Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
✔ 12 oz penne pasta
✔ Water & salt (for boiling)
For the Chicken & Sauce:
✔ 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
✔ 2 large chicken breasts, diced
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✔ 3 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
✔ 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
✔ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
✔ 1 cup chicken broth
✔ ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
✔ ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Chicken
• In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Vegetables
• In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus for about 3-4 minutes, until softened.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using).
5️⃣ Combine Everything
• Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together in the sauce. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes until well coated.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
• Garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storage Options:
✔ Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
✔ Freezer: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Notes:
✔ Substitutions: Swap chicken for shrimp or make it vegetarian by using extra mushrooms & veggie broth.
✔ Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
✔ Want extra flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine to the sauce!
📌 Save this recipe for later & enjoy a creamy, comforting pasta dish anytime! 🍝💛