Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne (Print-Friendly Version)
Pasta with chicken, mushrooms, asparagus, and creamy Parmesan garlic sauce for comforting weeknight meals.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Components
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
12 ounces penne pasta
03 -
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 5 cm pieces
04 -
8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
→ Aromatics and Fats
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
07 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
→ Sauce and Finishing
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
09 -
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
0.5 cup reserved pasta cooking water
11 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 -
0.5 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or dried thyme (optional)
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
14 -
Extra grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
# Steps:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve 120 ml pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
02 -
Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and the butter. Sauté sliced mushrooms for 4–5 minutes until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add asparagus and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
04 -
Lower heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
05 -
Slice cooked chicken and return to the pan. Add cooked penne and toss well to coat in sauce. Simmer everything together for 1–2 minutes to ensure flavors meld.
06 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan as desired.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
For best results, reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency to your preference.
02 -
Use a digital thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C for food safety.