Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
12 ounces penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra Parmesan
Instructions:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add the asparagus and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender-crisp.
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this pasta with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Best Results:
Do not overcook the asparagus so it stays bright and slightly crisp.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen it.
This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is rich, comforting, and full of flavor, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend dinners.