Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne (Mediterranean Style)

Serves: 4

Ready in: ~35 minutes

Mediterranean Features: olive oil, fresh vegetables, lean protein, herbs, light cream base

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📝 Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 300 g penne pasta

• Salt for boiling water

For the Chicken & Veggies

• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 450 g chicken breast, cut into strips

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 250 g mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced

• 250 g asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2–3 inch pieces

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

• 1 cup milk or light cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup Greek yogurt (adds creaminess & Mediterranean flair)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Zest of ½ lemon

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Penne

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

2. Add penne and cook until al dente.

3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

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2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet.

2. Add chicken strips, season with salt, pepper, oregano & basil.

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

4. Remove chicken and set aside.

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3. Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.

2. Sauté onions for 2 minutes.

3. Add mushrooms, cook until softened and golden.

4. Add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes.

5. Stir in minced garlic, cook 30 seconds.

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4. Make the Creamy Mediterranean Sauce

1. Pour in milk/cream, chicken broth, and lemon zest.

2. Simmer gently for 3 minutes.

3. Add Greek yogurt and Parmesan, stirring until smooth.

4. Add lemon juice, taste and adjust seasoning.

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5. Combine Everything

1. Return chicken to the skillet.

2. Add cooked penne + splash of reserved pasta water to loosen sauce.

3. Toss until creamy and well coated.

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🌿 Serve

Top with:

• Fresh parsley or basil

• Extra Parmesan

• Cracked black pepper

• A drizzle of olive oil (Mediterranean touch!)

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💡 Tips

• Replace chicken with shrimp or turkey.

• For extra Mediterranean depth, add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts.

• Use whole-grain penne for a healthier version.