If you are looking for a dish that perfectly balances comfort and elegance, then the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is exactly what you need. This hearty pasta combines tender chicken breasts with earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus, all enveloped in a luscious, homemade creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of penne. With layers of flavor enhanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of Parmesan, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of gourmet magic to your weeknight table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the dish’s inviting texture, vibrant colors, and rich flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the flavors.
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, giving every bite a delicious coating.
- Olive oil: Adds smoothness and helps in browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables perfectly.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth of flavor once softened.
- Garlic: Offers aromatic punch that spices up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and cooked to golden perfection, providing earthy richness.
- Asparagus: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it adds a fresh, slightly crunchy texture and vibrant green color.
- Heavy cream: The star for the luscious, velvety sauce that coats everything.
- Chicken broth: Infuses savory depth and helps build the sauce’s base.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, tangy complement that melts seamlessly into the cream.
- Dried thyme: Adds delicate herbal notes that brighten up the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Butter: Enriches the sauce further with a silky finish.
- Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your penne pasta just until al dente; this ensures the pasta maintains a pleasant bite once mixed with the sauce. After draining, save about a cup of the pasta water—it will come in handy if the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides before adding them to the hot pan. Sear each side for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re gorgeous and golden, cooked through at 165°F internally. Let the chicken rest on a plate—this helps keep it juicy and tender when sliced later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic for one more minute until fragrant, then add the mushrooms. Cook the mushrooms until they are tender and starting to turn golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Finally, add the asparagus pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften but keep a hint of crunch.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors marry nicely. Stir in the heavy cream and keep cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create that signature creamy, cheesy flavor. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and add them back to the sauce. Toss in the cooked penne pasta, stirring until every bit is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, gently loosen it up with the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. Finish by stirring in butter for a silky richness, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
To bring freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Serve the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe immediately to enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and flavors while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice that adds brightness and a touch of green. You could also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan for an indulgent cheesy finish or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to elevate the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that delightful creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow white bowls to contrast with the vibrant asparagus and mushrooms, making the colors pop. For a dinner party, individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets can make a charming single-serving presentation that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe, promptly store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and tasty option for next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze it, consider freezing the sauce and pasta separately from the chicken to preserve texture. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain that dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would work beautifully as well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta choice.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce fat content, though the sauce may be less thick. Using less butter and Parmesan also lightens the dish while keeping great flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or toss in other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for substance. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.
What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?
Frozen asparagus works as a convenient substitute. Just add it a little earlier in the cooking process so it cooks through evenly, and adjust cooking times to avoid mushiness.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If you don’t have one, the chicken should be opaque white throughout with no pink inside and juices running clear.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting yet special about a dish like the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe. It has all the elements of a favorite comfort meal but elevated to feel just right for any occasion. I encourage you to try making this recipe—once you do, it might just become one of those dishes you reach for again and again when you want dinner to feel effortless but truly satisfying.
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delightful pasta dish combining tender chicken breasts, fresh mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is tossed with a flavorful blend of garlic, onions, and herbs to create a comforting and elegant meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later.
- Prepare Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or pan. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly golden as they release moisture.
- Cook Asparagus: Add the asparagus pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften but retain a slight crispness.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips and add them back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing everything to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the butter until melted, then taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately, ensuring each plate gets plenty of the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Fresh parsley adds a vibrant finishing touch but can be substituted with basil or chives.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce.
- Gluten-free penne pasta can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
