Introduction to Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering, comforting dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite – Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. This delectable pasta recipe combines tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms and asparagus, all tossed in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s the perfect blend of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds, maybe even thirds!

Table of Contents

The Perfect Comfort Food

There’s just something about a creamy, saucy pasta dish that warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds. The Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is no exception. The silky, Parmesan-infused sauce coats every bite, while the hearty chicken and fresh vegetables make it a complete and nourishing meal.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What sets this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp-tender asparagus create a symphony of deliciousness in every forkful. Plus, the creamy sauce ties it all together, making this dish truly irresistible.

Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

For the Pasta and Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Sauce

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the other delicious components.

Cook Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until the aroma becomes irresistible. Finally, stir in the asparagus pieces and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp.

Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture together, allowing it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Now, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese in until it melts, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the delectable creamy sauce.

Garnish and Serve

For the finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top of the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, if desired. Serve this comforting and flavorful dish hot, and prepare to be met with rave reviews from your family and friends.

Nutritional Information

Calories and Macronutrients

A serving of this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne packs a nutritional punch. Each portion contains approximately 450 calories, with a balanced macronutrient profile of 30g of protein, 40g of carbohydrates, and 20g of fat.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

The key ingredients in this dish – chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus – are all powerhouses of nutrition. Chicken is a lean protein that supports muscle growth and repair, while mushrooms are rich in antioxidants and can boost immune function. Asparagus, on the other hand, is a nutrient-dense vegetable that’s high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne a truly wholesome and satisfying meal.

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Penne

Choosing the Right Pasta

While penne is the pasta of choice in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other short, tubular pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or ziti. The key is to choose a pasta that can effectively capture and hold the creamy sauce.

Cooking Chicken to Perfection

To ensure your chicken is juicy and tender, be sure to slice the breasts into thin, even pieces before cooking. This will help the chicken cook through quickly and evenly, preventing it from drying out.

Sautéing Vegetables for Maximum Flavor

When sautéing the mushrooms and asparagus, be mindful not to overcrowd the skillet. Work in batches if necessary to allow the vegetables to caramelize and develop a delicious, earthy flavor.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne 30 Minutes Easy Delicious

Variations and Substitutions

Using Different Vegetables

If you’re not a fan of asparagus or simply want to switch things up, feel free to substitute other fresh vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Making it Vegetarian

To create a vegetarian version of this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also incorporate additional mushrooms or other heartier vegetables to make the dish more filling.

Alternative Sauces and Cheeses

While the creamy Parmesan sauce in this recipe is absolutely divine, you can experiment with other cheese and sauce variations. Try swapping the Parmesan for Gruyère or mozzarella, or even create a creamy, garlic-infused Alfredo sauce instead.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Sides

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that delectable sauce.

Best Drinks to Accompany

For a perfect pairing, consider serving this pasta dish with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity and freshness of the wine will complement the richness of the creamy sauce.

FAQs About Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

What are the ingredients in pasta and sauce chicken and mushroom?

The key ingredients in this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe include sliced chicken breasts, penne pasta, mushrooms, asparagus, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.

How long does it take to make creamy mushroom pasta?

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne dish can be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, from start to finish. The majority of the time is spent sautéing the vegetables and simmering the creamy sauce.

How to thicken chicken and mushroom sauce?

To thicken the creamy sauce in this recipe, simply let it simmer for a few extra minutes after adding the chicken broth and heavy cream. The sauce will naturally reduce and become more velvety and luscious. You can also stir in a bit of cornstarch or flour to further enhance the thickness if desired.

How many calories are in creamy mushroom penne pasta?

A serving of this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne contains approximately 450 calories. The calorie count can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Conclusion

Recap of the Recipe

The Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and delicious pasta dish that features tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms and asparagus, all tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to delight your taste buds.

Encouragement to Try the Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a cozy, flavor-packed pasta dish that’s sure to impress, look no further than this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. With its irresistible combination of ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a must-try for any home cook. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in a truly exceptional meal!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

Whip Up a Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Today!

Author: Emily Bennett
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering, comforting dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite – Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. This delectable pasta recipe combines tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms and asparagus, all tossed in a rich and creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the other delicious components.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and sauté them for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until the aroma becomes irresistible. Finally, stir in the asparagus pieces and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they’re tender-crisp.

4. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir the mixture together, allowing it to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Now, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese in until it melts, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the delectable creamy sauce.

6. For the finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top of the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, if desired. Serve this comforting and flavorful dish hot, and prepare to be met with rave reviews from your family and friends.

Notes

While penne is the pasta of choice in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other short, tubular pasta shapes, such as rigatoni or ziti.