Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

 

Ingredients:

300g (10 oz) penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 cups mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or your favorite kind)

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the mushrooms and asparagus:

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the asparagus and garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Make the creamy sauce:

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine everything:

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

6. Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Tips:

For added flavor, sprinkle some red chili flakes into the sauce.

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten up the flavors.

Would you like to adjust the ingredients or cooking style?