Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
This Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is rich, satisfying and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 cup asparagus chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup onion diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
Cook pasta
- Boil penne in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, keeping a little pasta water for sauce.
Cook chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken cubes. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked.
Sauté vegetables
- Add butter to skillet. Sauté mushrooms, asparagus, onions and garlic for 5 minutes until tender.
Season
- Add salt, pepper and thyme. Stir well to coat chicken and vegetables evenly.
Add liquids
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into skillet. Stir gently until sauce begins to thicken.
Add cheese
- Sprinkle Parmesan into the sauce. Stir until creamy and smooth, adjusting thickness with pasta water if needed.
Combine pasta
- Add cooked penne to skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta with sauce and vegetables evenly.
Simmer
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to blend. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Garnish
- Remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Optional: add extra Parmesan before serving.
Serve hot
- Plate the pasta and serve immediately. Enjoy the creamy texture and savory flavor in every bite.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter sauce.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use whole wheat penne for a healthier version.
- Try different mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for depth of flavor.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for richness.
- Garnish with fresh basil instead of parsley for a fresh Italian flavor.