Chicken Penne Pasta

This Chicken Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, creamy sauce. A perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to satisfy every craving.

The addition of sun-dried tomatoes brings a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ingredients. This dish combines both hearty and fresh elements, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Penne Pasta is a versatile meal that brings warmth to the table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a dish everyone will love.

Chicken Penne Pasta Ingredients

Tender chicken, sautéed to golden perfection, forms the heart of this dish, adding savory depth. Creamy half-and-half brings richness, while a delicate roux thickens the sauce for a velvety texture. Earthy cremini mushrooms offer a savory balance, and crisp asparagus adds a burst of freshness. Sun-dried tomatoes introduce a tangy sweetness, complementing the overall flavor profile. A blend of Dijon mustard and Italian seasoning elevates the sauce with bold, aromatic notes, creating a perfectly harmonized dish.

Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe: Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQ

Recipe Tips:

1. Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency
   For a velvety sauce, ensure that your roux is cooked long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste. If your sauce is too thick, you can add more chicken stock or half-and-half to adjust the texture to your preference. Stir constantly while adding the liquids to prevent lumps.
2. Don’t Overcook the Asparagus
   Asparagus should remain crisp-tender when cooked. Overcooking it can cause it to become mushy and lose its vibrant color. Add the asparagus towards the end of the sauce’s simmering time to preserve its crunch and bright green hue.
3. Chicken Browning Tips
   When browning the chicken, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures the chicken pieces sear evenly, creating a golden-brown crust. If you skip this step, the chicken might steam instead of brown, affecting both texture and flavor.

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What to Serve with Chicken Penne Pasta:

1. Garlic Bread
   A classic side dish for any pasta meal, garlic bread pairs perfectly with Chicken Penne Pasta. The crispy, buttery bread enhances the rich, creamy sauce and offers a delightful contrast to the tender pasta and vegetables. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top before baking.
2. Fresh Green Salad
   A light, refreshing salad is the ideal complement to this creamy dish. Opt for a simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. The acidity of the dressing will cut through the creaminess, providing a satisfying contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes make a great side for Chicken Penne Pasta. The caramelized, slightly smoky flavor of the roasted veggies pairs wonderfully with the fresh asparagus in the pasta, rounding out the meal with added depth.

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FAQ:

1. Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins like shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is properly cooked.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta and asparagus.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to swap penne for another pasta shape such as rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s package instructions.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce. You can also add a dash of hot sauce when mixing the ingredients together to elevate the flavor without overpowering the dish.

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Chicken Penne Pasta

This hearty chicken penne pasta combines succulent chicken pieces with crisp asparagus, savory mushrooms, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. A perfect blend of textures and flavors, this dish is a comforting choice for any meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course pasta salad

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 to 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
• 10 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
• ½ pound thin asparagus trimmed and cut into small pieces
• 4 cloves garlic pressed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken stock
• ¾ cup half-and-half
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes julienned (pat dry if packed in oil)
• 1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
• ½ teaspoon granulated garlic
• ½ teaspoon granulated onion
• ½ scant cup flour, divided
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Begin by prepping all ingredients, ensuring they are organized and ready for use according to the ingredient list. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside to keep warm.
• While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and about ¼ cup of the flour. Toss to coat evenly.
• Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add approximately 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding, browning each batch for 4-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
• In the same pan, add more olive oil if necessary and sauté the sliced mushrooms, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are golden brown, about 4-5 minutes, then remove them from the pan and set aside with the chicken.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter to the pan. Once the butter melts, stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the remaining flour to create a roux, stirring for 30 seconds to 1 minute to remove any raw flour taste.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Stir in the Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and half-and-half, mixing well.
• Add the asparagus and let it simmer gently in the sauce until crisp-tender, checking the seasoning and adjusting salt and pepper as needed.
• Return the chicken, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pan, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another few minutes.

Notes

Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan, followed by the chopped parsley. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the sauce, then serve immediately.

Keyword Chicken Penne Pasta