Lemon, Garlic, and Asparagus Warm Caprese Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pound mezze (short) penne pasta
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice, or more to taste
• 1/2 large shallot, minced
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large grilled chicken breast, sliced thinly and halved (optional)
• 1 roma (plum) tomato, diced
• 8 leaves fresh basil, torn

Directions

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain.

Place asparagus into a saucepan, add a little water, and place over medium heat; cover pan and let asparagus steam until bright green and tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.

Heat olive oil with butter and lemon juice in a large saucepan over medium-low heat until butter melts; cook and stir shallot in hot oil and butter mixture until it just begins to soften, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir garlic into shallot mixture and cook until shallot and garlic are opaque, 3 more minutes. Stir asparagus and chicken into mixture; cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Toss pasta with chicken and vegetables to combine; mix tomato and basil into salad and serve warm.