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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: A One-Pan Delight
Let's create a dish that's both comforting and elegant: Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. This recipe delivers tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, all made in one pan (plus pasta). I'm excited to share this satisfying and easy recipe with you.
Ingredient Essentials
- Penne Pasta:
- Penne pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Chicken Breasts:
- Chicken breasts provide a lean and tender protein.
- Mushrooms:
- Sliced mushrooms add earthy flavor.
- Asparagus:
- Asparagus adds a crisp-tender texture and vibrant color.
- Garlic:
- Minced garlic adds a savory depth.
- Chicken Broth:
- Chicken broth deglazes the pan and adds flavor.
- Heavy Cream:
- Heavy cream creates a rich, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese:
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, cheesy flavor.
- Italian Seasoning:
- Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):
- Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
- Olive Oil, Butter, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper:
- These ingredients season the dish.
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Crafting Your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Pasta Cooking:
- Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Chicken Cooking:
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Vegetable Sautéing:
- Sauté minced garlic in olive oil and butter until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown.
- Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp.
- Sauce Preparation:
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and thickened.
- Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (optional).
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Combining Ingredients:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked penne pasta and stir to combine.
- Add pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Serving:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
You Must Know
- This recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken and vegetables.
- One-pan cooking makes cleanup easy.
- The creamy Parmesan sauce is rich and satisfying.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator.
I love the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crisp-tender vegetables. The one-pan cooking makes this dish incredibly convenient.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne as a main dish for family dinners, weeknight meals, or special occasions. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
Flavorful Variations
Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added vegetables. Use different types of pasta like fettuccine or farfalle. Add a splash of white wine to the sauce. Use different cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
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Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use salted water for cooking the pasta.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the chicken.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, but don't burn it.
- Cook asparagus until tender-crisp, not mushy.
- Adjust spices and seasonings to your preference.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for added freshness.
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delicious and versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this comforting meal as much as I do.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, fettuccine or rigatoni can be used.
- → Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
- Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
- Yes, sun-dried tomatoes or peas can be added.
- → How long can I store leftovers?
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- → Can I add other meats?
- Yes, bacon or sausage can be added.