Pasta with Chicken Asparagus Prosciutto or Bacon
Elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this creamy and savory Pasta with Chicken, Asparagus, Prosciutto or Bacon recipe. Featuring tender pieces of seasoned chicken, vibrant asparagus spears, and crispy slices of prosciutto or smoky bacon, this pasta dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. A rich Parmesan cream sauce ties everything together, while a hint of garlic and optional red pepper flakes add depth and a touch of heat. Finished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish, this meal is both elegant and approachable. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for satisfying cravings without sacrificing sophistication. Ideal for pasta lovers searching for a flavorful twist, this dish blends indulgence with fresh ingredients, making it a must-try.
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Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 6 slices prosciutto or bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the prosciutto or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Remove the asparagus from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Add the cooked pasta, chicken slices, asparagus, and crumbled prosciutto or bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 7
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1655.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2927.8 |
| Total Fat 172.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 80.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 715.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 7152.0mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 125.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 12.5g | |
| Protein 204.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 855.4mg | 0% |
| Iron 16.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2855.1mg | 0% |
Source of Calories