Creamy Asiago Chicken & Asparagus (Printer View)

Tender chicken and roasted asparagus in rich Asiago cream sauce over linguine

# What you'll need:

→ Meats

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 bunch (about 10.5 oz) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Pasta

05 - 12.3 oz linguine

→ Dairy & Cheese

06 - 4.2 oz Asiago cheese, freshly grated (divided)
07 - 3/4 cup heavy cream
08 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
09 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

→ Pantry & Spices

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss asparagus pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and half of the grated Asiago cheese. Spread on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes until tender with golden, crisp cheese. Let cool slightly, then roughly chop.
03 - Cook linguine in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
04 - Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove to a plate.
05 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Stir in heavy cream and remaining Asiago cheese. Simmer gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, 2–3 minutes. If too thick, stir in reserved pasta water as needed.
07 - Add cooked linguine, chicken, and chopped roasted asparagus to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon zest or red pepper flakes if desired.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Asiago or Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between the crispy, cheesy roasted asparagus and the creamy pasta sauce creates a wonderful textural experience.
  • It's a complete meal in one dish with protein, vegetables, and carbs.
  • The dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Asiago cheese adds a distinctive flavor that elevates this pasta beyond ordinary cream sauce dishes.
02 -
  • Reserve extra pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce after combining all ingredients.
  • For maximum flavor, season the pasta water generously with salt – it should taste like sea water.
  • Choose asparagus stalks of similar thickness for even cooking.
  • The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve immediately for the best consistency.
  • If you can't find Asiago, Gruyère or Pecorino Romano make good substitutes.
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