Of course! This is a fantastic combination of flavors. Here is a recipe for a luxurious, restaurant-quality Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne that is surprisingly easy to make at home.
This recipe is designed to be a complete one-pan meal (plus the pot for pasta), maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
This dish is rich, comforting, and packed with spring flavors. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the penne, and the seared chicken and fresh vegetables make it a hearty, satisfying meal.
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
· For the Chicken & Pasta:
· 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
· 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (or rigatoni, fettuccine)
· 1 tbsp olive oil
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· For the Vegetables & Sauce:
· 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
· 1 lb (450 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
· 1 lb (450 g) asparagus, woody ends snapped off, cut into 2-inch pieces
· 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
· 1 cup chicken broth
· 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce)
· ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
· 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, but brightens the flavor)
· 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta water is heating, season the cubed chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil or butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes, without moving them too much, to allow them to brown. Season with a pinch of salt. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp (bright green). Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This is packed with flavor! Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to simmer gently. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice (if using) and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve:
Divide into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Pro-Tips for the Best Results:
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: When browning the chicken and mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding steams the food instead of searing it, and you won’t get that delicious golden-brown color.
· The Power of Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is a magical ingredient. It helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta perfectly. Always reserve a cup!
· Vegetable Flexibility: Don’t have asparagus? Try broccoli florets, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can use a mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms for a deeper flavor.
· Cream Substitute: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but be very careful not to let it boil vigorously, or it may curdle. Gently simmering is key.
· Add Herbs: A teaspoon of fresh thyme or tarragon added with the garlic would be a wonderful addition.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and satisfying homemade pasta dinner