– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Creating the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne can be done effortlessly if you follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are tender. Then add the asparagus and minced garlic and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the asparagus is bright green.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and mix well. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Add Pasta: Finally, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
This straightforward approach ensures that you have a warm, creamy, and satisfying meal ready in no time.