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Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

This creamy pasta features tender chicken, mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich Parmesan sauce, perfect for flavorful weeknight or special dinner occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course dinner, pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 colander for draining pasta

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms sliced
  • 1 bunch asparagus trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
  • Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes; remove and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat; add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  • Stir in asparagus and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, add Italian seasoning, and simmer gently.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
  • Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne; toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste; serve hot garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Add extra ¼ cup cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
  • Substitute asparagus with spinach, broccoli, or green beans.
  • Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently with milk or cream.