Garlic Butter Pasta with Chicken, Bacon and Asparagus – Recipe and Image Courtesy of The Pinning Mama
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin pieces or cutlets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
FOR THE SAUCE
- 8 tbsp Minerva Sea Salt Butter
- 6 cloves fresh garlic or more if they are small
- 1/3 cup crispy crumbled bacon (about 4-6 slices)
FOR THE PASTA
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb asparagus
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping optional
- 1/2 tsp salt
Directions:
FOR THE CHICKEN
- Heat oil over medium high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken breast on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken flat in the skillet once hot, and cook on each side for about 2 minutes until lightly browned. Then reduce the heat to low and cover until the chicken is cooked through, about 4-6 minutes depending thickness. (165˚ internal temperature)
- Remove from heat and chop into small bite sized pieces.
TO PREPARE THE SAUCE
- Press the garlic through a garlic press.
- In the same skillet over low heat, add the Minerva Sea Salt Butter and garlic and stir occasionally, cooking for about 3-5 minutes. As you stir, scrape the bottom of the pan to release any bits cooked on from the chicken.
- The butter should be melted and starting to bubble, and the garlic will soften and take on a dark brown color as the flavors from cooking of the chicken release from the bottom of the pan.
- Once the butter starts to bubble, add the crumbled bacon in and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
TO PREPARE THE PASTA
- Prepare the asparagus by removing the woody stems, then cutting the remaining asparagus into 1 inch pieces.
- Cook penne pasta per package directions. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the asparagus pieces to the boiling water. Then drain once done.
- Add the pasta, asparagus, salt and parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce and toss to coat. Then stir in the chicken. Serve warm, topping with extra parmesan if desired!