Description
This creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delightful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and combines wholesome ingredients with bold flavors in a satisfying pasta meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and 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
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- 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. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sliced mushrooms, and chopped asparagus. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and butter. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Final Simmer and Serve: Let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Enhance the dish with additional vegetables such as spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for more flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
