Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a rich, creamy sauce, all tossed together with penne pasta. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or any variety)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning (if using).
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil or butter if needed and sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
- Add the asparagus pieces and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is tender but still bright green.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to combine with the creamy sauce and vegetables.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Divide the creamy chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus pasta onto serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- Chicken Thighs: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- Pasta Variations: Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and color.
- Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
This Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus is a rich and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s sure to please the whole family!