Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Asparagus Penne – The Ultimate Comfort Pasta! 🍝
Description
This Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Asparagus Penne is the perfect comfort food! It features tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus, all tossed in a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats makes this dish indulgent yet nutritious. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce & Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic.
- Cook for 30 seconds, then add mushrooms.
- Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until mushrooms are soft.
- Add asparagus and cook for another 3 minutes, until tender-crisp.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
5. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and toss everything together.
- Simmer for 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes & Tips
✅ Pasta Choices: Penne holds the sauce well, but you can also use rigatoni, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta.
✅ For a Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.
✅ Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
✅ Vegetable Variations: Swap asparagus for spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
✅ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
Servings & Nutritional Information
Servings: 4
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550–600 kcal |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Healthy Fats | 22g |
| Calcium | 30% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Values may vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Health Benefits of This Dish
✅ High in Protein: Chicken and Parmesan support muscle growth.
✅ Rich in Fiber: Whole-grain pasta and asparagus aid digestion.
✅ Healthy Fats: Olive oil and cream provide energy and support brain health.
✅ Boosts Immunity: Garlic and mushrooms contain antioxidants.
✅ Balanced Meal: Includes lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.
Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Try shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variety.
Q2: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute zucchini noodles (zoodles).
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q4: What sides pair well with this pasta?
Great options include garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the pasta. Reheat the sauce and add fresh pasta when serving.
This Creamy Chicken, Mushroom & Asparagus Penne is a comforting and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion! Let me know if you need any tweaks. 😊🍽️