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This creamy Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta is an easy one-pan recipe with pan-seared chicken breasts, tender asparagus, lemon, herbs, and low-carb pasta. It makes the perfect 30-minute meal for busy weeknights.
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CAN I EAT PASTA ON THE KETO DIET?
That's the million-dollar question, right? As a self-proclaimed carboholic, I had my doubts when I embarked on a low-carb journey. Could I really give up bread, potatoes, rice, and most importantly, pasta? Traditional pasta is a no-go on the keto diet because a mere one-cup serving of cooked spaghetti contains a whopping 37–43 grams of carbs! Even for those aiming for 50 grams of daily carbs, that's just too much. And let's be honest, who stops at just one cup of pasta? Definitely not me!
But fear not, my fellow pasta lovers, for I have discovered ingenious ways to satisfy those pasta cravings without derailing my low-carb lifestyle. While zucchini noodles (or zoodles) were my initial go-to, there are times when a zoodle just doesn't hit the spot. That's where my love affair with hearts of palm noodles began—a game-changer that opened up a whole new world of deliciousness for me, my family, and friends.
Not only do hearts of palm noodles taste amazing, but they also pass the non-keto taste test with flying colors. I've secretly tested numerous recipes on unsuspecting taste testers, and they couldn't tell the difference! Now, let's break down the carb count for various pasta replacements:
- Zucchini noodles: 1 cup has about 4 grams of net carbs.
- Cauliflower: 1 cup has about 3 grams of net carbs.
- Spaghetti squash: 1 cup has about 8 grams of net carbs.
- Butternut squash noodles: 1 cup has about 8 grams of net carbs.
- Hearts of palm noodles: 1 cup has about 2 grams of net carbs.
As you can see, hearts of palm noodles are a fantastic way to enjoy pasta while keeping your carb intake in check!
Now, let me share a personal story about hearts of palm noodles and their universal appeal. My son, who isn't on a keto diet, adores the lasagna I make with these magical noodles. He actually prefers it over traditional lasagna and requests it frequently.
My husband, being the low-key guy he is, rarely raves about anything. However, this dish? He LUVVVVVVS it! He practically licked the bowl clean, and that's saying something! So, rest assured, you can confidently serve this recipe (and the others I'll link below) to your friends and family, even if they're not following a low-carb lifestyle.
Remember, eating keto doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or enjoyment. Embrace the possibilities of low-carb pasta alternatives like hearts of palm noodles, and let your taste buds sing with delight!
In This Post
🥘Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta Ingredients
These are the ingredients necessary to make Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese - I use freshly grate Parmesan cheese and I feel it makes a difference.
- Palmini Linguini - I use these hearts of palm noodles as I feel they closely resemble regular pasta in texture and are very low in carbs.
- Asparagus - try to find the thinnest asparagus spears you can. If needed, you can use a vegetable peeler to peel off the tough outer layer of larger asparagus.
A detailed list with measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.
🔪Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta Instructions
This is a basic breakdown of the steps involved in making Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink, approx 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and allow the chicken to rest.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook until starting to soften, 5 minutes. Add cream, broth, lemon juice, and garlic and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the linguine and toss until combined.
Add the lemon slices. Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Hint: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished dish. It will enhance the citrusy notes and add a refreshing twist to each bite.
Substitutions
- Chicken - instead of chicken breasts, you can switch it up by using other protein options such as shrimp, diced tofu, or even sliced seitan for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
- Herbs - instead of Italian seasoning, try using fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary. Chop them finely and add them to the sauce for a fragrant and herbaceous twist.
- Vegetarian - omit the chicken and more vegetables like sliced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms along with the asparagus to introduce additional colors, flavors, and nutrients.
📖Variations
Giving the visitor ideas on how they can change this recipe to better suit their dinner guests, or their cultural cuisine, is a great way to increase the chances they make the recipe
- Spicy - add a kick of spice by incorporating red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Sprinkle 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper over the chicken breasts while seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Mediterranean - add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Sauté the sun-dried tomatoes and olives with the asparagus, then follow the recipe as directed. Just before serving, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a burst of flavor.
- Pesto - add homemade or store-bought basil pesto. Prepare the recipe as instructed, but omit the Italian seasoning. Instead, stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto along with the cream and broth. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
🍽Equipment
This is the equipment you will need to make Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta.
Storage
Store the leftover Keto Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the quality and taste may start to deteriorate.
For longer-term storage, it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before enjoying.
💭Top tip
If you prefer your asparagus with a little bit of "tooth", add it to the skillet 2 minutes after adding the onion to keep it from getting too soft.
FAQ about Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta
If you prefer different pasta options, you can try using spiralized zucchini, spaghetti squash noodles, or even konjac noodles as a low-carb substitute.
Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken thighs may require a slightly longer cooking duration.
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting heavy cream and cheese with non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream or almond milk creamer, and dairy-free cheese options.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta? Try these:
- Keto Pasta with White Clam Sauce
- Keto Asian Rainbow Noodle Salad
- The BEST Keto Lasagna
- Keto Beef Lo Mein
- Keto Carbonara
- Hearts of Palm Pasta with Spinach Cream Sauce
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Keto Lemon Chicken Asparagus Pasta:
- Roasted Parmesan Pesto Cauliflower
- Green Salad with Creamy Low Carb Lemon Vinaigrette
- Garlic Herb Mushrooms
- Keto Caprese Salad
- Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes with Aioli
Keto Lemon Asparagus Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Avocado or olive oil
- 4 (6-ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- pink salt
- cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning blend
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 lb asparagus stalks trimmed, cut into thirds (quartered if very large)
- 3 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp organic onion powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken bone broth
- 2 lemons 1 juiced and 1 cut in half and then sliced into half-moons
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup Fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 (8-ounce) packages Palmini Low Carb Linguini drained
- fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon (each) of Italian Seasoning.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken and cook until golden and no longer pink, approx 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, tent with foil, and allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Cook until starting to soften, 5 minutes. Add cream, broth, lemon juice, and garlic and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Slice chicken into strips.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese. When completely combined, stir in the mozzarella cheese and let cook until melted.
- Add the linguine and toss until combined.
- Add the lemon slices.
- Top with sliced chicken and garnish with parsley.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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DD
We cannot find the recipe card on this page that gives the detailed measurements of each ingredient. Would love to make this one day.
bobbiskozykitchen
I have fixed the recipe card now. I am sorry for the trouble! I hope you enjoy the recipe!!