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Creamy Black Pepper Chicken Pasta with Asparagus

Creamy Black Pepper Chicken Pasta with Asparagus


  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta)

Description

Creamy Black Pepper Chicken Pasta with Asparagus is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious creamy black pepper sauce. Finished with melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), this dish offers a spicy kick balanced with rich smoothness, ideal for an impressive weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips or cubes
  • 1 bunch asparagus, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes. Mince the garlic to release its fragrant oils.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve some pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  3. Sauté Chicken and Asparagus: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, seasoning with salt and generous freshly ground black pepper, sauté until cooked through and golden. Add asparagus and garlic, cooking until asparagus is tender-crisp.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer gently so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with creamy sauce, tossing everything to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top, allowing it to melt into gooey perfection. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of creamy, peppery goodness.

Notes

  • Grind black pepper freshly for sharper, more complex flavor.
  • Do not overcook asparagus; keep it tender-crisp for best texture and color.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed and help bind flavors.
  • Simmer the sauce gently over moderate heat to avoid curdling and maintain creaminess.
  • Use pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine to hold the sauce and chunks well.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing, Simmering
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: black pepper chicken pasta, creamy pasta, chicken asparagus pasta, creamy black pepper sauce, easy dinner recipe, comfort food