Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a luscious, creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a comforting meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Whether for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this pasta dish is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into strips
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken strips and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Add the asparagus and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus to the skillet.
- Toss to coat them in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta and mix everything well.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Final Touch and Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of freshness.
- Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan on the side.
Enjoy this delightful Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus—rich, flavorful, and perfect for any meal!