Delicious Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad with Pecans: An Easy & Healthy Weeknight Meal
Discover a vibrant and incredibly satisfying meal with this delightful Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad, featuring crunchy pecans. This recipe offers a fantastic way to enjoy fresh seasonal asparagus, combining it with tender chicken and al dente pasta for a wholesome dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you prefer it warm or chilled, this versatile pasta salad is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch option, or a crowd-pleasing addition to your next potluck or gathering. Its simplicity belies its rich taste, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook looking for a nutritious and delicious meal in about 35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad
This Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad isn’t just another meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients brought together in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Bursting with Freshness: The star of the show, fresh asparagus, lends a vibrant green color and a delicate, earthy crunch that is simply irresistible, especially when in season.
- Protein-Packed & Wholesome: With generous amounts of cooked chicken breast, this salad provides a lean protein boost, keeping you feeling full and energized. The pasta adds a satisfying carbohydrate base, while pecans contribute healthy fats and an incredible nutty flavor.
- Incredibly Versatile: One of the best aspects of this pasta salad is its adaptability. Enjoy it warm straight from the stove for a comforting meal, or chill it for a refreshing cold salad perfect for picnics, barbecues, or meal prepping lunches.
- Quick & Easy Preparation: Designed for busy lifestyles, this entire dish comes together in approximately 35 minutes on your stovetop. It’s an ideal solution for those evenings when you need a nutritious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You don’t need exotic ingredients to create something extraordinary. Common pantry staples and fresh produce combine to create a symphony of tastes that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Quick & Easy: Time Needed for This Delicious Recipe
One of the standout features of this Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad with Pecans is its efficiency. You can have a wholesome, homemade meal on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick yet satisfying dish. The total time required is approximately 35 minutes, broken down into:
- Prep Time: Roughly 15 minutes. This includes preparing your asparagus, chopping the red bell pepper and basil, mincing garlic, and dicing your cooked chicken. If you have pre-cooked chicken on hand (which we highly recommend for convenience!), this time can be even shorter.
- Cook Time: Approximately 20 minutes. This accounts for cooking the pasta, sautéing the vegetables, simmering with broth, and heating the chicken through. Everything comes together in one pot or a large skillet after the pasta is cooked, streamlining the process.
This speedy preparation ensures you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your delicious, fresh pasta salad.
Essential Ingredients for Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad
Creating this flavorful pasta salad requires a simple list of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s delightful texture and taste profile.
- Penne Pasta: Approximately 16 oz. (about 450g) of penne pasta forms the hearty base of our salad. Its tubular shape is perfect for catching all the wonderful flavors. Feel free to use other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle if preferred.
- Olive Oil: 1 Tbsp. essential for sautéing vegetables and adding a rich, healthy fat to the dish.
- Minced Garlic: 1 tsp. provides an aromatic foundation. Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, chopped. Adds a touch of sweetness, a pop of color, and a pleasant crunch.
- Asparagus: 1 bunch, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces. The star spring vegetable, bringing freshness and a delicate flavor.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup, helps tenderize the vegetables and creates a light, savory sauce base.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup, chopped. Offers a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- Butter: ¼ cup, adds a touch of richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 lb., cubed. Pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or boiled) makes this recipe incredibly fast. It’s a great way to use leftovers or frozen pre-cooked chicken.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated. Provides a salty, umami depth that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully.
- Pecans: ½ cup, chopped. Adds a wonderful buttery crunch and nutty flavor, a signature touch to this salad.
Choosing the Best Asparagus
The quality of your asparagus can significantly impact the final taste and texture of this pasta salad. When selecting asparagus at the market, always look for small, tender stalks. Thicker stalks can often be woody, fibrous, and less flavorful, while thinner stalks are generally more tender and possess a sweeter, more delicate taste. Ensure the tips are tightly closed and dark green or purplish, and the stalks are firm and stand upright. Avoid any bunches with limp, wilted, or discolored stalks.
Dietary Adaptations & Variations
This Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad is wonderfully adaptable to various dietary needs and taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to customize your dish:
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Easily transform this recipe into a delicious vegetarian or vegan meal:
- Broth Substitution: Simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth to keep the liquid base flavorful.
- Omit or Substitute Chicken: You have a couple of excellent options here. You can omit the chicken entirely and increase the amount of asparagus and red bell pepper to maintain bulk and texture. Alternatively, for a protein boost, substitute a can of rinsed and drained cannellini beans (or other white beans) for the chicken. The beans will add a creamy texture and absorb the flavors beautifully.
Other Creative Variations
- Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, consider adding cooked shrimp, smoked tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs for varied flavor profiles.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate other quick-cooking vegetables like snap peas, cherry tomatoes (halved), spinach (stirred in at the end to wilt), or sliced mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite or you have an allergy, walnuts, toasted almonds, or even pine nuts can be excellent substitutes, offering a similar crunch and nutty essence.
- Cheese Choices: While Parmesan is classic, crumbled feta cheese, fresh mozzarella pearls, or even a sharp cheddar can offer different cheesy delights.
- Herb Enhancements: Beyond basil, fresh dill, chives, or parsley can add different layers of fresh flavor.
- A Zesty Twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end can brighten the flavors considerably.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to create your delicious Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad with Pecans:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Ensure it’s cooked al dente, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. You can rinse it with cold water if you plan to serve the salad cold to prevent it from sticking together.
- Sauté the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and 1-inch pieces of asparagus. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften slightly and the asparagus turns a brighter green.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. The broth will also help create a light, flavorful coating for the pasta.
- Add Flavor and Chicken: Stir in the fresh basil, salt, pepper, and butter. Add the cooked and cubed chicken breast. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the butter is melted and the chicken is heated through. If using cold or frozen cooked chicken, ensure it’s fully warmed.
- Combine and Serve: Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped pecans to the pot. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is well combined and coated with the savory sauce. Serve immediately while warm, or allow it to cool and serve chilled for a refreshing salad.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Pasta Salad
Achieving the best Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad with Pecans is easy with a few simple techniques:
- Preparing Asparagus: For optimal texture, always prepare asparagus by rinsing it under running water. Then, hold each stalk with both hands – one closer to the tip and the other closer to the cut end. Gently bend the stalk; it will naturally snap where the tough, woody end begins. Discard the snapped ends, and then cut the tender portions into 1-inch pieces. This ensures you only use the most flavorful and palatable parts of the asparagus.
- Chopping Fresh Basil: To easily chop fresh basil without bruising it, stack the leaves on top of each other. Roll them tightly lengthwise into a cigar shape. Then, slice across the roll starting at one end to create thin ribbons (chiffonade). For smaller, minced pieces, gather the ribbons and chop them crosswise.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For pasta salad, it’s crucial to cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, especially if serving cold. Check the package directions for cooking times and aim for the lower end.
- Serving Temperature: This salad is truly versatile. It can be served warm for a comforting meal or chilled for a refreshing twist. If serving cold, make sure to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.
- Pre-cooked Chicken for Speed: Using pre-cooked chicken breast (such as rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or chicken prepared specifically for meal prep and frozen) significantly reduces preparation time, making this an even quicker weeknight option.
- Toasting Pecans: For an enhanced flavor and crunch, lightly toast your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Let them cool before adding to the salad. This step is optional but highly recommended!
Serving Suggestions
This Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad with Pecans is robust enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add more fresh greens.
- Crusty garlic bread or warm rolls for soaking up any delicious juices.
- A light soup, such as a clear vegetable broth or a creamy tomato soup.
- Fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast, especially if serving the pasta salad cold.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This pasta salad is excellent for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Proper storage ensures its freshness and flavor:
- Storage: Store any leftover Asparagus Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, often tasting even better the next day.
- Reheating: If serving warm, you can gently reheat portions in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken or vegetable broth if it seems a bit dry. Be careful not to overcook the asparagus during reheating.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare many components in advance. Cook and dice the chicken, chop the bell pepper and asparagus, and mince the garlic a day or two before. Store these separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta and combine all ingredients just before serving for the freshest taste, or combine and chill if serving cold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for using up leftover cooked chicken breast. Simply cube or shred your pre-cooked chicken and add it in step 4. It’s a fantastic way to minimize food waste and speed up meal preparation.
What kind of pasta works best for pasta salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes that hold up well and can capture dressing and other ingredients are best. Penne is excellent, but rotini, fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or even medium shells are great alternatives. Avoid very thin or long pastas that might break apart or clump excessively.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, you can! To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the butter and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute olive oil for the butter when sautéing, and consider adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative, or simply enjoy it without the cheese for a lighter profile.
Recipe
Asparagus Chicken Salad with Pecans
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Ingredients
- 16 oz. penne pasta
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- salt, to taste
- ½ tsp. pepper
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cooked & cubed (from freezer)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
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While pasta is cooking, heat oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the garlic, red pepper, and asparagus.
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Add the broth and bring to a boil; simmer until vegetables begin to soften.
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Add the basil, salt, pepper, butter, and cooked chicken. Cook until chicken is heated through.
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Add cooked, drained pasta, Parmesan cheese, and pecans. Mix thoroughly and serve immediately.
Notes
- Before chopping the asparagus, prepare it by rinsing it under running water, then holding it with both hands and snapping off the tough end. Hold the stalk so that the hand on the tip end is closer to the center of the stalk and the hand on the cut end is close to the end of the stalk. Bring your hands down and toward each other, and the stalk will snap just where it starts to get tough at the end.
- To easily chop fresh basil, roll the leaves up together and slice starting at one end of the roll and working your way across. For smaller pieces, continue by chopping crosswise.
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Vegetarian option
Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can either simply omit the chicken altogether, increasing the amount of asparagus and red pepper, or substitute a can of rinsed cannellini beans for the chicken.
Nutrition per serving
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