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Homemade Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta recipe photo

Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta

This Chicken Asparagus Mushroom Pasta is quick, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta of choice penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound chicken breast sliced into thin strips
  • 1 cup asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced (button or cremini recommended)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt, pepper, and half of the dried Italian herbs. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the mushrooms soften and asparagus becomes tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and the remaining Italian herbs, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid. If you want a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream here, but it’s delicious just as is.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together gently. If the mixture seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Turn off the heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, tossing to combine. The cheese will melt into the warm pasta, adding a subtle nutty flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic delivers a brighter, more aromatic flavor than pre-minced versions.
  • Don’t overcook the asparagus: Keep the asparagus crisp to maintain texture and vibrant color.
  • Slice chicken thinly: This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly, preventing dryness.
  • Reserve pasta water: The starchy water is great for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
  • Customize seasoning: Adjust the Italian herbs and garlic to your taste for a personalized flavor profile.