Creamy Mushroom asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe 🍄🍗🌿

This Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne is a restaurant-quality dish made at home! Featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s the perfect weeknight meal packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Pasta & Protein:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Vegetables & Aromatics:

  • 1 cup asparagus, chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Garnish (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Chicken

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onions, garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

  • Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice (optional).

5. Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
  • Add the drained pasta and toss everything together.
  • If needed, add reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.

6. Serve & Garnish

  • Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful pasta!

30 Popular Questions & Answers About Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne

General Questions

  1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
    Yes! Fettuccine, rotini, or bowtie pasta work well.

  2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
    Yes, but for best results, reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

  3. Can I freeze this dish?
    Yes, but the sauce may separate. Stir well when reheating.

  4. Can I make it vegetarian?
    Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

  5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
    Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great!

Ingredient Questions

  1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
    Yes, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

  2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
    Yes, but mix it with a bit of cornstarch to thicken.

  3. What can I use instead of Parmesan?
    Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or mozzarella work well.

  4. Can I add other vegetables?
    Yes! Peas, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great.

  5. What’s a good substitute for asparagus?
    Broccoli, green beans, or zucchini make great alternatives.

Cooking Questions

  1. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
    Don’t overcook it—cook just until it reaches 165°F (75°C).

  2. Can I cook the chicken and vegetables at the same time?
    No, cook the chicken first to get a nice sear.

  3. How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
    Use low heat when adding the cream and stir constantly.

  4. Do I need to blanch the asparagus first?
    No, it will cook in the skillet with the mushrooms.

  5. Can I make this in one pot?
    Yes! Cook pasta first, drain, then make everything in the same pot.

Serving Questions

  1. What side dishes pair well with this pasta?
    Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

  2. Can I serve this with a different protein?
    Yes! Shrimp, salmon, or tofu would be great alternatives.

  3. Can I turn this into a baked pasta dish?
    Yes, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil for 5 minutes.

  4. How do I make this dish fancier for a dinner party?
    Use fresh herbs, extra Parmesan, and serve in pasta bowls.

  5. Can I serve this cold as a pasta salad?
    Yes, but reduce the amount of cream to prevent it from solidifying.

Storage & Leftover Questions

  1. How long does this pasta last in the fridge?
    Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  2. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Reheat in a skillet with a little chicken broth or milk.

  3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy.

  4. Can I store leftovers in the freezer?
    Yes, but the sauce may separate when thawed.

  5. What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from drying out?
    Keep extra sauce on the side when storing.

Customization Questions

  1. Can I make this spicy?
    Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

  2. Can I add bacon for extra flavor?
    Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits add great texture.

  3. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
    Yes, just adjust cooking time according to the package.

  4. Can I make a lemony version of this dish?
    Yes! Add zest and juice of one lemon for freshness.

  5. Can I use white wine in the sauce?
    Yes! A splash of dry white wine enhances the flavor.

30 Tips to Make Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne Even More Delicious

Flavor Enhancements

  1. Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a bolder taste.
  2. Add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
  3. Mix in a spoonful of Dijon mustard for tanginess.
  4. Roast the asparagus first for extra flavor.
  5. Use herbed butter instead of regular butter.

Texture & Sauce Improvements

  1. Add cream cheese for an ultra-creamy sauce.
  2. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
  3. Toss pasta with a little olive oil before adding it to the sauce.
  4. Let the sauce simmer longer for a richer texture.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan at the end to prevent clumping.

Customizations

  1. Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops.
  2. Use fettuccine or rigatoni for a different texture.
  3. Try gorgonzola or goat cheese instead of Parmesan.
  4. Add cooked sausage or pancetta for more protein.
  5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness.

Meal Prep & Storage

  1. Make the sauce ahead and store separately.
  2. Freeze in single-serving portions for easy meals.
  3. Reheat slowly to prevent curdling.
  4. Keep extra cheese on hand for serving.
  5. Double the recipe because it’s too good to share!

This Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor! 🍄🍗🍝✨

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