The smell of garlic, mushrooms, and creamy sauce fills the kitchen in the best way.
This Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne is rich, cozy, and full of flavor in every bite.
I made it on a weeknight when I wanted something warm and satisfying without being heavy.
The tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and silky sauce make it feel like comfort food with a touch of fancy.
If you love creamy pasta dishes that come together easily, this one’s for you.
Let’s grab a pan and make dinner feel special tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Create a dish that tastes like it came from an Italian bistro right in your own kitchen.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
- One Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one skillet, making cleanup simple.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with protein and vegetables in every bite.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults both love this creamy pasta dish.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish. For a larger gathering, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger pan.
Difficulty: Easy. This recipe is perfect for beginners but sophisticated enough for experienced home cooks.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or saute pan
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne
This dish brings together simple ingredients that create amazing flavor when combined. The cream sauce coats the pasta while the vegetables add freshness and the chicken provides satisfying protein.
For the Pasta:
- Penne Pasta (12 oz): The ridged tubes hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Salt: For the pasta water to season as it cooks.
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- Chicken Breasts (1 lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
- Mushrooms (8 oz): Sliced cremini or button mushrooms add earthy flavor.
- Asparagus (1 bunch): Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for tender bites.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves): Minced fresh garlic brings aromatic depth.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
For the Cream Sauce:
- Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, silky sauce base.
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup): Freshly grated for the best melting and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste for seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons): Chopped for garnish and freshness.
Variations for Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness.
- Use Different Vegetables: Swap asparagus for broccoli, zucchini, or spinach.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Try Different Pasta: Substitute penne with rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Include fresh basil or thyme along with the parsley.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for fewer calories.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces about 1 inch in size. Season with salt and pepper on all sides.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Saute the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes until they release their moisture and start to brown. Add the asparagus pieces and cook for another 3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Make the Cream Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add the Cheese
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
7. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne:
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal, but you can enhance your dinner with these accompaniments:
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce.
- With a Fresh Salad: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or Brussels sprouts.
- For Special Occasions: Garnish each plate with extra Parmesan shavings and a sprig of fresh parsley.
- Wine Pairing: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
Storing Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, cream-based sauces sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grate your own for the best results.
- Do Not Overcook the Asparagus: Keep it tender-crisp for the best texture and color.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure everything cooks at the same rate.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed with the sauce.
- Let Chicken Rest: If your chicken releases liquid, pat it dry before cooking for better browning.
- Season as You Go: Taste and adjust seasoning at each step for balanced flavor.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Cholesterol | 115mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Calcium | 220mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements.
PrintCreamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Pasta / Italian-Inspired Cuisine
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- Cook Vegetables: Add remaining olive oil to the skillet. Cook mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until browned. Add asparagus and cook 3 minutes more. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet with drained pasta. Toss until well coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Finish: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne FAQs
Whole milk can work but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a middle ground, try half-and-half.
Frozen asparagus works in a pinch. Thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet. You can also substitute with broccoli or green beans.
The components can be prepped ahead, but the dish is best served fresh. Cook the chicken and chop vegetables in advance, then assemble everything just before serving.
The internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink remaining.
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra flavor. They may take a minute or two longer to cook.
Add reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Asparagus Penne brings together everything you want in a pasta dish. The tender chicken provides protein, the vegetables add freshness and color, and the rich Parmesan cream sauce ties everything together beautifully. This recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both quick and impressive. Whether you are cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite. The best part is how easily you can adapt it to your tastes or what you have on hand. Make this recipe your own and enjoy a delicious homemade meal that rivals any restaurant.
