Description
This Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, this Italian American-inspired meal combines simple ingredients to create a satisfying and hearty main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, then add them to the skillet and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in the asparagus and cook for another 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning and cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half for the heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken also works well if you want to save time.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
