Description

Nothing feels more comforting than a warm bowl of pasta, and this Creamy Chicken Penne with Mushrooms & Asparagus delivers just that. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus come together in a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every bite. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or a special occasion, this dish balances indulgence and freshness effortlessly. Inspired by classic Italian flavors, it’s a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until tender. Stir in asparagus and cook another 3 minutes until bright green and slightly crisp.
Make the cream sauce: Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Combine pasta and chicken: Add cooked penne and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for desired consistency.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken alternatives: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
Vegetable variations: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and color.
Cheese options: Mix Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Lighter version: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes