The aroma of sautéed mushrooms mingling with tender chicken wafts through the kitchen as I prepare this delicious dish. Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms the soul like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
Picture this: your friends gather around the table, forks at the ready, their eyes lighting up at the sight of this luscious pasta. The anticipation builds as they dive in, and you can practically hear their taste buds sing. It’s a dish meant for celebration—be it a Tuesday night or a festive gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne comes together quickly for easy weeknight meals
- The rich flavors blend beautifully, making every bite unforgettable
- Its vibrant colors make it stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying with family during cozy nights in
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my family devoured it in minutes Their delighted faces were priceless as they asked for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts depending on your crew’s appetite; these are key to the protein punch.
- Fettuccine or Penne Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; both work well in soaking up that creamy sauce.
- Fresh Asparagus: Select firm stalks; they’ll add crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Mushrooms: Use cremini or button mushrooms; their earthy flavor really enhances the dish.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the magic happens; it creates that dreamy sauce everyone adores.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it adds a rich umami flavor that elevates everything.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for boosting flavor; don’t skimp on them
- Olive Oil: A splash will keep things moist while sautéing your ingredients.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential staples for seasoning at every stage of cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 6-7 minutes per side.
Add Garlic & Mushrooms: Toss in minced garlic along with sliced mushrooms into the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until mushrooms soften and garlic becomes fragrant—about 3-4 minutes.
Mix in Asparagus: Add chopped asparagus pieces into the skillet, stirring them alongside mushrooms for another 3-4 minutes until they brighten up but still have some crunch.
Create the Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet along with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely into that velvety goodness—about 2-3 minutes.
Toss Everything Together: Return cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it well with all components so every piece gets coated in that luscious sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary
Now you’ve got yourself an incredible plate of creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne
Enjoy making this delightful dish that will surely earn you rave reviews from family and friends alike
You Must Know
- This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is not only delicious but also quick to whip up
- The combination of flavors creates a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in the juices, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time, making your dinner service smoother and more efficient.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out asparagus for broccoli or add sun-dried tomatoes for a splash of color. Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or goat cheese to customize your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne to your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive that luscious sauce.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F
- Sauté mushrooms until golden brown for enhanced flavor and texture
- If pasta seems dry, don’t hesitate to add extra cream or broth for moisture
Creating this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne was a game-changer during my last dinner party; everyone came back for seconds, and I felt like a culinary superhero.
FAQ
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used; just adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne is ideal, but any short pasta like fusilli or farfalle will work well too.
Is there a vegetarian version of creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne?
Absolutely! Use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken for a hearty vegetarian option.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and savory mushrooms enveloped in a velvety cream sauce. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
- 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet; sauté for 3-4 minutes until mushrooms soften.
- Stir in chopped asparagus; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until bright green.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return cooked pasta to the skillet; mix well to coat with sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
