If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor, then let me introduce you to my creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne! This delightful pasta dish is such a crowd-pleaser in my home, and I can’t get enough of its rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats each piece of penne. The combination of tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze—who doesn’t love that? I often whip this up on busy weeknights or when I have friends over, and it never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
For this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what to gather:
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (I love using cremini for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup heavy cream for that luscious, creamy texture
- 1 cup chicken broth to add depth and richness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- Salt to taste (I usually go for a couple of pinches)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked, if you can!)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, for that cheesy goodness
Make sure you have everything prepped before you start cooking—chop those veggies and dice the chicken. It makes the cooking process so much smoother and enjoyable!
How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
Let’s get cooking! This creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne comes together in just a few simple steps, so grab your apron and let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. I usually like to boil it until it’s al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to salt the water; it makes a world of difference!
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Make sure there’s no pink left in the center!
- Next, toss in the chopped asparagus and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, until the veggies are tender and vibrant. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and bring it all to a gentle simmer. This will help to deglaze the pan and pick up all those tasty bits stuck to the bottom.
- Now, it’s time for the star of the show—add in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
- Finally, mix in the cooked penne and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the pasta is coated in that luscious sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Yum!
- Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!
Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process, so take your time and have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Deliciously creamy and rich flavors that everyone will rave about.
- All-in-one meal with protein, veggies, and pasta—no need for sides!
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins for variety.
- Great for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips I’ve learned along the way!
- Cook your pasta al dente: This means it should still have a slight bite to it. It’ll continue cooking a bit when you mix it with the sauce, and trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta!
- Don’t skimp on seasoning: A couple of pinches of salt and fresh cracked pepper can elevate the flavors tremendously. Taste as you go to find that perfect balance!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh asparagus and mushrooms not only taste better but also add a nice pop of color to your dish.
- Let the sauce simmer: Allowing the heavy cream to simmer a little helps it thicken and become even creamier. It’s worth the wait!
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add in some minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra layer of flavor. It can really brighten up the dish!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each serving of my creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne:
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, feel free to adjust things according to your preferences!
FAQ Section
Can I make this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish and store it in the fridge for a day. Just remember to reheat it gently on the stovetop to keep it creamy!
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Yes, you can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of cooking times—shrimp cooks faster!
What if I don’t have heavy cream? No worries! You can use half-and-half or even a combination of milk and a bit of butter for a lighter version, though it won’t be quite as rich.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free penne pasta, this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne is a delicious gluten-free meal!
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or even peas to make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne, just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or a bit of cream to help loosen up the sauce and keep it nice and creamy. Stir it gently as it warms up to avoid sticking or burning. If you prefer using the microwave, just pop it in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until it’s heated through. Enjoy that creamy goodness all over again!
For more tips on cooking pasta perfectly, check out this guide on cooking pasta.
If you’re interested in exploring more delicious chicken recipes, take a look at this honey garlic glazed chicken recipe.
For a deeper understanding of the nutritional benefits of asparagus, you can read this article on asparagus benefits.
Imprimer
Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A creamy and flavorful dish featuring chicken, asparagus, and penne pasta with mushrooms.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add asparagus and mushrooms, cook until tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Mix in cooked penne and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a different protein.
- Add garlic for extra flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 70g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 95mg
Mots-clés: creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne
