⭐ Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne (Mediterranean Style)

Serves: 4
Time: 30–35 minutes

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🛒 Ingredients

For the pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

• Salt for the pasta water

For the chicken & vegetables

• 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 8 oz (225 g) cremini or button mushrooms, sliced

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1–2 inch pieces

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the creamy Mediterranean sauce

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil (optional but very Mediterranean)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley

• Red pepper flakes, to taste

• Extra olive oil for finishing

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add penne and cook until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.

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2. Cook the chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika & oregano.

3. Sauté 4–6 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through.

4. Transfer chicken to a plate.

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3. Sauté vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add another tbsp of olive oil.

2. Add onions → sauté 2 minutes.

3. Add garlic → cook 30 seconds.

4. Add mushrooms → cook until browned (4–5 minutes).

5. Add asparagus → cook 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.

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4. Make the creamy Mediterranean sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low.

2. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth.

3. Add lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

4. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted.

5. Add lemon juice.

6. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

If too thick: add a splash of pasta water.
If too thin: simmer longer.

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5. Combine everything

1. Return chicken to the skillet.

2. Add cooked penne.

3. Toss until coated in sauce.

4. Stir in fresh basil/parsley.

Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or pepper.

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🍽️ To Serve

• Drizzle with a bit of olive oil

• Extra Parmesan

• Fresh herbs

• A final squeeze of lemon for brightness

Pairs well with a light Mediterranean salad or warm crusty bread.

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💡 Mediterranean Variations

• Add chopped artichoke hearts

• Replace chicken with shrimp or grilled halloumi

• Add olives or capers for briny flavor

• Use whole-wheat penne for a more Mediterranean diet-friendly version