Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. This meal is not only delicious but also easy to make. It’s perfect for any day of the week and impresses anyone at the dinner table. You’ll love the rich flavors of mushrooms and asparagus that complement the chicken perfectly while the creamy sauce brings everything together.
how to make Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
how to serve Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
You can serve this dish immediately while it’s hot. It pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. For a touch of freshness, top each serving with additional chopped parsley.
how to store Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
tips to make Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken broth or cream as desired.
variation
You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or even use grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version. Adding crushed red pepper can give it a nice kick if you enjoy some spice.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like fettuccine or rotini.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Just store them separately and mix them together before serving.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish because the cream sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken breast with salt and pepper, then cook in olive oil until browned and cooked through; remove and slice.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the diced shallot and minced garlic until fragrant, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
- Stir in the asparagus and cook for a few minutes until it is tender-crisp.
- If using, deglaze the pan with white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, and simmer until reduced.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Return the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the pan, then add Parmesan cheese and some reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Stir everything to combine, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.