Are you looking for a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal? Let me share my experience with Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne, a delightful recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul and impresses your family or guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is a balanced meal that brings flavors together beautifully. It’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something wholesome yet satisfying. The combination of protein, veggies, and pasta creates a one-pan wonder, ensuring less mess and more time to unwind after a long day.

“This creamy pasta quickly became a family favorite! The flavors blend so well, and it’s a breeze to whip up on a weeknight.” – A satisfied home chef

Preparing Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

This dish is remarkably straightforward and satisfying. Picture this: succulent chicken pieces are browned and then joined by mushrooms and asparagus, creating a colorful medley. The heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that envelopes the penne pasta, making each bite a comforting delight.

What You’ll Need

To whip up this creamy treat, gather the following ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Feel free to use frozen asparagus if fresh isn’t available. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different spin.

Directions to Follow

Here’s a simple, user-friendly guide to creating this delicious dish:

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through.
Toss in the mushrooms and asparagus, sautéing for about 5 minutes until both the chicken and vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow it to heat through but not boil.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, tossing it well to ensure it’s coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is best served warm and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Pair it with a light side salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. A glass of crisp white wine can elevate your dining experience, making it feel extra special!

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have leftovers (which can be hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months — just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in a freezer-safe container.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Cook the pasta al dente since it will continue to cook upon mixing with the warm sauce.
Stagger the addition of vegetables if you prefer them crisper. You can add the asparagus later than the mushrooms to keep that crunch.
Don’t skimp on the garlic! It adds a wonderful depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish.

Creative Twists

Mix things up by adding other seasonal veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes. If you want an extra kick, consider stirring in some crushed red pepper flakes. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative without sacrificing too much creaminess.

Common Questions

What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Expect about 10-15 minutes for preparation, with a cooking time of roughly 20-25 minutes.
Can I substitute pasta types?
Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine or fusilli, to make the dish your own.
How can I make it vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein and ensure that the cheese is vegetarian-friendly.

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delightful and versatile dish that you’ll surely want to add to your regular meal rotation. Happy cooking!

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

A comforting and delectable one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and penne pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.

Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, diced Substitute with shrimp or tofu for variations.

Vegetables

1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces Frozen asparagus can be used if fresh is unavailable.
2 cloves garlic, minced Don't skimp on the garlic for enhanced flavor.

Sauce

1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Ensure cheese is vegetarian-friendly if making vegetarian.
1 tbsp olive oil For browning the chicken.
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley For garnish.

Instructions

Cooking Pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.

Cooking Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Adding Vegetables

Toss in the mushrooms and asparagus, sautéing for about 5 minutes until tender. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Making the Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow it to heat through but not boil.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Ingredients

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing it well to ensure it's coated in the creamy sauce.

Serving

Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Best served warm. To store, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.

Keyword Chicken Penne, comfort food, Creamy Pasta, One-Pan Meal