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Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

A creamy and flavorful chicken penne pasta dish featuring tender slices of chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a rich Parmesan-infused cream sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic and thyme, this comforting recipe is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz (about 2 cups) penne pasta

Protein

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips

Vegetables

  • 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 bunch asparagus (about 12 spears), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture and become tender. Add the asparagus pieces and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts evenly into the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Add the drained penne pasta and stir well to coat each piece evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy mushroom & asparagus chicken penne to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and aroma. Enjoy immediately while hot!

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a silky texture.
  • Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melting consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream.
  • Make sure not to overcook asparagus to maintain its crunchiness and nutrients.
  • Chicken breasts can be swapped with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken penne, mushroom pasta, asparagus pasta, easy dinner recipe, creamy pasta with chicken, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://hannahdelgado.com/creamy-mushroom-and-asparagus-chicken-penne-recipe/