Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: This recipe is packed with vibrant vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms, which add a burst of flavor and color.
Ease of Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this dish is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Nutrition: Lean chicken and fresh vegetables make this meal a healthy option without sacrificing taste.
Versatility: You can easily customize the dish by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the creaminess to your liking.
Presentation: The creamy sauce, colorful vegetables, and pasta come together beautifully on the plate, making it great for dinner parties or family gatherings.

This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is sure to steal the show!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: 30 minutes
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Trim and cut the asparagus, slice the mushrooms, mince the garlic, and cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add the asparagus and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables until they become tender, around 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and sauté for an additional minute, allowing its aromatic flavors to fill the air.
Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the prepared penne pasta. Gently stir to combine all ingredients and ensure everything is heated through.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

How to Serve

Presentation: Serve in large bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme for color.
Accompaniments: Pair with a light green salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Portions: This recipe serves about 4, making it great for family dinners.
Beverage Pairing: A crisp white wine or sparkling water enhances the meal beautifully.

It’s sure to impress your guests!

Additional Tips

Flavor Enhancement: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Customization: Swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of flavor.

Recipe Variations

Mushroom and Spinach: Substitute spinach for asparagus and add fresh mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Sundried Tomato: Mix in chopped sundried tomatoes for a tangy flavor boost.
Pesto Penne: Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto for a herby kick.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the pasta separately from the sauce. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Special Equipment

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet for cooking
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen asparagus and mushrooms can be used. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta options without losing taste.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and add the pasta right before serving.
What if I want to customize flavors?
Feel free to add herbs like basil or switch up the protein to suit your taste.
Are there alternative cooking methods?
Yes, you could cook the penne in a pressure cooker for a quicker option.

Conclusion

This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or even a casual weeknight meal. With its beautiful presentation and delicious taste, this recipe is bound to impress everyone at your table. You’ll be excited to make it again and again!

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

A delightful combination of fresh ingredients and comforting flavors, this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta and Chicken

1 pound penne pasta
1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper

Vegetables and Sauce

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Preparation

Prepare all ingredients: trim and cut asparagus, slice mushrooms, mince garlic, and cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

Cooking

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same pan, add asparagus and mushrooms. Cook until tender, around 5 minutes.
Add minced garlic to the vegetables and sauté for an additional minute.
Reduce heat to medium and pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and thyme. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the prepared penne pasta. Gently stir to combine and ensure everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

Notes

For flavor enhancement, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice. You can customize by swapping chicken for shrimp or tofu. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze separately for up to 2 months.