Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Penne (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus tossed with penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
03 - 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 3.8 cm pieces
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced

→ Pasta

05 - 2 cups uncooked penne pasta

→ Dairy

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 1½ cups heavy cream
08 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Liquids & Oils

09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon paprika
14 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
15 - ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh parsley, chopped

# Detailed Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Add to skillet and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook undisturbed until golden edges form. Stir, then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant. Add asparagus pieces and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until tender-crisp.
04 - Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and allow sauce to thicken. Stir in grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if using, ensuring sauce coats the back of a spoon.
05 - Return cooked chicken and drained penne to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat everything with sauce and simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.

# Helpful Advice:

01 - For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
02 - Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for enhanced nutrition.
03 - Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to desired spice level.

Return