🍄 Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne (Mediterranean)
🛒 Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) penne pasta (regular or whole wheat)
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, sliced
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2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
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8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces
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¾ cup Greek yogurt or light cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Zest of ½ lemon (optional but recommended)
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
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Cook the pasta
Bring salted water to a boil.
Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain. -
Cook the chicken
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
Cook until golden and cooked through (5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside. -
Sauté vegetables
In the same pan, add remaining olive oil.
Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add mushrooms and cook until browned and moisture evaporates.
Add asparagus and cook 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. -
Make it creamy
Lower heat. Add chicken broth and Greek yogurt (or cream).
Stir gently until smooth. Add Parmesan and lemon zest. -
Combine
Return chicken to the pan.
Add cooked pasta and toss well.
Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. -
Finish & serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Garnish with herbs and extra Parmesan.
🌿 Why You’ll Love It
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Creamy without being heavy
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High-protein & veggie-packed
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Mediterranean fats & herbs
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Perfect for weeknight dinners or guests
🔄 Variations
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Low-carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles
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Extra indulgent: Add a splash of cream + butter
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Dairy-free: Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast
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Spicy: Add chili flakes or black pepper kick
Serve with a simple tomato-cucumber salad and enjoy every creamy bite 😍
