Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Pasta and Chicken:

01 - 12 oz penne pasta
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp onion powder
06 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For the Creamy Sauce:

07 - 1 tbsp unsalted butter
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
10 - 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
11 - 1 cup heavy cream
12 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup chicken broth
14 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
15 - Red pepper flakes (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Boil salted water. Cook pasta al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked. Set aside.
03 - Heat remaining olive oil and butter in skillet. Add minced garlic, sauté 30 seconds. Add mushrooms, cook 5-6 minutes. Add asparagus, cook 3-4 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth, simmer 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, cook until thickened. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
05 - Return chicken to skillet, toss in sauce. Add pasta, toss. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
06 - Plate pasta, garnish with Parmesan and black pepper. Serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Swap penne for fettuccine or rigatoni.
02 - Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
03 - Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat with milk or cream.
04 - Add sun-dried tomatoes or bacon.