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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne combines tender chicken breasts, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all enveloped in a rich, silky cream sauce. This quick and simple dish balances comforting creaminess and fresh vibrant flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive yet easy entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 2 skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 12 oz penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 shallot, minced

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Trim the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, slice the mushrooms, and mince the garlic and shallot. Cut chicken breasts into evenly sized chunks to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on the outside and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté shallots, garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus until tender but still vibrant, locking in freshness and flavor.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, stirring continually until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and add the cooked penne. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it is too thick. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the asparagus; keep it crisp-tender for the best texture contrast.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized or pound thicker pieces for uniform cooking and juiciness.
  • Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling or separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, mushroom penne, asparagus chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, creamy mushroom pasta, gluten-free pasta recipe

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