Let me tell you, my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up on a cozy weeknight! The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, is just pure comfort food magic. It’s rich and satisfying without feeling heavy, making it perfect for any occasion. Plus, it comes together in under an hour, which is a win in my book! Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too. You’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Ingredients List
To make my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, you’ll need the following simple ingredients. I promise, they come together beautifully for a delightful meal!
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking for the best flow. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne! I promise it’s easier than it looks, and every step builds up to that delicious creamy goodness we all crave.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Remember to salt your water—it’s a game changer!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sizzle but not smoke.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Ooh, that smell!
- Next, toss in the diced chicken and cook until browned all over, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Now, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Cook them all together for another 5 minutes, letting those veggies soften up nicely.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. This is where the magic happens!
- Finally, mix in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into that creamy sauce, then fold in the cooked penne. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and you’re ready to serve!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in about 40 minutes!
- Rich, creamy flavor that’s utterly comforting.
- Nutrient-packed with chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne turns out perfectly every time! First, use fresh asparagus and mushrooms for the best flavor—trust me, it makes a difference! When cooking the chicken, ensure it’s in a single layer in the skillet to get that lovely golden color. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; a good pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper really enhances the dish. If you want to elevate the creaminess, feel free to add a splash of white wine when sautéing the garlic. Oh, and remember to reserve a bit of pasta water; it can help loosen the sauce if needed! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is how versatile it is! If you’re in the mood for a little change, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or even some diced tofu for a hearty vegetarian option. You can also play around with different veggies—broccoli, bell peppers, or even spinach would be fantastic additions! For a bit of a kick, toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not use a different type of pasta? Farfalle or fettuccine would work beautifully too. The possibilities are endless—have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. Just add a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream to help bring back that creamy texture—trust me, it works wonders! You can also pop it in the microwave for a quick reheat, but stir it halfway through to ensure even warming. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Each serving of my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is estimated to have about 600 calories, with 30g of fat and 36g of protein. You’ll also get around 50g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber. It’s a satisfying meal that fuels your day without overindulging. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few common ones I hear about my creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne:
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While I love penne, you can use farfalle or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Sure! Just prepare everything up to mixing in the penne, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and finish the recipe!
What if I can’t find asparagus? No worries! You can substitute with broccoli or green beans for a similar crunch and flavor.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Yes! It stores well and makes for a delicious reheatable lunch during the week.
Can I make it dairy-free? You can try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture without the dairy!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy chicken pasta recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta!
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: 7 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add mushrooms and asparagus, cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked penne, mix well, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh asparagus for best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference.
- Can substitute chicken with shrimp for a different protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne
