted asparagus. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Asiago cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted Asiago-coated asparagus adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth.
  • The sauce is rich and creamy without being overly heavy, thanks to the addition of reserved pasta water.
  • A balanced one-pan meal that incorporates protein, greens, and pasta effortlessly.
02 -
  • Always reserve your pasta water; it is the key to achieving a silky, restaurant-style consistency.
  • Trim the woody ends of the asparagus thoroughly to ensure every bite is tender.
  • Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for the best melting results.
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