Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting, restaurant-quality pasta packed with tender chicken, fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce & Vegetables:
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté mushrooms and asparagus for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
4️⃣ Add Garlic & Build the Sauce:
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5️⃣ Melt the Cheese & Thicken:
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
6️⃣ Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to absorb flavors.
7️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Want Extra Flavor? Add a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap in Greek yogurt for extra protein.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes