Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

There’s something magical about a plate of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne that can whisk you away from the mundane. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked penne pasta around your fork while savoring the rich flavors of garlic-infused cream sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and tender asparagus. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that hugs your taste buds and sings sweet nothings to your soul.

This dish has seen me through many a weeknight chaos. I remember one particularly chaotic Tuesday when my kids decided they’d rather watch paint dry than help with dinner. In came my trusty Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne to save the day! It brought everyone to the table faster than you could say “dinner time”

I once made this for a dinner party where everyone raved about how it tasted like a fancy restaurant meal but took me less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts are best here; they cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully.
• Penne Pasta: Use whole-wheat or regular penne—both will work wonders in this dish.
• Fresh Asparagus: Choose firm stalks that are bright green for the best texture and flavor.
• Cremini Mushrooms: These mushrooms add depth; slice them thinly for even cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must; its aroma alone will have you drooling before you even start cooking.
• Cream Cheese: This gives the sauce its rich creaminess—feel free to use low-fat if desired.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds an irresistible flavor boost—don’t skimp on this
• Olive Oil: For sautéing; use extra virgin for enhanced flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces while keeping an eye out for any rogue vegetables trying to escape their fate.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold!

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes—and set aside.

Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, toss in garlic first until fragrant, then add mushrooms and asparagus. Cook until mushrooms soften and asparagus turns vibrant green—approximately 4-5 minutes.

Make it Creamy: Lower heat and stir in cream cheese along with reserved pasta water until smooth. Add back chicken along with cooked penne. Toss well until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness.

Finishing Touches: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for maximum cheesy enjoyment.

And there you have it! A delightful plate of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne awaits you—a dish that’s bound to become a favorite at your dining table

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfection, start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while whipping up the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time and maintains optimal flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap asparagus for spinach or add sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor boost. Experimenting with different cheeses like Parmesan or Gouda can elevate this dish to new heights.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Sometimes I serve this dish during family get-togethers, and it’s always met with compliments that make my heart swell! The laughter shared over dinner creates beautiful memories.

FAQ

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer will work well in this creamy dish.

What can I substitute for chicken if I want a vegetarian option?

Try using tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken for a tasty vegetarian version.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat

Print

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delightful weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and savory mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb), diced
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients on your countertop.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add mushrooms and asparagus. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Lower heat and stir in cream cheese and reserved pasta water until smooth. Return cooked chicken and penne to the skillet, tossing well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider swapping asparagus for spinach or adding sun-dried tomatoes. To spice up the dish, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.