Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: Add sliced mushrooms and asparagus. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Step 6: Add the cooked penne pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
- Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sauté a minced clove of garlic with the mushrooms and asparagus.
- Substitute asparagus with broccoli or green beans if preferred.
- Use part-skim cream for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative in place of Parmesan.
PrintCreamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
A delicious and creamy chicken penne pasta dish featuring tender sautéed chicken, fresh mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich Parmesan cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté them together for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional minute to blend the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne warm with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute asparagus with green beans or broccoli if preferred.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, mushroom penne, asparagus pasta, easy chicken dinner, Parmesan cream sauce
