If you love a comforting pasta dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make, then you are going to adore this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of penne. This recipe is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, turning a quick meal into something truly special that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe plays a key role, whether it’s adding depth, creaminess, freshness, or a satisfying bite. The list is straightforward but essential, ensuring the final dish is bursting with flavor and perfect texture.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Provides the perfect shape and texture to hold onto the rich sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds subtle fruity notes and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms: Bring earthiness and a meaty texture to the dish.
- 1 bunch asparagus: Adds a vibrant pop of green color and fresh, crisp flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with its irresistible aromatic quality.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Lightens the sauce slightly and adds savory depth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for nutty richness and slight tang.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Offers a fragrant herbal note that rounds out the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a touch of herbal brightness.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Cooking the pasta properly is key because you want it to hold its firmness when tossed with the sauce later. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside, ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, usually around 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness and creates a beautiful crust that adds texture to the dish. Remove the chicken and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, without any extra oil, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. The mushrooms will release their earthy moisture, and the asparagus will become tender but still crisp. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes. This step is where the flavors start building and the freshness of the veggies shines.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Once the mushrooms and asparagus are just tender, add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute. This releases the garlic’s fragrant oils into the pan, creating a warm and inviting aroma that is impossible to resist.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—this warming process helps blend all the flavors. It’s the moment where the sauce starts turning silky and indulgent.
Step 6: Melt in Cheese and Season
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle in your dried thyme or Italian seasoning. The cheese melts smoothly, adding richness and a subtly sharp flavor, while the herbs bring a fragrant complexity. Let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return your browned chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce, capturing all the ingredients’ flavors in each bite. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed for a perfectly balanced dish.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
For a finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. This adds a lovely pop of green and fresh herbal notes that brighten the richness of the sauce. Serve your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic choice for brightening up the dish visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a few shavings of Parmesan or a twist of fresh cracked black pepper on top to make it look extra inviting and add that little extra punch.
Side Dishes
Considering something light and refreshing on the side complements the richness of this creamy penne perfectly. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar provide fresh contrast. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also fantastic for soaking up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual oven-safe bowls topped with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and a quick broil for a golden crust. Alternatively, portion it over a bed of baby spinach or arugula — the warmth will wilt the greens, adding a peppery, fresh layer. Presentation can be simple yet impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to develop even more, making it an excellent choice for next-day enjoyment. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
While you can freeze this creamy pasta dish, it’s best to separate the pasta from the sauce first if possible. Freeze chicken and vegetable portions with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. The texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing, so for best results, add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high power to maintain the sauce’s texture and avoid drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because of its shape that holds sauce well, you can use other pasta types like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle for a slightly different texture and feel. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms or even some cooked chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the dish will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I want a lighter version?
You can try using half-and-half or even a mixture of milk with a small amount of flour to thicken. Keep in mind the sauce will be less rich but still tasty. Greek yogurt stirred in at the end (off heat) can add a nice creaminess and tang.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Chicken pieces are cooked through when they are no longer pink inside and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should also be golden brown on the outside after searing, which adds flavor and texture.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the pasta and chicken in advance and store separately. Vegetables can be prepped and stored too. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything with the sauce for a quick final step.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those meals that satisfies on every level — from cozy comfort to fresh vibrancy. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve guests, making it a go-to recipe to have in your collection. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with those creamy, comforting bites that keep you coming back for more.
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne that combines tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan pasta dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the mushrooms have released their moisture.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Sauce Base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to begin the sauce formation.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning). Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy mushroom and asparagus sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can swap penne for any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Ensure not to overcook the asparagus to retain its crisp-tender texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
