Introduction & Inspiration
There’s something so comforting about a creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s loaded with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus.
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne has become one of my ultimate go-to dinners when I want something cozy but still packed with flavor and texture.
It’s rich without being too heavy, and every bite is a perfect balance of creaminess, savoriness, and a little bit of veggie freshness.
Nostalgic Appeal
Creamy pasta dishes always bring back memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around a big pot of something warm and hearty.
There’s something about the aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and cream simmering together that instantly feels like home.
This recipe takes those nostalgic flavors and adds a fresh twist with crisp asparagus and hearty mushrooms, making it feel both familiar and exciting at the same time.
Homemade Focus
What I love about this recipe is that everything is homemade, from the seared chicken to the rich, creamy sauce.
Using simple, fresh ingredients like garlic, mushrooms, and heavy cream makes a huge difference in flavor.
Nothing about this dish feels complicated, but the final result tastes like something you’d order at a cozy Italian trattoria.
Making it myself lets me control everything from the seasoning to the creaminess of the sauce, making sure every bite is just right.
Flavor Goal
My flavor goal for this dish was simple: create a sauce that’s rich and creamy without being overwhelming, perfectly coating every piece of pasta, chicken, and vegetable.
The mushrooms bring an earthy depth, the asparagus adds a fresh, slightly grassy note, and the Parmesan cheese ties everything together with salty, savory richness.
The Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes add just enough spice and herbaceous flavor to make every bite interesting without overpowering the creaminess.
Ingredient Insights
Penne pasta is perfect for this dish because its hollow shape holds onto all the creamy sauce so well.
Chicken breasts provide lean protein, staying juicy and tender when sliced and quickly sautéed.
Mushrooms bring a rich, earthy flavor that balances beautifully with the lighter asparagus.
Heavy cream and chicken broth create a luscious, silky sauce that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds the final touch of salty, nutty flavor that completes the dish perfectly.
Essential Equipment
A large pot is needed for boiling the pasta until perfectly al dente.
A large skillet is essential for searing the chicken, sautéing the vegetables, and bringing the sauce together.
A good chef’s knife makes slicing the chicken and prepping the veggies quick and easy.
Tongs or a sturdy wooden spoon help toss everything together evenly when combining the pasta, chicken, and sauce.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the asparagus pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to add flavor to the sauce.
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta.
Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6
Serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Troubleshooting (FAQ)
Why is my sauce too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up until you reach the desired consistency.
What if my chicken is dry?
Be careful not to overcook the chicken. Slice it thinly so it cooks quickly, and remove it from the heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
Can I substitute a different vegetable?
Absolutely! Broccoli, spinach, or peas would all be great substitutes if asparagus isn’t available.
How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and you can reduce the amount of Parmesan slightly if you want a lighter version.
Tips and Variations
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Swap penne for fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta you have on hand.
- Use a mix of mushrooms like cremini and shiitake for more depth of flavor.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
- Pair with a glass of buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio.
- Offer garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side for soaking up the extra sauce.
- For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside grilled vegetables.
Nutritional Information
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
The chicken and Parmesan cheese provide plenty of protein, while the asparagus and mushrooms add fiber and essential vitamins.
While the heavy cream adds richness, the dish can easily be lightened up with a few simple swaps if desired.
It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights when you want something homemade and comforting.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Description
Make this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne for a cozy, flavorful meal! Tender chicken, mushrooms, asparagus, and a creamy Parmesan sauce come together for the ultimate comforting pasta dish.
Ingredients
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the sliced mushrooms for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add the asparagus pieces and cook for another 2 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to add flavor to the sauce.
Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta.
Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6
Serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining.
Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce come together for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of delicious texture.
It’s easy to customize, versatile with different veggies and pastas, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you try any new variations or have questions, feel free to leave a comment—I’d love to hear how you made it your own!
Call-to-Action
If you make this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, let me know what you think!
Leave a review in the comments section, save the recipe for cozy dinner nights, and share it with a friend who loves rich, creamy pasta dishes.
Let’s keep making simple, satisfying meals together!