Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Name: Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; Salt for the pasta water; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Hey there, pasta lovers! 🌟 If you’re looking for a dish that’s not just delicious but also looks like you spent hours crafting it (when really, it only takes 30 minutes), you’ve stumbled upon the right recipe: Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne. Trust me; this creamy concoction is about to become your go-to weeknight dinner. So, grab your apron, and let’s cook!

What’s So Great About This Dish?

Let’s face it: everyone loves pasta. But what makes Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne shine is its combination of flavors, textures, and colors. You’ve got the earthy, rich flavor of mushrooms, the delightful crunch of asparagus, and the savory goodness of chicken, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce that makes your taste buds sing! 🎶 Who wouldn’t want to dive into that?

Here’s the scoop on why you need this dish in your life:

Quick and Easy: Dinner in 30 minutes? Yes, please!
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time for Netflix binges. 👍
Packed with Nutrients: (Well, you are eating vegetables, right?)
Totally Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. Flexibility FTW!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get into the cooking magic, let’s talk ingredients. Here’s what you need to gather. No worries; it’s a straightforward list, perfect for a quick grocery run! 🏃‍♂️💨

For the Pasta:

Penne pasta (about 8 oz)
Salt for the pasta water

For the Sauce:

Chicken breast (two boneless, skinless, about 1 lb total)
Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
Mushrooms (8 oz, sliced – any kind you fancy)
Asparagus (1 bunch, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Heavy cream (1 cup)
Parmesan cheese (1 cup, grated)
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish, if you’re feeling fancy)

Note: Feel free to swap in frozen veggies or even use pre-cooked chicken. No judgment here; we all have those days! 😉

Cooking Instructions: Let’s Get This Party Started!

Okay, so now that we have everything at arm’s reach, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be devouring your creamy dream dish in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.
Cook the Penne: Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. (Pro tip: Remember to save a cup of that pasta water later; it’s liquid gold for your sauce!)
Drain: Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Good Stuff

Prep the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, sprinkle your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat Up the Oil: In a big skillet (the bigger, the better, trust me), warm the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. (You know that sizzle sound? That’s dinner calling!)

Tip: If you’re feeling extra, throw in a little paprika or your favorite spice blend for that extra oomph!

Slice ‘n’ Set Aside: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Goodness

Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to brown, then add the asparagus and garlic. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Can you smell it yet? 😋
Make it Creamy: Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a light simmer. Add the Italian seasoning, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce thickens. Don’t hold back on the cheese; it’s what dreams are made of!
Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Toss it All Together

Combine: Add the cooked penne and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in that heavenly cream sauce.
Add the Pasta Water: If it looks a bit too thick, add a splash (or two) of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plating: Serve the creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne in bowls.
Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle fresh parsley on top just to make it look all gourmet and professional. Snap a pic for Instagram, because food photos get more likes than cats! 🐱📸

Nutrition Vibes: Guilt-Free Indulgence?

Let’s just say, Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne has the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. With lean protein, fresh veggies, and a sauce that’s rich but not too over-the-top, it’s like a warm hug from your favorite bowl.

Nutritional Breakdown:

Protein: Thanks to the chicken and cheese.
Fiber: From the asparagus and mushrooms.
Healthy Fats: Olive oil and cream, but in moderation, okay? 😜

You can totally enjoy this dish without feeling like you’ve committed pasta sin!

Variations to Consider: Mix it Up!

Here’s where your culinary creativity can shine! 🧑‍🍳 Feel like living on the wild side? Try these twists:

Swap the Protein: Craving something different? Use shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Add More Veggies: Think spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini. Just remember that the more colors on your plate, the happier your body is!
Spice It Up: Throw in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. FYI, a pinch is usually enough to give it a nice kick!

So, what are you waiting for? The next time you’re wondering what to whip up for dinner, just remember this recipe; it’s a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress family and friends (or, you know, just you at 8 PM on a Tuesday).

Final Thoughts: Made with Love (and Pasta!)

So, there you go, my pasta-loving pals! Your kitchen should now be filled with the savory scent of Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne. 🍝 Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting a dinner party, this dish brings comfort and joy with every bite.

If you try it out—and I know you will—let me know what you think! Did you tweak anything? Add a secret ingredient? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Until next time, happy eating, and remember: Life is too short to skip pasta night!

So, what’s your favorite pasta dish? Let’s chat! 😊