Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor dinner, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked asparagus, and earthy mushrooms all nestled in a rich, velvety cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly al dente penne pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy yet indulgent—and trust me, it’s going to quickly become one of your go-to recipes.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

• Rich & Flavorful: The creamy sauce with the earthy mushrooms, bright asparagus, and savory chicken makes every bite a flavorful experience.
• One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in one skillet, so there’s minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
• Comforting & Filling: This dish is hearty and comforting, making it perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to entertaining friends.
• Easy to Customize: Don’t have asparagus or mushrooms? No problem! You can swap in other veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for this creamy pasta dish. You’ll find everything you need right here in your pantry or fridge!

For the Dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin to cook quickly and evenly.
• Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce. You can substitute with another favorite pasta shape.
• Asparagus: Tender asparagus stalks, cooked to just the right texture, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to the dish.
• Mushrooms: Fresh mushrooms (button or cremini) add an earthy, savory depth to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: This is the secret ingredient to a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and vegetable.
• Parmesan Cheese: A generous helping of freshly grated Parmesan brings saltiness and depth to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic garlic adds a punch of flavor that compliments the creamy base.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus.
• Chicken Broth: A splash of broth to deglaze the pan and add some richness to the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, to taste.

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and fresh flavor to finish off the dish.
• Extra Parmesan: A little more Parmesan on top adds some extra cheesiness and flavor.

Instructions

Ready to make this creamy, dreamy pasta dish? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to package directions. Once it’s cooked, drain it and set aside. Be sure to save a cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften and release their juices. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Add the chicken broth to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Once the broth has reduced slightly, pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back to the pan with the veggies. Toss in the cooked penne pasta and stir to combine. If the sauce looks too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Add Cheese & Finish

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it creamy and delicious. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve & Garnish

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

Nutrition Facts

Note: These values are approximate and based on standard ingredients.

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

• With a Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will complement the richness of the pasta and add a fresh contrast.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that creamy sauce—it’s irresistible!
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with some roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, for added texture and flavor.

Additional Tips

• Use a Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker version of this recipe, use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking it from scratch.
• Swap Out Veggies: If you’re not a fan of asparagus or mushrooms, feel free to swap them for other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer. Fusilli, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work well with creamy sauces.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time, then combine them when you’re ready to eat. Just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to reheat it.

Q3: How can I make this dish lighter?
A3: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for grilled chicken instead of pan-frying. You could also swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta.

Q4: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A4: Yes, this dish can be frozen. Store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra cream or broth if needed.

Q5: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A5: You can use coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or cream cheese to make a slightly tangy sauce. Both will work well to achieve a creamy texture.

Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You could also use a plant-based protein substitute.

Q7: Can I add bacon to this recipe?
A7: Yes! Crisped-up bacon would make an amazing addition to this dish—add it in with the chicken for a smoky flavor.

Q8: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.

Q9: Can I use frozen asparagus or mushrooms?
A9: While fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen asparagus or mushrooms. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before cooking.

Q10: Can I add more cheese to the sauce?
A10: Absolutely! If you love cheese, feel free to add extra Parmesan or even mozzarella for a richer, gooier sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus, all enveloped in a rich and cheesy sauce, it’s a dish that will wow everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!

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