If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that’s loaded with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne needs to be on your menu tonight! This irresistible pasta pulls together savory mushrooms, bright asparagus, and juicy chicken, all tossed in a velvety Parmesan sauce that clings lovingly to every bite of penne. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this is the kind of meal that feels both special and effortless—truly a dish worth revisiting week after week.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this lovely recipe has a clear role to play, bringing flavor, body, and color to your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. Don’t be fooled by their simplicity—when combined, these kitchen staples create pure magic!

Penne pasta: Shapes like penne hold the creamy sauce beautifully in every tube, making every forkful dreamy.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon infuses the chicken with a rich, slightly fruity base flavor while helping it brown nicely.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook up quickly and bring lean, satisfying protein to the dish.
Salt and black pepper: These seasonings keep flavors bright and balanced throughout the recipe.
Unsalted butter: Butter adds lushness to the sauté, enhancing the earthiness of the mushrooms.
Cremini or white mushrooms: Mushrooms soak up the sauce and bring a savory depth that’s absolutely essential.
Asparagus: Sliced into cheerful green pieces, asparagus gives a fresh pop of color and a sweet, nutty flavor.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds irresistible fragrance and classic Italian flair.
Chicken broth: A cup creates the perfect foundation for a sauce that’s flavorful without being too heavy.
Heavy cream: The real key to the luxurious texture—heavy cream gives body and silkiness to every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Grated, it melts into the sauce and delivers salty, nutty notes that set this dish apart.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs ties together the whole dish with classic warmth and aroma.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who crave a little kick, a dash of red pepper wakes up the creaminess.
Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley not only looks gorgeous, but it also adds a burst of freshness right at the end.

How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, toss in your penne pasta, and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite and perfect for soaking up the sauce. Drain the penne well and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

While your pasta is cooking, heat that splash of olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Let them sear for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re beautifully golden and completely cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate—don’t worry, it’ll get tossed back in soon!

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Asparagus

In your now-empty skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Slide in your sliced mushrooms, letting them sizzle for about 4 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and a little golden at the edges. Next, add the asparagus pieces and continue to sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re crisp-tender and bright green. Drop in the minced garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds to release its aroma—careful not to let it burn!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using your spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to thicken ever so slightly and smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne. Gently toss everything together, making sure each piece of pasta, chicken, and vegetable gets beautifully coated in that creamy sauce. Finish your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley just before serving—it’s the final touch that makes everything pop!

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is always a classic choice for this dish, providing a vibrant contrast to the cream. A bit of extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts, and if you’re feeling fancy, a light crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of lemon zest can take your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne to another level.

Side Dishes

This pasta loves some company! Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, roasted garlic bread for dunking, or even delicate steamed green beans. These sides help balance out the richness of the creamy sauce and round out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne in individual bowls topped with a drizzle of good olive oil and extra herbs. For a more elegant touch, pile it onto a large family-style platter, nestle in a few lemon wedges, and let everyone serve themselves straight from the table—pasta always tastes better when shared!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a true gift for busy weekdays. Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days, ready to be enjoyed whenever those cravings strike again.

Freezing

Although creamy sauces can be a little fussy after freezing, this pasta actually holds up quite well if you want to prep ahead. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, simply transfer the pasta to a saucepan or skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce and stir gently until warmed through. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring between each, until the pasta is heated evenly and the sauce is silky once more.

FAQs

Can I substitute the asparagus with another vegetable?

Absolutely! While the crisp, earthy flavor of asparagus is wonderful, you can easily swap it for broccoli florets, green beans, or even sweet peas. The key is to add them at the right time so they cook through but still keep a bit of crunch.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can lighten things up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a combination of milk and a little cornstarch slurry for thickening. The sauce will be a bit less rich but still creamy and satisfying.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done?

The chicken is cooked when it’s no longer pink in the center and juices run clear, usually in about 5 to 6 minutes of sautéing over medium-high heat. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta

Certainly! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can use ziti, rigatoni, or even rotini if you like. The important thing is to choose a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to capture all that creamy deliciousness.

Is there a vegetarian version of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne?

You can prepare a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding extra mushrooms or another vegetable like bell peppers for heartiness. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll still have a decadent, flavor-packed dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like gathering around the table for a plateful of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne—it’s easy, elegant, and always puts a smile on everyone’s face. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you find yourself making again and again, each time enjoying that perfect balance of creaminess and garden-fresh flavor. Give it a try and savor every forkful!

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a rich and satisfying meal with this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus are enveloped in a luscious cream sauce that coats every strand of penne pasta. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and delicious choice for any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cream Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
2 cups asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Penne Pasta: Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to skillet and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Prepare Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté mushrooms until softened. Add asparagus and cook until tender. Stir in garlic, then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Garnish: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss until coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.