🍝 Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne (Mediterranean Style)

A lighter, herb-forward pasta with lean chicken, sautéed mushrooms, crisp asparagus, garlic, and a creamy yogurt-parmesan sauce.

---

📝 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Chicken & Veggies

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)

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

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp crushed chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Penne & Sauce

• 300g (10–11 oz) whole-wheat or regular penne pasta

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Penne

1. Bring salted water to a boil.

2. Cook penne until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

---

2. Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high.

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

3. Sauté until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes).

4. Remove chicken and set aside.

---

3. Sauté the Veggies

1. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same pan.

2. Add onions and cook 2 minutes.

3. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.

4. Add asparagus and sauté another 4 minutes.

5. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and chili flakes.

---

4. Make the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

2. Turn heat to low.

3. Whisk together Greek yogurt + parmesan + lemon zest + lemon juice in a bowl.

4. Stir this mixture into the pan slowly.

   • Keep heat low so the yogurt doesn’t curdle.

5. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

---

5. Combine Everything

1. Return the chicken to the pan.

2. Add cooked penne.

3. Toss well until coated in creamy sauce.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning.

---

🌿 Garnish

Top with fresh parsley or basil and extra parmesan if desired.

---

💡 Mediterranean Tips

• Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.

• Add cherry tomatoes for freshness.

• Use whole-wheat penne for extra fiber.