Description
Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table, blending earthy mushrooms with tender chicken and crisp asparagus. Delicate pasta nestles beneath a silky sauce that promises pure culinary satisfaction for weekend meals or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
Starches:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Sauces:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Oils and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil for the penne pasta.
- Cook pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve to the side.
- Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature.
- Introduce seasoned chicken strips, allowing them to develop a golden exterior while cooking thoroughly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet, keeping it warm.
- Utilize the same skillet, adding minimal additional oil if required, and introduce sliced mushrooms.
- Sauté mushrooms until they release their rich, earthy aroma and develop a slight caramelization.
- Incorporate crisp asparagus pieces, cooking until they maintain a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture.
- Quickly add minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
- Deglaze the pan with rich chicken broth, carefully scraping any flavorful browned bits from the skillet surface.
- Stream in velvety heavy cream, combining with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fragrant Italian seasoning, and optional spicy red pepper flakes.
- Whisk the mixture continuously, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken and develop a luxurious, smooth consistency.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, combining with the prepared pasta.
- Gently toss all ingredients, ensuring each component is lavishly coated in the creamy, herbaceous sauce.
- Perform a final seasoning adjustment, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm asparagus with bright green color and tight tips for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
- Slice chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when sautéing mushrooms and asparagus to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg