This Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a rich sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both comforting and indulgent.
Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (16 oz) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the onions over medium heat for about 2 minutes, until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
- Add the asparagus and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly tender but still vibrant and crisp.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together to combine, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the pasta soak up some of the sauce and the flavors meld together.
- Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, serve the pasta on plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and freshness.
Tips:
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to lighten up the dish.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas to increase the veggie content.
- Flavor variations: You can add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a little brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
This Penne Pasta with Creamy Chicken, Mushrooms, and Asparagus is rich and flavorful, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Enjoy!
