3largegarlic cloves, finely minced (for about 1 tablespoon total)
4tablespoonsbutter
2cupslow-sodium chicken broth
2tablespoonsfresh lemon juice, from about 1 lemon
2tablespoonschopped fresh chives
2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
1pintgrape or cherry tomatoes, halved
1 (14-ounce)canquartered artichoke hearts
1 (6-ounce)canblack olives, halved
Shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and boil according to package directions. Add the asparagus to the pasta and boiling water for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain the penne and asparagus.
While the pasta is boiling, lightly season the chicken breasts on each side with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken (alternately you can broil in the oven or saute in a skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil) until cooked through, about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
In a 10 or 12-inch skillet (if you used a skillet for the chicken, wipe it out quickly and use it here), melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat and add the shallots and garlic. Saute, stirring often, for 2-3 minutes, until the shallot is soft. Stir in the chicken broth and simmer the mixture until it has reduced to about 1 1/2 cups, anywhere from 6-12 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining butter, a few cubes at a time, swirling the pan to melt before adding more. Stir in the lemon juice, chives and parsley. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.
Transfer the pasta and asparagus to a large bowl or pot. Add the tomatoes, artichokes and olives. Pour the sauce over the top and toss to coat. Serve the pasta with slices of grilled chicken and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.