Description
This Chicken & Asparagus One Skillet Meal is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that combines tender seared chicken breasts with fresh asparagus and a rich sauce made from heavy cream, cream cheese, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, all cooked in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb asparagus, chopped
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (approx 6 breasts)
- 1 tbsp butter
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Other
- Olive oil (for sautéing, approx 1-2 tbsp)
- Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: In a large skillet, add olive oil, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove Aromatics: Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to a plate and set aside to keep warm.
- Sear Chicken: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, 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, cooked onions, 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 chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to cook the chicken through.
- Add Asparagus: Arrange the chopped asparagus around the chicken in the skillet. Cover and simmer on low for another 12 minutes, until the asparagus is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Thicken Sauce: Remove the lid and simmer uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired and serve hot directly from the skillet for a comforting one-pan meal.
Notes
- For more tender chicken, pound the breasts thin before cooking as directed.
- If you prefer, swap out asparagus for green beans or broccoli for a different vegetable option.
- The sauce can be adjusted in thickness by simmering longer or adding a bit more cream cheese.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and texture.
- This meal pairs well with a side of garlic bread or steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
