There’s something truly special about a velvety pasta dish. Perhaps it’s the way the sauce clings to the noodles, or maybe it’s the depth of flavors that come together in one cozy bowl. This Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne is no exception. It’s a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, bright asparagus, and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Comforting: The cream sauce hugs each strand of penne, creating a comforting dish that’s full of flavor.
- Balanced Nutrition: Chicken provides lean protein, mushrooms bring an earthy touch, asparagus provides fresh crunch and color, and the cream sauce ties it all together.
- Easy to Adjust: Want more veggies? Add spinach. Prefer a lighter sauce? Use half-and-half or a low-fat alternative. You can easily tailor this recipe to your dietary preferences.
Key Ingredients
- Penne Pasta – The hollow tube shape is perfect for trapping sauce, ensuring each bite is coated in creamy goodness.
- Chicken Breast – Lean protein that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with mushrooms. (You could also use boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.)
- Mushrooms – Earthy, savory mushrooms add depth. Cremini or baby bella mushrooms work best, but white button mushrooms will also do the trick.
- Asparagus – Fresh asparagus brings a pop of color and a subtle crunch that brightens the entire dish.
- Cream (Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream) – The foundation of the sauce that provides a silky texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce will be thinner).
- Parmesan Cheese – A sharp, salty cheese that’s essential for thickening the sauce and rounding out the flavor.
- Garlic and Onion – Aromatic essentials that elevate the overall taste of the dish.
- Herbs and Seasoning – Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a touch of red chili flakes (if you like a hint of spice).
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (about 2 cups) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (cremini or baby bella recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1–2 inch segments
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 10–11 minutes).
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later (in case you need to thin the sauce).
- Drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Chicken
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with half of the salt and half of the black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same pan, lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Stir in the chopped onion, sautéing until it turns translucent (about 4–5 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add Mushrooms and Asparagus
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and asparagus segments.
- Season with the remaining salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes (if using).
- Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture and the asparagus turns bright green and slightly tender.
- Pour in the Cream and Add Chicken
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour the heavy cream into the pan and stir gently.
- Add the chicken back to the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for about 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Parmesan and Pasta
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked penne to the pan and toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed—more salt, pepper, or chili flakes, if desired.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Top with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.
- Serve hot, preferably with a side salad or some crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Make It Veggie-Friendly: Omit the chicken and simply increase the amount of mushrooms and asparagus. You can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Swap the Protein: Try substituting chicken with shrimp or turkey for a different twist.
- Add Some Zest: A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish can add brightness and cut through the richness of the cream sauce.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne with:
- Garlic Bread or crusty French bread for sopping up every last drop of sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad or a light Caesar salad helps balance the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed Veggies – broccoli, carrots, or green beans if you want to add more color.
A bowl of Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne offers a comforting escape into delicious, homemade flavors. It strikes the perfect balance between rich creaminess, earthy mushrooms, and crisp-tender asparagus. Best of all, the cooking process is straightforward enough to tackle on even the busiest evenings. With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that your family and friends will ask for time and time again.
So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience an irresistible plate of pasta perfection. Bon appétit!
