Baked Chicken Asparagus in Garlic Cream Sauce
Description
Tender, juicy chicken breasts are baked with fresh asparagus in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce for an easy, comforting dinner. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden.
- Arrange the chicken and asparagus in the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds. Stir in the heavy cream, onion powder, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Pour the garlic cream sauce evenly over the chicken and asparagus.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may need an extra 5–10 minutes of baking time.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and creamy.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or green beans are excellent additions to the creamy garlic sauce.