Introduction
When you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that brings together creamy textures, savory chicken, and fresh vegetables, look no further than this Creamy Chicken, Mushroom, and Asparagus Penne. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus all coated in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta, it’s a meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy pasta dish is guaranteed to please!
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound penne pasta
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of spice)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the asparagus is slightly tender but still crisp.
Make the Cream Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Divide the creamy chicken, mushroom, and asparagus penne among plates. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serve with Garlic Bread: This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with some garlic bread on the side to soak up the sauce. It’s a great way to elevate the meal and make it even more satisfying.
Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce from drying out.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: For a simpler cleanup, you can make this dish in one pot by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce. Just add the uncooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, and cook it until al dente, adding extra liquid as necessary.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, some freshly cracked black pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can enhance the flavor and make the dish even more exciting.
Variants
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
Spicy Chicken Penne: Add some heat to the dish by including a finely chopped jalapeño or a teaspoon of chili flakes in the sauce. This will give the creamy pasta a nice, spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Mushroom and Chicken Alfredo: For a richer, more decadent dish, add a little more cream and Parmesan cheese to make it more like a traditional Alfredo sauce. You could also stir in some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle. Penne works well because its hollow shape helps trap the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment with different shapes.
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