Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cream sauce that clings perfectly to al dente penne pasta. I whip this up whenever I need a quick dinner that feels special. One time, I made it for a cozy dinner party, and it was such a hit that everyone went back for seconds (or thirds!). Trust me, the combination of flavors is just magical, and it’s so easy to make! You’re going to love how it turns an ordinary weeknight into something extraordinary in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First off, let’s cook the penne pasta! Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and toss in the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but make sure to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’ll come in handy later!
- While the pasta’s cooking, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and no longer pink in the center. You’ll love the sizzle!
- Next, add the minced garlic, chopped asparagus, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the veggies are tender and vibrant. Oh, the aroma at this point is just heavenly!
- Now it’s time to add the creamy goodness! Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken up a bit. It should look rich and luscious!
- Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, don’t hesitate to use that reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve it hot. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne is a total game changer! First off, it’s incredibly quick to whip up—you’re looking at just 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen!
The combination of tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and earthy mushrooms creates a flavor explosion that’s just mouthwatering. And oh, that creamy texture? It’s so satisfying that every bite feels like a little indulgence. You’ll find yourself wanting to savor every forkful!
Plus, this recipe is surprisingly versatile! Whether you’re catering to gluten-free friends or just looking for a dish that everyone can enjoy, it fits the bill beautifully. You can easily swap out the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta, making it a fantastic option for various diets. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll keep coming back for more!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to elevate this dish:
- Choosing the right pasta: While penne is my go-to, don’t hesitate to experiment with other pasta shapes! Fusilli or farfalle can add a fun twist and hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully. Just make sure you don’t overcook it—al dente is the way to go!
- Adjusting cream for richness: If you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and stick to the full cup of heavy cream. But if you want to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute half of the cream with chicken broth or milk. It’ll still be delicious, just a little less rich!
- Using fresh herbs for enhanced flavor: Fresh herbs can take this dish to the next level! I love adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving for that pop of freshness. You could even stir in some thyme or rosemary while cooking for a lovely aromatic touch.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to making this dish even more delightful. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne! Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
- Add different vegetables: Want to sneak in some extra greens? Try tossing in fresh spinach or vibrant bell peppers alongside the asparagus. They’ll not only add color but also a delightful crunch!
- Substitute chicken: Feeling like a seafood twist? Swap out the chicken for succulent shrimp—you’ll love how they soak up that creamy sauce! Or, if you’re looking for a plant-based option, try using tofu. Just make sure to press it to remove excess moisture and give it a nice sear!
- Experiment with different cheeses: Parmesan is fantastic, but why stop there? Adding a bit of goat cheese or creamy feta right before serving can bring a whole new depth of flavor. You could even try a sprinkle of mozzarella for that gooey, melty goodness!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. Cooking is all about having fun and making it your own!
Nutritional Information Section
Okay, let’s chat about the nutritional info for my creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne! This dish is not just a feast for the taste buds; it’s also packed with a decent balance of nutrients. Here’s a rough idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: Around 540
- Fat: Approximately 30g
- Protein: About 30g
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
These values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you choose, but this should give you a solid benchmark. It’s a hearty dish that can keep you satisfied without feeling overstuffed, perfect for a lovely dinner! Enjoy every delicious bite while knowing you’re treating yourself well!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a big batch of creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne and now you’ve got some delicious leftovers—yay! Let’s make sure you store them properly so you can enjoy every last bite later on.
First off, let your creamy penne cool down to room temperature before storing. Once it’s cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This is key to keeping that creamy texture intact! You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for a longer time, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Now, let’s talk reheating. For the best results, I recommend reheating on the stovetop. Just add your leftovers to a skillet over medium heat and stir gently as it warms up. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or that reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess. You want it to be hot all the way through, but not boiling, to preserve that velvety sauce.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also use the microwave! Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely (to avoid splatter), and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. Remember, slow and steady wins the race here to keep that creamy goodness from getting too hot too fast! Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for its ability to hold that creamy sauce, you can definitely swap it out for any pasta shape you enjoy. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti will work wonderfully. Just keep an eye on the cooking times to make sure it’s perfectly al dente!
How can I make it dairy-free?
No problem! To make this dish dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cream alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream, which will give you that creamy texture without the dairy. For the cheese, try using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute. It’ll still be delicious!
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing touch. Garlic bread is another fantastic option to soak up that lovely sauce!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to make the sauce and combine everything. Just be mindful that the pasta may soak up some sauce if left too long, so consider keeping the sauce separate until you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, just add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that creamy texture!
Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne in 30 Minutes!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and savory dish featuring chicken, asparagus, and mushrooms served over penne pasta.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, asparagus, and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, use fresh herbs.
- Adjust the cream quantity for desired richness.
- Can substitute penne with any pasta of your choice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne
