Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

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🍄 Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Introduction

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting yet elegant pasta dish — perfect for weeknights or special dinners alike. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus are tossed in a rich, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together beautifully in under 40 minutes.

Origin and Culinary Inspiration

This dish takes inspiration from Italian-American cuisine, where cream-based pastas like Alfredo or carbonara are given creative modern twists. The combination of chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus adds texture, nutrition, and seasonal freshness — a perfect balance of indulgence and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients and Quantity

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or light cream for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/basil mix)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions

  • A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
  • A pinch of chili flakes for a gentle heat
  • ÂĽ cup white wine (added before the cream for extra flavor)
  • Substitute spinach or zucchini if asparagus isn’t in season
  • Use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta as preferred

Tips for Success

  1. Cook pasta al dente — It should still have a slight bite since it will cook a bit more in the sauce.
  2. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken — brown it for maximum flavor.
  3. Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  4. Add asparagus near the end to keep it bright and crisp-tender.
  5. Serve immediately — cream sauces thicken as they cool.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables:
    In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus. Sauté until tender (about 5 minutes).
  4. Make the Cream Sauce:
    Lower the heat. Pour in the cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine Everything:
    Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Taste and Serve:
    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.

Description

This dish is creamy and luxurious without being heavy. The earthy mushrooms complement the sweet, nutty flavor of asparagus, while the tender chicken adds satisfying protein. The silky sauce coats every piece of penne, creating a meal that’s both cozy and restaurant-worthy.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approximate values)

  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Calcium: 15% DV

Conclusion and Recommendation

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne brings together the best of creamy comfort food and spring freshness. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete, satisfying meal.

Embracing Healthful Indulgence

Enjoying creamy pasta can still be part of a balanced lifestyle. By using lean chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and moderate amounts of cream, this dish delivers comfort with nourishment. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up pleasure — just savoring it mindfully. 🍽️✨

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