Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner—creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine tender chicken mingling with fresh asparagus and earthy mushrooms all coated in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s pure comfort food! I remember the first time I made this for my family; the moment they took a bite, the room filled with “Mmm” and “Wow!” It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together around the table, and it always sparks joy. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive into making this deliciousness happen!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Alright, let’s get cooking! This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne comes together in just a few simple steps. Trust me, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish on your table in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that penne pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of penne and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite to it! Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Don’t forget to reserve a splash of the pasta water in case you need to loosen up the sauce later!
Sautéing the Chicken
Now, in a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (2 cloves) and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—oh, the smell is heavenly! Next, toss in the diced chicken (1 pound), seasoning it with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear. Yum!
Adding Vegetables
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, it’s time to add some color! Stir in the sliced mushrooms (1 cup) and the asparagus pieces (1 cup, cut into 2-inch pieces). Cook them for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re tender. You’ll see the mushrooms start to release their juices, and the asparagus will brighten in color. That’s when you know you’re on the right track!
Creating the Creamy Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour in the 2 cups of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the creamy goodness happens! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup) until it melts into that luscious sauce. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and creamy. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—heavenly!
Combining the Dish
Finally, let’s bring it all together! Add the cooked penne back into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that dreamy sauce. If it looks a bit thick, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. I like to add a little more pepper for a kick!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy delight hot, and don’t be shy with garnishing! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top makes it look so inviting. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Trust me, your family and friends will be raving about this dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy flavors that are simply irresistible.
- Loaded with healthy ingredients like asparagus and chicken.
- Comforting and satisfying, making it a family favorite.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Pasta dishes like this always bring everyone together around the table.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne turns out as fabulous as it sounds! Here are some pro tips that I swear by:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh asparagus and mushrooms make a world of difference! They add vibrant flavor and crunch that frozen or canned just can’t match. Plus, fresh ingredients are key to that delicious, bright taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente! Remember, the pasta will continue to cook a bit when you toss it with the sauce, so it’s better to pull it off the heat just a tad early. Nobody likes mushy pasta, right?
- Season at Every Step: Season your chicken well, and don’t forget to taste as you go! A pinch of salt and pepper here and there will elevate the flavors and make sure everything is well-balanced.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you find the sauce a little too thick, that reserved pasta water is your best friend! Just a splash can help loosen it up without sacrificing flavor.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Try adding a bit of mozzarella or even a sprinkle of goat cheese for added creaminess and a unique twist.
- Save Some for Later: This dish is just as delicious the next day! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container, and enjoy the flavors melding overnight. Just a quick reheat and you’re good to go!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making a creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne that everyone will be raving about. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients from the chicken and veggies. Enjoy every creamy, comforting bite knowing it’s a satisfying meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my go-to for this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, you can easily swap it out for other pasta types. Fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta work beautifully too! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require slightly different boiling times. You want them perfectly al dente, just like always!
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can totally make this dish vegetarian! Instead of chicken, try using firm tofu or tempeh for a protein boost. Just cube the tofu and sauté it until golden and crispy before adding the veggies. You could also throw in some chickpeas for an extra protein punch! The creamy sauce will still be just as delicious with your favorite plant-based protein!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen it up if it thickens up a bit in the fridge!
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a light soup for a well-rounded meal. If you want to impress, serve with a glass of white wine—it’s the perfect complement to the flavors!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! You can cook everything up to the point before adding the penne and then store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the chicken and veggie mixture, add the cooked penne, and stir in the cream and cheese. It’ll taste just as wonderful, and you’ll save so much time on busy weeknights!
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a delicious pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Add mushrooms and asparagus to the skillet. Cook until tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus for the best flavor.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne
