Nothing beats a dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight, and this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe does exactly that. Tender chicken bites, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus come together in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked penne pasta. Every forkful is a symphony of flavors and textures that’s comforting yet fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish brings the joy of a homemade meal with the ease of simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the base flavors, adding texture, or brightening up the plate. Keep these essentials on hand, and you’ll have everything to whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and a little bit special.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that lovely golden color.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a warm, savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the garlic.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for amplifying every flavor in the dish.
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms: Offers earthiness and a meaty texture that complements the chicken.
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces: Provides a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. You want that slight firmness because the pasta will continue soaking up flavors when tossed with the sauce. Once drained, set it aside, ready to unite all the other fantastic ingredients in the final step.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then add them to the hot skillet. Let the chicken brown and cook through until golden, roughly 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds flavor with that beautiful caramelization. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Asparagus
In the same skillet, no need to clean it out! Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms release their juices and the asparagus turns tender but still retains a satisfying snap. This step keeps the veggies vibrant and full of character.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir consistently until the cheese melts, and the sauce thickens slightly, becoming silky and dreamy. This sauce is what sets the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe apart, giving you that comforting, rich mouthfeel.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing it gently with the sauce so every piece is beautifully coated. Now, add the al dente penne pasta. Mix everything together carefully, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce while warming through. Taste, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as you like.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well combined and bubbling lightly, it’s time to serve this indulgent but balanced dish. Grab a big spoon and enjoy the harmonious mix of creamy, savory flavors paired with perfectly tender pasta and fresh veggies.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens every mouthful. A little extra Parmesan on top can enhance the cheesiness and make each plate look restaurant-worthy. If you enjoy a touch of heat, crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully here too.
Side Dishes
To keep the focus on the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe, simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread are ideal. The acidity and crunch balance the rich cream sauce perfectly, rounding out your meal without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little extra flair, serve the pasta in warm shallow bowls, which helps keep the sauce luscious and easy to savor. You could also plate the chicken pieces more prominently on top with a drizzle of extra cream sauce and garnish for a beautiful, elegant presentation that will impress anyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but be sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you’d like to prep in advance or save portions for busy days. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain that creamy consistency everyone loves about the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle would also work wonderfully in this recipe. Choose whatever you love or have on hand for a tasty twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will shift slightly, but it will still be deliciously creamy.
How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Feel free to toss in extras like spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes when sautéing the mushrooms and asparagus. They add more color and nutritional value without complicating the recipe.
What’s the best way to cut the chicken for this recipe?
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized, evenly sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking. This also makes it easier to enjoy each forkful with a perfect blend of sauce and veggies.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes! If you have cooked chicken on hand, simply add it to the sauce in the last step just to warm through. This is a great way to save time while still enjoying the full flavor of the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those perfect comfort meals that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet it delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. The balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and hearty mushrooms creates a dish you’ll want to make again and again. I encourage you to give it a try tonight and enjoy a cozy, delicious dinner that everyone will love.
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
Description
A luscious and creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne pasta, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed with fresh mushrooms and crisp asparagus, then tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and combined with al dente penne pasta for a comforting, flavorful meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Make Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it with the creamy sauce. Add the drained penne pasta and mix well, ensuring everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream alternative.
- You can use other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli if penne is unavailable.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make a great garnish to boost flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
