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Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
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Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and sophisticated weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and mushrooms in a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it ideal for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch segments
  • 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta (or gluten-free penne for gluten-free option)

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut/cashew cream for dairy-free version)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Seasonings & Herbs

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Trim the asparagus into 1–2 inch segments, clean and slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic and shallots. This prepping saves time later and ensures even cooking.
  2. Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, about 10 minutes depending on the brand. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water for the sauce.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and just cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté shallots and garlic until fragrant, then add mushrooms and asparagus. Cook until tender but still bright and slightly crisp, about 5 minutes.
  5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if you prefer a thinner sauce.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken and penne to the skillet, gently tossing to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use fresh asparagus for the best flavor and texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting the flavor.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer taste.
  • Finish with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil for a bright, fresh note.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, asparagus pasta, mushroom chicken penne, creamy mushroom chicken, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, gluten-free pasta dish

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-mushroom-asparagus-chicken-penne/