If you’re looking for a comforting and indulgent dinner, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is exactly what you need. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and a luscious cream sauce will make this dish your new favorite weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this rich and flavorful pasta is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together some of the best ingredients in a creamy, comforting pasta dish. The penne serves as the perfect base, and the tender chicken combined with the savory mushrooms and fresh asparagus creates an amazing balance of flavors and textures. The rich cream sauce ties everything together for a truly decadent meal that’s surprisingly easy to make. I enjoy how versatile it is, making it ideal for busy nights but still special enough for a weekend dinner. It’s the perfect comfort food with a touch of elegance!
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, diced
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and asparagus. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are soft and the asparagus is tender.
Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss everything together until well coated, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Vegetarian Option: You can skip the chicken and instead use more mushrooms or even substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to customize the dish to your liking.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Swap the Pasta: You can replace penne with another type of pasta, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the components ahead of time (such as cooking the chicken, pasta, and veggies), and then assemble and heat the dish when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer—rigatoni, spaghetti, or even farfalle would work well.
Can I use a dairy-free alternative for the cream and cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative, and opt for a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To prevent curdling, make sure to use medium heat when adding the cream and broth, and don’t let the sauce boil. Stir occasionally for a smooth texture.
Can I add more protein to this dish?
If you’d like to add more protein, you can incorporate shrimp, sausage, or even bacon to the dish for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is everything you could want in a pasta dish—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. The tender chicken and sautéed vegetables make it feel both hearty and fresh, and the creamy sauce brings it all together in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it to guests, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. I can’t wait for you to try it!
📖 Recipe:
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting, indulgent dinner that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and a rich cream sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough for any occasion. With its creamy texture and balanced flavors, this pasta dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and asparagus. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until mushrooms soften and asparagus becomes tender.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine, bring to a simmer, and cook for 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Toss everything together until well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with extra mushrooms or tofu.
Add extra vegetables like spinach or peas for more variety.
To add a spicy kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Swap penne for fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
This dish can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily with a splash of milk or cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 530 kcal
