If you’re craving a comforting pasta dish with a creamy, savory sauce, Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect recipe to try. The combination of tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and a rich, velvety cream sauce makes this dish a flavorful and satisfying meal. The penne pasta soaks up the creamy sauce, while the earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus add a burst of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful meal!
Ingredients Breakdown
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast: The chicken breast serves as the protein base for this dish, offering lean and tender meat that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. It’s sautéed until golden brown for added flavor.
Penne Pasta: The penne pasta is the perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce. Its ridges help trap the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a bright, slightly crisp texture that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce. The asparagus is sautéed just until tender, maintaining its vibrant green color.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor and a soft, meaty texture that complements the chicken and pasta. They’re sautéed until golden, adding richness to the dish.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream forms the base of the creamy sauce, giving it a luscious, velvety texture. It creates a rich, indulgent sauce that perfectly coats the pasta and vegetables.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese is added to the sauce to enhance its flavor and help thicken the sauce. It adds a savory, nutty note that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth to the dish, infusing the sauce with a delicious savory flavor.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus, giving the dish a subtle richness and ensuring that everything cooks evenly.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is used to deglaze the pan and add moisture to the sauce. It also brings additional savory depth to the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings help bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. Add them to taste for balance.
Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley is optional but adds a bright, herbaceous touch to the dish, making it look beautiful and adding a bit of freshness to balance the richness of the cream sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook them for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if necessary, and sauté the sliced mushrooms over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown. Add the chopped asparagus and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the pan with the mushrooms and asparagus and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then, add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce. Add the sliced chicken and stir to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Once everything is combined and heated through, divide the creamy chicken, mushroom, and asparagus penne into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. The total preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20-25 minutes. The dish can be ready in just under 40 minutes.
Equipment Needed: Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Variations and Customizations
While Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize the dish to suit your preferences:
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to sauté them along with the asparagus and mushrooms.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to give it a spicy kick. This will add some heat to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Use Different Pasta: If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to substitute penne with rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Use Different Proteins: If you want to switch up the protein, try using shrimp, turkey breast, or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and consider using a leaner protein like skinless chicken thighs or even a vegetarian alternative like mushrooms and tofu.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, swap the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free Version: To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free penne pasta.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts per serving of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne (assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 570 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 660 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Don’t Overcook the Asparagus: Asparagus can become mushy if overcooked. Aim to cook it until it’s just tender but still crisp to maintain its fresh texture and vibrant green color.
Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated cheese. It melts better and adds a creamier texture to the sauce.
Add a Protein Boost: If you want to make the dish more hearty, you can add extra chicken or top the pasta with a fried egg for added protein.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta and assemble the dish right before serving to keep the pasta from becoming soggy.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and using plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. You can also load up on more vegetables for added texture.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in a small amount of hot sauce to bring heat to the dish.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can freeze the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, but the cream sauce may separate when reheated. It’s best to freeze just the chicken and vegetables, then cook the pasta and sauce fresh.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked. It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can try using other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect dish for a rich, comforting dinner. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful vegetables come together in a way that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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