Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Delight!
Whip up this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and a luscious sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners in 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Here’s everything I use, measured with care:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
I set it all out and feel like I’m about to create something spectacular. This serves 4—perfect for a family dinner or leftovers if I’m extra hungry. It’s my roadmap for a creamy, cozy meal. I always check my fridge first—my trick to avoid mid-cook scrambles. Nothing’s worse than missing cream halfway through, right? Keeps me calm and pumped to cook.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Let’s dive in with zest!—bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (I’m buzzing with excitement!). Add 8 oz penne pasta—cook per package until al dente, about 10-12 minutes (my kitchen’s humming!). Drain in a colander—set aside (my counter’s ready!). Tender and chewy—pasta’s done (my heart’s happy!). It’s the hearty start—pure comfort base!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high—add 1 tablespoon olive oil (my kitchen’s sizzling!). Toss in 2 sliced chicken breasts—sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper (trust me, you’ll grin like I did first time!). Cook 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through (my excitement’s climbing!). Pull chicken out—set aside (my counter’s set!). Juicy and golden—ready to shine (my heart’s full!). It’s the protein kick—pure skillet joy!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, drizzle more oil if needed—add 1 cup sliced mushrooms (my kitchen smells like earth!). Sauté 3 minutes until soft—toss in 1 cup asparagus pieces (my anticipation’s soaring!). Cook 2 minutes until tender-crisp—stir in 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds (my nose is in love!). Bright and fragrant—veggies glow (my heart’s content!). It’s the fresh layer—pure flavor bloom!
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in ½ cup chicken broth—scrape up those tasty browned bits (my kitchen’s a bistro!). Add 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using (my hands are dancing!). Stir 3-4 minutes until smooth and thick (my heart’s leaping!). Creamy and rich—sauce is born (my skillet’s glowing!). It’s the silky heart—pure indulgence unfolding!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return chicken to the skillet—add cooked penne (my kitchen’s a masterpiece!). Toss gently to coat in sauce—every piece glossy (my table’s waiting!). Taste—adjust salt or pepper if needed (my heart’s singing!). All together—pure harmony (my counter’s vibrant!). It’s the grand merge—pure ready-to-eat glory!
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Scoop into bowls—serve hot with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy (my kitchen’s calm!). Dig in—share or savor solo (my heart’s content!). Warm and creamy—dinner’s here (my table’s a feast!). It’s the final flourish—total pasta love!