Asparagus Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients for Asparagus Chicken Pasta

• 1 lb fresh asparagus
• Bulb Of Garlic
• 3 tbsp olive oil + 1 tsp for garlic
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders)
• 1 lb penne pasta
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Sea Salt
• Table Salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

How to Make Asparagus Chicken Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Cut 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or tenders) into bite-sized pieces. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
3. Remove the top 1/4 of a garlic bulb to expose the cloves.
4. Drizzle 1 tsp olive oil over the garlic cloves. Place the garlic bulb on an oven-safe pan.
5. Rinse 1 lb asparagus and snap off the tough bottom ends (bend the asparagus until it naturally snaps).
6. Add the asparagus to the oven-safe pan with the garlic. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until asparagus is crisp-tender and garlic is browned.
8. Cook 1 lb penne pasta according to package directions. Add a generous amount of salt to the pasta water. Once cooked slightly beyond al dente, drain and rinse with cool water.
9. While pasta cooks, cut 8 oz fresh mozzarella into 1/2-inch pieces.
10. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
11. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken (reserving any pan juices), pasta, and mozzarella.
12. Cut the roasted asparagus into bite-sized pieces and add to the pasta mixture.
13. Remove the roasted garlic cloves from their husks and chop or mash them. Add to the pasta mixture.
14. Stir in the remaining seasonings (if desired), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and the reserved chicken pan juices. Mix well and serve immediately.