Weeknight dinners can be tough, but I found a great recipe. Penne with Chicken and Asparagus is quick, tasty, and healthy. It’s ready in just 30 minutes.
The chicken is tender, and the asparagus adds a nice crunch. The creamy sauce makes the penne rich and satisfying.
This dish is perfect for any family. It’s loved by all, and it’s good for you too. With a 4.95 rating from 122 votes, it’s a hit!
Introduction to Penne with Chicken and Asparagus
Penne with chicken and asparagus is a favorite of mine. It’s not just filling, but also exciting to eat. It’s great for any day, making everyone happy.
The sauce makes the penne creamy and tasty. You can add mushrooms, garlic, or herbs to make it even better. It’s easy to make and full of good stuff for your body.
This dish is quick to make and very satisfying. It has protein, carbs, and vitamins in every bite. Asparagus adds color and freshness to the creamy sauce.
In the next parts, I’ll show you how to make this tasty penne with chicken. You’ll be able to make it for your family and friends.
Ingredients for Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
To make a tasty penne with chicken and asparagus, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this yummy meal.
Essential Ingredients
- 12 ounces of whole wheat penne pasta
- 1 1/4 pounds (20 ounces) of boneless chicken breasts
- 1 pound (16 ounces) of fresh asparagus
- 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) of diced onion
- 1 red bell pepper (approximately 6 ounces)
- 1 yellow bell pepper (approximately 6 ounces)
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup (1 ounce) of fresh chopped parsley
- 2 ounces of crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of milk or half-and-half
- 1/2 teaspoon of thyme
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water
Optional Add-ins and Variations
Want to make your healthy chicken and asparagus penne even better? Try these optional add-ins:
- Half-and-half for added creaminess
- Extra vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a nutritional boost
These ingredients make cooking easy and ensure great flavors in your healthy chicken and asparagus penne dish.
Steps to Prepare Easy Chicken and Asparagus Penne
Making perfect penne with chicken and asparagus is fun. It needs a little planning. I’ll tell you how to prepare and cook it. You’ll also need some kitchen tools. This way, you’ll enjoy making this meal.
Preparation Time and Cooking Time
Keep track of your time to make easy chicken and asparagus penne. Here’s what you need:
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Gathering Your Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Make sure you have these:
- A large pot for boiling the penne pasta
- A large skillet for cooking the chicken and vegetables
- Measuring cups for accurate ingredient portions
- A wooden spoon for stirring
- A cutting board and knife for prepping the ingredients
Cooking the Penne Pasta
To make a tasty creamy penne with chicken, start by cooking the penne pasta right. Fill a big pot with water and add lots of salt. I use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. This makes the pasta taste better.
When the water boils, add 12 ounces of uncooked penne pasta. Stir it a bit to stop it from sticking. Cook it for about 11 minutes to get it just right. This makes the pasta tender but not too soft.
Drain the pasta well after cooking. This keeps it perfect for mixing with the creamy sauce and other ingredients. Taking good care here makes your dish special.
Preparing the Chicken for the Dish
I will show you how to prepare the chicken for the homemade penne with chicken recipe. Start with fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts. This ensures your dish is tasty and full of flavor. A few steps will help cook the chicken perfectly, matching the pasta and asparagus.
Browning the Chicken
First, cut the chicken breasts into small cubes. This makes them cook evenly and adds texture. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes when the oil is hot.
Make sure to space the chicken out so it browns well. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Check that the chicken is no longer pink. This makes it safe and adds flavor.
A golden color means the chicken is caramelizing. This adds depth to your dish.
Seasoning Tips for Flavor
After browning, season the chicken for extra flavor. I use garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Be generous to season the meat and the dish.
For more zest, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil. These brighten the dish and make the chicken more flavorful.
| Nutrition Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Total Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 64 mg |
| Sodium | 244 mg |
| Potassium | 404 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 445 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1.5 mg |
| Calcium | 141 mg |
| Iron | 1.7 mg |
Cooking the Asparagus
Timing is key when making my easy chicken and asparagus penne. Adding asparagus at the right time makes the dish better. It saves cleanup and keeps the asparagus bright and healthy.
Timing with the Pasta for Perfect Texture
Cook the penne as the package says, about 8-10 minutes. Add the asparagus with just a few minutes left. This makes the asparagus tender but crisp.
This simple trick makes my dish perfect. The penne and asparagus mix well, with the chicken adding flavor. It’s a healthy and tasty dinner.
Penne with Chicken and Asparagus – Putting It All Together
After draining the pasta and asparagus, it’s time to mix everything. Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the chicken. This lets the juices mix with the pasta.
This step is key. It makes sure each bite is full of flavor.
Let the mixture rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors blend better. After resting, add your sauce to finish the dish. Make sure to toss well so the sauce covers the pasta evenly.
Creating The Creamy Sauce
To make my creamy penne with chicken and asparagus better, the sauce is key. I melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Then, I add chopped shallots and minced garlic, letting them soften and add flavor.
Next, I pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute. After that, I stir in 3/4 cup of heavy whipping cream and 5 ounces of goat cheese. I add nutmeg and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for extra flavor.
To get the right texture, I mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If it’s too thick, I add some pasta cooking water. This makes the dish creamy and comforting.
I keep stirring until everything is mixed well. Then, I season it with salt and lemon juice to taste.
Alternative Sauces for a Different Flavor
Want a different taste? Try using marinara or pesto sauce instead. Marinara is tangy and hearty, while pesto is herbaceous. These changes let you customize the dish to your liking.
