Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Here’s a delicious Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for a weeknight dinner:

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

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

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• Optional: red pepper flakes, for a little heat

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

2. Cook the chicken

   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

   • Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté vegetables

   • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.

   • Sauté onion until translucent, about 2 minutes.

   • Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Add mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.

   • Toss in asparagus and cook 3–4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.

4. Make the creamy sauce

   • Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 2–3 minutes.

   • Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and thyme. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.

   • Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

5. Combine everything

   • Return chicken to the skillet.

   • Add cooked penne and toss to coat in the sauce.

   • If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.

6. Serve

   • Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.