Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound asparagus, washed, trimmed and cut into bite sized pieces
- 5 ounces spinach, coarsely chopped
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered or coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
Pasta and Liquids
- 12 ounces pasta (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
Seasonings
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the onion: In the remaining butter in the pan, add the diced onion and cook over medium heat until tender and translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the chopped garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook pasta and broth: Add the pasta and chicken broth to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to start absorbing the broth.
- Add asparagus: Stir in the cut asparagus pieces and continue cooking for 2 minutes to slightly soften the asparagus while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the quartered artichoke hearts, grated parmesan, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine and heat through.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the dish just before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be juicier.
- Red pepper flakes are optional, add them for a mild kick.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can stir in a splash of cream or add extra parmesan.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American