This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant asparagus, and a velvety cream sauce, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a meal that strikes the right balance between indulgence and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 300g penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 200g button mushrooms, sliced
- 200g asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this deliciously creamy and satisfying meal.
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is not only rich in flavor but also brings together a variety of textures and nutrients. The earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus pair beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy sauce, making it a dish that’s bound to impress family and guests alike.