Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne 

Description

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting yet fresh pasta dish made with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve guests — a perfect balance of cozy and wholesome.

Servings

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

• 8 oz penne pasta

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Cook the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   Cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until browned and moisture has evaporated.
   Add asparagus and cook 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.
   Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Make the sauce
   Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
   Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
   Stir in Parmesan until smooth and slightly thickened.

5. Combine
   Return chicken to the skillet.
   Add pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

6. Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

• Asparagus should stay slightly crisp for the best texture.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.

• Sauce thickens more as it cools — keep it slightly loose in the pan.

Tips for Best Results

• 🍄 Let mushrooms brown fully before stirring — this adds deep flavor.

• 🧄 Don’t overcook garlic or it will turn bitter.

• 🍝 Always salt your pasta water generously (it flavors the whole dish).

• 🥛 For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~520

• Protein: ~38g

• Carbohydrates: ~42g

• Fat: ~24g

• Fiber: ~4g

(Values may vary based on brands and portions.)

Benefits of This Recipe

• High in protein for satiety

• Includes fiber-rich vegetables

• Balanced comfort food without feeling heavy

• Easy to customize for different diets

Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.

Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: Absolutely — shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, just substitute gluten-free penne.

Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas are great additions.