Creamy Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

This Creamy Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a luscious creamy sauce, is simply irresistible. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The creamy sauce, combined with the chicken and asparagus, creates a symphony of flavors.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy and comforting pasta dish.
* **Elegant Enough for Guests:** While easy to make, this dish is also impressive enough to serve to guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Penne Pasta:** 1 pound. Penne is a great choice for this recipe because its shape holds the sauce well. However, you can substitute other pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or rigatoni.
* **Chicken Breast:** 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
* **Asparagus:** 1 pound, trimmed and cut into 1-2 inch pieces. Choose asparagus spears that are firm and bright green.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a wonderful aromatic flavor to the sauce.
* **Shallot:** 1 medium, finely chopped. Shallots have a milder flavor than onions and add a touch of sweetness.
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (optional). White wine adds depth of flavor to the sauce. You can substitute chicken broth if you prefer.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup. This is the key ingredient that makes the sauce creamy and decadent. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor to the sauce. Freshly grated is best.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. Lemon juice adds a touch of brightness and acidity that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken, vegetables, and sauce generously with salt and pepper.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional). Adds a touch of heat to the dish.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped. For garnish. Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

## Equipment

* Large pot for cooking pasta
* Large skillet or sauté pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Grater

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Cook the Pasta:**

* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
* Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
* Drain the pasta and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, as this can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

**2. Prepare the Chicken and Asparagus:**

* While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken and asparagus.
* Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
* Trim the woody ends of the asparagus and cut into 1-2 inch pieces.

**3. Sauté the Chicken:**

* Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
* Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**4. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
* Add the minced garlic and chopped shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
* Add the asparagus pieces to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until tender-crisp.

**5. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth) and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
* Let the wine reduce for 1-2 minutes.
* Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
* Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.

**6. Combine Everything:**

* Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
* Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
* Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
* Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**7. Serve and Garnish:**

* Serve the Creamy Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta immediately.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Optional: Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add other vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Use different cheeses:** Try using different cheeses in the sauce, such as Gruyere, Fontina, or Mozzarella.
* **Make it spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier dish.
* **Add protein:** Shrimp, sausage, or bacon would also be delicious additions to this pasta dish.
* **Make it vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach, to make it a vegetarian meal.
* **Make it gluten-free:** Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Make it lighter:** Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese.
* **Use leftover chicken:** This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken.
* **Prep ahead:** You can chop the vegetables and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make the dish.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread.

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs well with the richness of the pasta.
* **Garlic Bread:** Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots would also be a delicious side dish.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover Creamy Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** Freezing this dish is not recommended, as the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 600-800
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Conclusion

This Creamy Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta is a winning combination of flavors and textures. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh asparagus, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!