This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a perfect comfort meal! Tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms come together in a rich sauce over pasta.
Honestly, who can resist a dish that combines pasta and cream? I love making this for dinner—I just toss everything in one pan for an easy clean-up. Yummy and simple! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds sauce really well! If you’re out of penne, try using rigatoni or fusilli for a similar experience. Gluten-free penne works great too if you need a gluten-free option.
Chicken Breast: Skinless boneless chicken breast is perfect here. For a change, use turkey breast or even shrimp for a different protein. Grilling leftover chicken can also add great flavor!
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds crunch. If asparagus isn’t available, green beans or spinach can be a good alternative. Both will bring a nice color and texture to the dish.
Mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms are ideal for their flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can leave them out or use a different mushroom like shiitake or even canned mushrooms in a pinch.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk with a little cornstarch for thickness. Coconut cream is a great non-dairy alternative, giving a unique twist to the flavor!
How Can I Cook Chicken Perfectly Every Time?
Cooking chicken can be tricky! Follow these steps to ensure it’s tender and flavorful:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Cut the chicken into thin strips to ensure quicker and even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to allow the chicken to brown properly.
- Check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be white all the way through with no pink left.
Resting the chicken for a couple of minutes after cooking keeps it juicy. Enjoy your well-cooked chicken!
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll need about 10 minutes to cook the pasta and 20 minutes to sauté everything and combine the ingredients. It’s a quick and delicious meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside for later. This will be the base of your creamy dish!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken strips into the skillet and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook everything for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and fragrant.
4. Add the Asparagus:
Now, toss in the asparagus pieces and keep cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still have a little crunch to them.
5. Create the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, stir in the heavy cream, allowing it to gently simmer as well. This will be the creamy base for your dish!
6. Combine Ingredients:
Now, return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the cooked penne pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines beautifully with the sauce.
7. Season and Serve:
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Serve your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne right away, garnished with fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese if you like!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely first. The safest way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can place the chicken in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for a quicker thaw.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be a bit lighter and not as creamy. For a richer flavor, you can mix equal parts of milk and sour cream. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent curdling.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the chicken with a protein of your choice, such as tofu or tempeh. You can also swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a hearty meal!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the pasta from drying out.
