Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta
Try this Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup milk
- chopped parsley for garnish
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 onion diced
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan
- 1 lb. asparagus trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
- 3 tbsp olive oil divided
- 1 package penne pasta uncooked
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-
- 4 oz. cremini mushrooms sliced
- 1/2 large red bell pepper diced
- Carbohydrate 54.5147383828055 g
- Cholesterol 248.945271751233 mg
- Fat 49.0676439307499 g
- Fiber 2.56708761881475 g
- Protein 58.4866738200088 g
- Saturated Fat 18.4524348710365 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (551g)
- Sodium 589.219962860811 mg
- Sugar 51.9476507639907 g
- Trans Fat 4.16292535249443 g
- Calories 898 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Meanwhile season the diced chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or dutch oven over medium high heat.
- Cook chicken in skillet, until browned and cooked through, transfer chicken to a plate to keep warm.
- To the same skillet add 1 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium heat.
- Add the veggies and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp tender (about 3 to 5 minutes).
- Remove veggies from skillet to the plate with the chicken and keep warm.
- Add the last tbsp of olive oil to the skillet along with 4 tbsp of butter, over medium heat.
- Use a spoon or whisk to scrap up any browned bits on the bottom of the skillet (that's extra flavor!).
- Add the garlic, red pepper flakes and flour, whisk until mixture is thickened and smooth.
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously until the liquid is added.
- Finally add in the parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chicken and veggies back to the pan as well as the cooked pasta.
- Stir to combine and coat evenly with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Enjoy!
Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But this Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta recipe is my secret weapon for weeknights. It's quick, easy, and satisfying – the perfect antidote to a long day. Forget takeout! This recipe is so much healthier and tastes infinitely better. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked asparagus combine to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; I often adjust it based on what fresh vegetables I have on hand. Sometimes I add spinach or zucchini; other times, I swap the asparagus for broccoli. The possibilities are endless!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The steps are straightforward, even for novice cooks. It all starts with perfectly cooked penne pasta, providing a great base for the creamy sauce and hearty ingredients. The chicken, seasoned simply with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, adds a protein punch. I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs; they stay incredibly moist and tender during cooking. Then there's the vibrant asparagus, adding a pop of color and a subtle, fresh flavor. And let’s not forget the creamy sauce – oh, the creamy sauce! It’s rich and decadent but surprisingly light thanks to the addition of milk and chicken broth. A generous helping of parmesan cheese adds the finishing touch, creating a beautiful, creamy texture. The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, leaving me plenty of time to spend with my family after dinner.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe isn’t just limited to weeknights. It’s also perfect for casual weekend gatherings. I’ve served it at numerous potlucks, and it’s always a hit! The dish travels well, and the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. The recipe is easily doubled or tripled to feed a crowd. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. It is adaptable, delicious, and most importantly, easy! This Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta is my go-to comfort food, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or even just milk instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
- Use different pasta: This recipe works well with other types of pasta, such as rotini or farfalle.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat and add the pasta and chicken before serving.
This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the time saved, the ease of preparation, and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from creating a delicious and healthy meal for yourself and your loved ones. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, give this Creamy Chicken Asparagus Penne Pasta a try. You won't be disappointed!
