Here’s a rich, satisfying pasta dish that balances creamy comfort with fresh, green flavor:
🍝 Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients
- 250g penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt & black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 cups mushrooms (button or cremini), sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of oregano & basil)
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook until golden and fully done. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Cook mushrooms until browned and slightly caramelized. Add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes (tender but still crisp). Stir in garlic and cook briefly.
4. Make the sauce
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute. Add cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Combine everything
Return chicken to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss well. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
6. Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.