Creamy Asiago Chicken & Asparagus Pasta (Printable Version)

Golden chicken and cheese-crusted asparagus in a velvety Asiago cream sauce with perfectly cooked linguine.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12.3 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 12.3 oz linguine

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 bunch asparagus (about 10.6 oz), woody ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

→ Dairy & Cheese

06 - 4.2 oz Asiago cheese, grated (divided: 2.8 oz for pasta, 1.4 oz for asparagus)
07 - 6.8 fl oz heavy cream
08 - 1 oz unsalted butter

→ Pantry

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh parsley, chopped
13 - Extra grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss asparagus pieces with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1.4 oz Asiago cheese. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes until tender and golden at the edges.
02 - In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 4 fl oz pasta water, then drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
05 - Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in heavy cream and 2.7 fl oz reserved pasta water while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2.8 oz Asiago cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Add additional pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
07 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add cooked linguine and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Fold in roasted asparagus.
08 - Transfer to serving plates immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Asiago or Parmesan cheese as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dual use of Asiago cheese provides both a crispy roasted crust and a rich, melted sauce.
  • Fresh asparagus adds a bright, seasonal crunch that balances the decadent cream.
  • It is a sophisticated Italian-American meal that comes together in just 45 minutes.
02 -
  • Reserving the pasta water is essential; the starch helps the Asiago emulsify into a silky sauce.
  • Whisk the cream continuously when adding it to the skillet to prevent any flour lumps.
  • Don't over-roast the asparagus; you want it golden and tender with a bit of bite.
Go Back