Catch a whiff of this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne wafting through your kitchen—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! The rich sauce embraces tender pasta while the earthy mushrooms and vibrant asparagus add a delightful crunch that dances with every bite. If you’re looking for a meal that promises to make your taste buds sing in harmony, this dish is your culinary serenade.
Imagine serving this masterpiece at your next family gathering. As you dish it out, you’ll witness the look of awe on everyone’s faces. This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne isn’t just food; it’s the secret ingredient for laughter-filled moments around the table. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday or an extravagant Sunday dinner, this dish promises smiles all around.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a breeze to whip up on busy nights
- The harmonious blend of flavors lets every bite feel like a gourmet experience
- With its appealing colors and textures, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Plus, you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand!
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their delighted reactions made me feel like a Michelin-star chef—if only for that one night.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 pieces will do nicely for four servings; adjust as needed.
- Penne Pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto that creamy sauce—choose whole grain for an extra health kick.
- Fresh Asparagus: Look for firm stalks with bright green tips; they’ll add crunch and color.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work wonderfully; they add an earthy flavor to the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Provides that luxurious creaminess that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor—trust me, pre-grated won’t cut it here.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch in flavor; opt for 2-3 cloves minced.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to sauté your vegetables and enhance flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brings freshness and color when sprinkled on top before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well but reserve some pasta water.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Season 3-4 diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper before cooking until golden brown—about 6-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables : Toss in 1 cup of chopped asparagus and 8 ounces sliced mushrooms into the skillet with the chicken. Stir-fry until tender (around 5-6 minutes) while enjoying the appetizing aroma.
Create the Sauce : Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream along with minced garlic cloves (2-3). Stir continuously until everything melds beautifully; let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Mix Everything Together : Combine cooked penne into your skillet mixture along with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 cup). Mix thoroughly until sauce coats every piece of pasta—feel free to add reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve & Garnish : Plate your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne while hot! Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for added flair before digging in.
Now you’ve got yourself an incredible meal that not only tastes divine but also tells stories of comfort with every bite! Happy cooking!
You Must Know
- The creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a delightful dish that combines the earthiness of mushrooms with the crispness of asparagus
- It’s quick to make, and its rich flavors will tantalize your taste buds and impress your dinner guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, start by searing the chicken first. While it cooks, prepare your pasta and sauce simultaneously for ultimate efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables like peas or spinach for a fresh twist. Adding grated Parmesan or a splash of white wine can elevate the dish even further.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to preserve creaminess, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne turns out perfectly, remember to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor
- Cooking pasta al dente will provide a nice bite, while letting it absorb some sauce enhances taste
- Don’t rush when sautéing; let those mushrooms develop their rich flavor!
Cooking this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne always brings back memories of dinner parties where friends exclaimed, “This is restaurant-quality!” Their smiles fill my heart with joy every time.
FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer will work just fine.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What should I serve with creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne?
A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully with this creamy dish for a complete meal.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting pasta dish that blends tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus in a rich cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add asparagus and mushrooms; sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender.
- Stir in minced garlic and heavy cream; let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add cooked penne and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, mixing thoroughly. Adjust creaminess with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1½ cups (350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
