Lemon-Asparagus Spaghetti with Basil Chicken

Name: Lemon-Asparagus Spaghetti with Basil Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 0.5 (16 ounce) package spaghetti; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves; 0.25 cup basil pesto, or to taste; 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 0.5 medium lemon, juiced; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; salt and ground black pepper to taste

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My version of lemon-asparagus spaghetti served with chicken and pesto.

Recipe by Libby Quijano

Updated on March 13, 2023

Spaghetti with chicken and asparagus topped with cheese on blue and white striped cloth

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

Servings:

4

Yield:

4 servings

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

½ (16 ounce) package spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 (5 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
¼ cup basil pesto, or to taste
1 bunch asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ medium lemon, juiced
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
While spaghetti is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip, add a dollop of pesto to each breast, and continue to cook, flipping as needed, until no longer pink in the centers, 7 to 10 minutes more. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Heat remaining oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 1 to 3 minutes, depending how tender you like it. Add garlic, pepper flakes, and lemon juice; cook for 1 minute. Add cooked spaghetti, a dollop of pesto, and Parmesan cheese; stir until cheese melts. Add a tablespoon of the reserved pasta water if cheese begins to stick to the pan.
Chop chicken and add on top of spaghetti. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

616	Calories
24g	Fat
51g	Carbs
50g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 616
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g	31%
Saturated Fat 8g	38%
Cholesterol 100mg	33%
Sodium 535mg	23%
Total Carbohydrate 51g	18%
Dietary Fiber 5g	19%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 50g
Vitamin C 19mg	93%
Calcium 428mg	33%
Iron 6mg	34%
Potassium 707mg	15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.