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4.23 from 9 votes

Charred Asparagus Pasta with Blackened Lemon Chicken.

It's quick, simple and delicious. Light, but filling, healthy, but still totally satisfying in every which way. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 638kcal

Ingredients

Chicken + Asparagus

Sunflower Pesto and Goat Cheese Pasta

  • 1/3 cup sunflower seeds toasted (any nut/seed will work great)
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup spring greens (arugula baby kale, kale or another cup of fresh basil)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • salt to taste
  • 1 pound long cut pasta use gluten free if needed
  • 1/3 cup full-fat canned coconut milk or heavy cream
  • 4-6 ounces goat cheese crumbed
  • radish flowers for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • In a large gallon size zip-top bag or bowl, combine the chicken, brown sugar, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, lemon zest + juice, salt and pepper and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to evenly combine.
  • Place the asparagus in a large baking dish and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt + pepper.
  • In a blender or food processor, combine the sunflower seeds, basil, spring greens, garlic, 1/2 cup olive oil, pinch of crushed red pepper and salt. Pulse until combined and the sauce looks like pesto. Taste and add more salt if desired.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Heat a large skillet, grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and grill until char marks appear and the chicken is cooked through, about 5-8 minutes per side. Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your chicken. Remove the chicken from the grill and tent with foil.
  • Add the asparagus to the grill and grill until charred, about 5 -8 minutes. Remove and keep warm.
  • Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add pasta right back to the hot pot. Add the the sunflower seed pesto, 1/3 cup of coconut milk or heavy cream and half of the goat cheese. Toss well to combine. Cut the asparagus into thirds and the chicken into bite size pieces. Add to the hot pasta and toss gently to combine.
  • Serve pasta hot with the remaining goat cheese. EAT!

Nutrition

Calories: 638kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 411mg | Potassium: 606mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1185IU | Vitamin C: 12.4mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 3.1mg