Description
Get ready to dive into a delectable and comforting pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week – Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne! This flavorful creation combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce that coats every bite of the al dente penne pasta. It’s a mouthwatering blend of textures and tastes that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce penne pasta
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the mushrooms have released their juices.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to thicken up, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
5. Finish and Serve: Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to your liking.
Notes
Choose the Right Mushrooms: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are an excellent choice for their rich, earthy flavor, but you can also mix in other varieties like shiitake or portobello for added complexity.
Don’t Overcook the Asparagus: Keep a close eye on the asparagus during the sautéing process to prevent it from becoming limp and overcooked. You want it to retain a nice bite and vibrant green color.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of extra chicken broth or cream to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer a little longer to thicken up.
Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or cheeses to make this dish your own. A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dash of smoked paprika, or a crumble of feta cheese can all add unique twists to the creamy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 572
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 587mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 114mg