Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne! This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings all the cozy vibes to your kitchen. Picture this: tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, dotted with earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus. Trust me, the flavors blend together like a warm hug, and it all comes together in just about 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You can easily whip it up for a family dinner or impress guests at a casual get-together. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients List
To make my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (I love using cremini for extra flavor!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (don’t skimp on this for that aromatic goodness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (this makes the sauce so rich and dreamy)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always best!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect sauté)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your liking!)
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, delicious dish that you’ll absolutely love. Make sure to use the freshest produce you can find for the best flavor!
How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Alright, let’s get cooking! This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne comes together in a snap, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. First things first, cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to season the water with a pinch of salt—trust me, it makes a difference!
While that’s boiling away, grab a large skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and browned. This is where all that delicious flavor starts! Just make sure the chicken is cooked through—no one likes undercooked poultry.
Next, it’s time to add your minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and chopped asparagus. Sauté everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the veggies are tender and the kitchen smells heavenly. Now comes the creamy part! Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it’s perfectly melted into that luscious sauce.
Finally, toss in your cooked penne and give everything a good stir to coat the pasta in that creamy goodness. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, and voila! Serve it hot, and get ready to enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne! This dish packs a flavorful punch while still being a satisfying meal. Each serving contains approximately 550 calories, with 30 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 45 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it has 3 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and if you’re counting macros or calories, you might want to adjust based on your specific ingredients. It’s a comforting dish that balances indulgence with nutrition!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Creamy, rich flavors that make every bite comforting and satisfying.
- Packed with protein from chicken and filled with nutritious veggies like asparagus and mushrooms.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat.
- Customizable to suit your taste—add your favorite herbs or spices!
Tips for Success
To ensure your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my go-to tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the chicken; letting it get that golden crust adds amazing flavor to the dish. Also, when you add the garlic, be careful not to let it burn—just a minute or two until fragrant is all you need!
For the veggies, I recommend using fresh asparagus and mushrooms for the best taste and texture. If you want an extra boost of flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when you sauté the veggies—yum! And don’t forget to taste your sauce before serving; adjusting the salt and pepper can elevate the entire dish. Lastly, if you have leftovers, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top just before serving will make it look and taste even more delightful. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne! For a pop of flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed spinach for some extra greens. You could also swap the asparagus for broccoli or even zucchini for a different texture. If you want to kick it up a notch, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat or fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a fresh twist. And for a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, I love to pair it with a few delightful sides that really complement the dish. A crisp, fresh green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast. You could also serve it with some garlic bread for that perfect dipping experience—who can resist? And if you want to elevate the meal, a glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, works wonders with the creamy sauce. Trust me, these pairings will make your dinner feel extra special!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact! First, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days—perfect for a quick meal later on!
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, reheating is a breeze. You can warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or extra cream to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Just stir occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave; just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters and heat it in short increments, stirring in between. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the flavor and richness will vary a bit.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe? Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies. Broccoli, spinach, or even bell peppers can make great additions to your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! As long as you use gluten-free penne pasta, this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a delicious gluten-free option for everyone to enjoy.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Store it in an airtight container, and it should keep well for about a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Imprimer
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Delight in 30 Minutes
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A delicious creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne dish.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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 garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. Cook until tender.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Toss in cooked penne and combine well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your preference.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 100mg
Mots-clés: creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne
