If you are craving a comforting yet fresh pasta dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and earthy mushrooms in a luscious sauce, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with flavors and textures that dance on your palate, this dish brings restaurant-quality decadence to your everyday dinner table with surprisingly simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, the creamy sauce enriched with Parmesan cheese wraps every penne piece in pure deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, unpretentious, and each one plays a vital role in crafting the rich flavors and inviting textures of this dish. From the tender chicken to the fresh asparagus, every component brings something special to the party.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly with its ridges and tube shape for maximum flavor absorption.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides hearty protein with a tender, juicy bite when cooked right.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Delivers a fragrant richness and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken and mushrooms.
- 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds a fresh, crisp green pop and a slight bite to balance richness.
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (cremini or button): Bring earthy depth and a meaty texture that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a gentle pungency that enhances every bite.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a velvety and indulgent sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps balance the cream’s richness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding nutty, salty notes and extra creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Aromatic herbal blend that lifts the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer of flavor just right.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, green finish that makes the dish visually inviting and adds a hint of brightness.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta until it is perfectly al dente. This ensures the pasta maintains a nice bite that won’t get mushy when combined with the sauce. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy liquid is key to loosening the sauce later and tying everything together.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to build lots of flavor right from the start. Cook the chicken until it develops a gorgeous golden crust and is cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside — don’t worry, it’ll return to soak in that creamy sauce soon!
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Asparagus
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Let them brown and soften for about 4 to 5 minutes — this step intensifies their natural earthiness. Next, add the minced garlic and asparagus pieces, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp and the garlic fragrant but not burnt. The mix of textures here is what makes this dish so delightful.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to start the magic of transforming simple ingredients into a velvety sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, watching it melt and thicken the sauce into a silky coating that clings to every morsel.
Step 5: Combine Everything for the Final Touch
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with your al dente penne. Toss everything delicately, adding reserved pasta water in small amounts if the sauce feels too thick — this helps achieve the perfect consistency that’s rich but not heavy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed, then prepare to enjoy this comforting masterpiece.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a subtle herbal brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully. For an extra touch, consider some shaved Parmesan as a final flourish to make the dish even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf also make fantastic companions, perfect for sopping up the luscious sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in warm bowls to keep it cozy and inviting, or plate it on large dishes with a neat mound of pasta in the center. For a restaurant-style presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle some cracked black pepper around the edge. A few edible flowers or microgreens can add a playful, colorful twist for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers a delightful second meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though the texture of cream sauces can sometimes change slightly after freezing. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce and keep it silky. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would also be delicious and give a slightly different texture to the dish.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich and thick. Adding a small amount of flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if you choose to go this route.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the penne for a gluten-free pasta variety. Most gluten-free pastas will cook similarly and absorb the sauce nicely, making this dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What if I want to add more vegetables?
Feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or peas to boost color and nutrients. Add them during the asparagus step or at the end to keep their textures fresh and vibrant.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
The chicken is done when it has turned golden brown on the outside and is firm but juicy inside, about 5 to 6 minutes depending on the size of your pieces. Cutting a piece open should show no pinkness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. Once you’ve mastered it, it quickly becomes a go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a whirl and enjoy every creamy, savory bite that makes this recipe so special.
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delicious Italian-inspired main course combining tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and sautéed mushrooms in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente penne pasta. Quick to prepare and full of comforting flavors, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that brings together spring vegetables and creamy indulgence in one satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or button)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and tender. Stir in the minced garlic and asparagus pieces, cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the asparagus is just tender.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired, and serve the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for the heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.
- Try adding sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
