There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne that can instantly transport you to a cozy Italian restaurant. Imagine twirling that perfectly cooked penne around your fork, savoring the luscious cream sauce dancing with earthy mushrooms and vibrant green asparagus. The aroma wafts through the air like a friendly hug, inviting everyone to gather around the table.

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I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a dinner party. Their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, and I couldn’t help but feel like a culinary superstar. It’s one of those recipes that makes you look like a gourmet chef without requiring years of culinary training! Perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions, this creamy delight is bound to impress.

You know that feeling when you create something delicious and people rave about it? That’s me every time I serve this dish; it’s as if I’ve won culinary bingo!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how hungry your guests are.
• Penne Pasta: Cook until al dente for the best bite; no one likes mushy pasta!
• Fresh Asparagus: Opt for firm stalks with vibrant color; they add crunch and brightness.
• Cremini Mushrooms: These flavorful fungi elevate the dish; slice them thinly for even cooking.
• Heavy Cream: For that dreamy creaminess; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds nutty depth; sprinkle generously before serving.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth; use fresh cloves for maximum flavor impact.
• Olive Oil: A must for sautéing; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to taste.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional): For garnish; adds freshness and color to your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll want everything handy because we’re diving straight into deliciousness!

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by chopping the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and slicing the cremini mushrooms thinly. Mince 2-3 garlic cloves finely so they can release their aromatic goodness while cooking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain it while reserving a cup of pasta water for later.

Sauté Chicken to Perfection: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in some olive oil. Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them into the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side should do it! Remove from pan and let rest.

Add Those Veggies!: In the same skillet with remaining oil (add more if needed), toss in garlic followed by sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté until mushrooms soften and asparagus turns bright green—approximately 3-5 minutes.

Create Your Creamy Sauce : Pour in heavy cream gradually while stirring continuously to combine with veggies. Add in grated Parmesan cheese slowly until melted—this is where magic happens! If it’s too thick, mix in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Toss Everything Together!: Slice resting chicken into strips before adding back into skillet along with cooked penne pasta. Gently toss together until every piece of pasta is coated in that irresistibly creamy sauce.

Your delightful Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is now ready! Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy this meal any day when you’re craving comfort food with flair!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to golden perfection, then cook the penne while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence ensures that everything is hot and ready together, making your dinner time smoother than a jazz saxophonist on a Sunday morning.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out asparagus for broccoli or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses to create your unique twist on this classic dish, because who says you can’t be a culinary Picasso?

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much—it’s like giving your pasta a comforting spa day.

Cooking this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne always brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air along with delicious aromas from the kitchen.

FAQ

Can I use frozen asparagus in this recipe?

Yes, frozen asparagus works but may alter texture slightly; fresh is preferred.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne is ideal due to its ability to hold onto sauce, but feel free to experiment!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything and combine just before serving for optimal freshness.

Print

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms in a rich cream sauce. This quick and delightful dish is perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients: Chop asparagus, slice mushrooms, and mince garlic.
2. Cook the penne: Boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and let rest.
4. Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. Sauté until tender (3-5 minutes).
5. Make the sauce: Gradually stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Combine: Slice chicken into strips, add back to the skillet along with cooked penne. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Swap asparagus for broccoli or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for unique variations.