Let me tell you, creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is one of those dishes that just wraps you in a warm hug! I remember the first time I made it; my friends came over for dinner, and we ended up devouring the whole pot. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus all swimming in a luscious creamy sauce is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so quick to whip up—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on this delightful pasta dish!

Ingredients List

• 8 oz penne pasta (cooked according to package instructions)
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (I love using cremini for extra flavor!)
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh is best, but frozen works too!)
• 2 cups heavy cream (for that rich, creamy texture)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, please!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)

How to Prepare Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions—usually about 10-12 minutes. You want it al dente, so don’t overcook! Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside. This is where the magic begins!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it’s fragrant. Wow, the smell of garlic is just heavenly, isn’t it? Just be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now, toss in the diced chicken breast. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. You want that chicken to be juicy and flavorful. Trust me, this step is crucial for that hearty base!

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Next up, add the sliced mushrooms and cut asparagus to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the veggies are tender. The colors will brighten the dish, and the aroma will be absolutely inviting. You’ll love how fresh it all looks!

Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the creamy goodness. The sauce should be smooth and luscious—perfect for coating that penne!

Step 6: Combine Pasta

Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, mixing everything well. Make sure each piece of pasta is coated in that creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir. It’s time for a taste test—yum!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my go-to tips:

• Don’t rush the sauté: Taking your time to sauté the garlic and chicken properly ensures a depth of flavor that really elevates the dish. Golden brown is your friend!
• Mix up the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even peas! They’ll add a pop of color and nutrition.
• Cheese matters: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged will make a noticeable difference in flavor and creaminess. Trust me, it’s worth it!
• Spice it up: If you crave a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. It’s a fun twist!
• Make it lighter: If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a lighter cream alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to get the right consistency.
• Perfect leftovers: When storing leftovers, keep the pasta and sauce separate to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce. Just reheat gently on the stove—you want that creamy goodness to shine!

Remember, this dish is all about making it your own. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and ingredients until it feels just right for you!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey there, just a quick note! The nutritional information provided for the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, it’s not set in stone! For the most accurate nutritional values, like calories and fat content, I always recommend checking the labels on your ingredients or consulting a nutritionist. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal while staying informed about what’s in it. Happy cooking!

FAQ Section

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch to thicken it up. It won’t be quite as rich, but it still adds a lovely creaminess to the sauce. You could also try using Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that these substitutes might alter the texture slightly, but they can still yield a delicious dish!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce, you can swap it out for other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different types of pasta have varying boil durations. You want that perfect al dente texture, so adjust accordingly and taste as you go!

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, simply transfer the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Just give it a good stir, and you’ll be back in pasta heaven in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights!
• Flavor-packed: The combination of savory chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus creates a symphony of delicious flavors.
• Creamy goodness: The rich, creamy sauce wraps around every bite, making it utterly comforting!
• Customizable: You can easily mix in your favorite veggies or adjust the cheese for a personal touch.
• Family-friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults—everyone loves a good pasta dish!
• Impressive yet simple: This dish looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s simple enough for any home cook to master.

Serving Suggestions

To make your meal with creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne even more delightful, consider adding a few complementary side dishes or salads. Here are some of my favorites:

• Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with warm, crusty garlic bread to scoop up that creamy sauce. It’s a classic pairing that everyone loves!
• Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crispy romaine, crunchy croutons, and a zesty dressing adds a nice crunch to the meal. Plus, the flavors really complement the pasta!
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve a side of roasted seasonal vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots, for an extra boost of color and nutrition. The sweetness from the roasting pairs beautifully!
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is a great option for adding a pop of green to your plate. It’s simple, healthy, and balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can brighten up the meal and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.

Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your mood and what you have on hand. The goal is to create a well-rounded meal that you and your loved ones can enjoy together!

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: 5 Comforting Steps

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• Autor: Julia marin
• Całkowity Czas: 35 minutes
• Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
• Dieta: Bez Glutenu

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Opis

A creamy and savory pasta dish featuring chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus.

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Składniki

Skala 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instrukcje

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add mushrooms and asparagus, cooking until tender.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta and mix well.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Serve hot.

Uwagi

• You can substitute heavy cream with a lighter option if desired.
• Adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
• Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
• Kategoria: Main Dish
• Sposób: Stovetop
• Kuchnia: Italian

Zasilanie

• Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
• Kalorie: 650
• Cukier: 5g
• Sód: 600mg
• Kwasy: 35g
• Nasycony tłuszcz: 20g
• Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
• Tłuszcze trans: 0g
• Węglowodany: 60g
• Włókno: 4g
• Białko: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Słowa kluczowe: creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, pasta dish, chicken penne