Description
This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, cream cheese, and a blend of Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, complemented by fresh asparagus and Italian seasoning. All cooked in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb asparagus, chopped
Proteins
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (approx 6 chicken breasts)
Dairy & Liquids
- 1 TB butter
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 oz cream cheese
- 2/3 cup Cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- 1 TB Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Saute Vegetables and Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and minced garlic and sauté until the onions become tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove Aromatics: Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a plate and set aside for later use.
- Sear Chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Place the pounded chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: To the skillet, add chicken broth, heavy whipping cream, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, the cooked onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously over medium-low heat until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to cook through.
- Add Asparagus: Surround the chicken with the chopped asparagus in the skillet. Cover and continue to simmer on low heat for an additional 12 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid from the skillet and let the sauce simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- To avoid overcooking, check asparagus tenderness frequently during simmering.
- Pounding the chicken breasts thin ensures even cooking and tender texture.
- You can substitute half and half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
