Oh wow, let me tell you about my creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Just picture perfectly cooked penne coated in a velvety cream sauce, mingling with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart feel full. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it over and over again!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne! It’s really straightforward, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easily it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal that’s sure to impress!
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in 2 cups of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually about 11-12 minutes for that perfect al dente bite. Keep an eye on it, and don’t forget to stir occasionally! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. A little tip: drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil on the pasta to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful here; you don’t want to overcook the garlic! It can turn bitter if it gets too brown.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to turn golden brown and be cooked through. Trust me, getting that nice sear on the chicken adds so much flavor!
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now it’s time to add in the fun stuff—toss in 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 cup of cut asparagus. Give them about 5 minutes to cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still vibrant. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully. Oh my goodness, this is where the magic happens!
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and gently mix everything until the pasta is well coated in that luscious cream sauce. You want every bite to be flavorful!
Step 7: Season and Serve
Finally, season your dish with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last stir, and it’s ready to serve! I love to plate it up with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a dash of black pepper on top. It looks gorgeous and tastes even better. Enjoy your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- The creamy sauce is outrageously flavorful and satisfying.
- Using fresh asparagus and mushrooms adds a lovely crunch and earthiness.
- One pot means less clean-up, so you can enjoy more time at the table!
- This dish is versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for family gatherings or dinner parties.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a fantastic meal prep choice.
Tips for Success
To make your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne truly shine, I’ve got a few pro tips that will elevate your dish to the next level!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh asparagus and mushrooms make a world of difference in flavor and texture. Whenever possible, opt for fresh over frozen to really enhance your dish.
- Quality Cream: Don’t skimp on the heavy cream! A good quality cream will give you that rich, luscious texture you’re looking for. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! Taste as you go to ensure your dish is perfectly seasoned. A little sprinkle of salt can elevate all those wonderful flavors!
- Cook the Chicken Right: Make sure your chicken is browned nicely. This not only adds flavor but also gives a lovely color to your dish. Remember, golden is good!
- Pasta Timing: When cooking the penne, aim for al dente—this means it will have a slight bite to it, which is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce without getting mushy.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow your cream sauce to simmer a bit longer if needed. The longer it simmers, the more it thickens and the flavors meld beautifully together.
- Garnish for Flair: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top just before serving. It adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness that complements the dish wonderfully.
With these tips, you’ll create a creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne that’s not only delicious but also a true showstopper at your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When you’re indulging in my creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne, you might be curious about what you’re putting on your plate. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, so you can enjoy every delicious bite while keeping an eye on your health!
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This dish packs a punch with protein while still being comforting and satisfying. Enjoy it guilt-free, and remember that balance is key in any delicious meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love penne for this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape like fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the chicken but before adding the cream. It adds a lovely depth of flavor! You can also throw in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic touch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare everything up to mixing in the cream sauce, and then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the mixture on the stove, add the cooked penne, and stir until warmed through. Just remember that the sauce may thicken a bit more as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of milk or more cream when reheating.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little cream or milk to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap out the chicken for some hearty veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, and use vegetable broth instead of cream for a lighter version. You can still keep that creamy texture by adding in some cream cheese or cashew cream if you like!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne, you might find yourself with some delicious leftovers. Lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly so you can savor that creamy goodness later.
First things first, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors locked in and prevents any unwanted odors from mingling in your fridge. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it tastes!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, it’s best to reheat them on the stovetop. Simply add the creamy penne to a skillet over low heat. If the sauce has thickened up a bit, don’t worry! Just stir in a splash of milk or a bit more cream as you heat it up. This will help bring back that lovely creamy texture. Stir occasionally until it’s warmed through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
And there you have it! A quick and easy way to enjoy your creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne even after the first serving.
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