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Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
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Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and elegant weeknight dinner that features tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated with the luscious sauce, delivering a hearty yet light dish that is quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne, for heat
  • Toasted pine nuts, for crunch

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Trim the asparagus and slice the mushrooms. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and measure out the cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta al dente according to package directions.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Mushrooms and Asparagus: In the same skillet, add butter, then add the mushrooms and asparagus. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic halfway through cooking to release its aroma without burning.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and mix the ingredients well. Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use fresh asparagus and mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook penne pasta al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
  • Allow mushrooms to brown fully before adding garlic or other vegetables to develop deeper flavor.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling and keep it smooth.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken penne, creamy mushroom pasta, asparagus pasta, one-pot dinner, quick weeknight meal, creamy chicken pasta, gluten-free pasta recipe

Find it online: https://dishesbylina.com/creamy-mushroom-asparagus-chicken-penne/