Description
A creamy and comforting Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delicious blend of flavors with Italian seasonings and a hint of spice from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and asparagus pieces. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
- Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and butter. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes over the dish if desired. Serve the Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne warm for a comforting and delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and nutritional variety.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne.
