Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred the skillet, the rich aroma of garlic and sautéed mushrooms enveloped my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy Italian trattoria. This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a comforting one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you crave something delicious but don’t have the time. Packed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus, this creamy pasta dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly customizable—swap the chicken for shrimp, if you like! Whether you’re serving it up for family or enjoying a quiet dinner for one, the simple preparation and comforting flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. So, are you ready to dive into this culinary delight that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat? Why is this dish a must-try? Simplicity: This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a one-pan wonder that eliminates the fuss while delivering maximum flavor. Quick Cooking: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need a wholesome meal without the stress. Flavorfully Rich: With a luscious creamy sauce combined with sautéed mushrooms and tender chicken, this dish promises comfort in every bite. Endless Customization: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add your favorite veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers for a personal touch. Crowd-Pleaser: It’s an ideal recipe for family dinners or gatherings that will impress your guests without heavy preparation. Healthy Option: Packed with fresh vegetables and protein, it’s a nutritious choice, proving that comfort food can be wholesome too! Whether paired with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread, this meal is sure to satisfy everyone. Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Ingredients • Dive into the rich flavors of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne with these simple, wholesome ingredients! For the Pasta Penne Pasta – A sturdy base that holds the creamy sauce beautifully; feel free to use a different pasta like rigatoni if you prefer. For the Protein Chicken Breasts – Lean and flavorful, perfect for this dish; substitute with shrimp for a delightful seafood twist. For the Sauce Heavy Cream – This makes the sauce rich and creamy; for a lighter version, consider half-and-half or milk but adjust thickness accordingly. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to the sauce; you can replace it with olive oil for a dairy-free alternative. For the Vegetables Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing the chicken and veggies; a neutral oil works too if you need a substitute. Garlic – Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor; garlic powder can be used in a pinch if needed. Mushrooms – Earthy and textural; button, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms are all great choices. Asparagus – Fresh and crisp, these add a pop of color and crunch; feel free to swap with broccoli or green beans if you’d like. For the Seasoning and Flavor Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing all flavors; be sure to adjust to your preferred taste. Italian Seasoning – A blend that adds depth; substitute with oregano or basil if you don’t have it on hand. Red Pepper Flakes – An optional kick of heat; omit if you prefer a milder dish. For the Finish Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle adds creaminess and flavor; nutritional yeast works as a dairy-free option if you’re looking to skip the cheese. Chicken Broth – Helps create a flavorful sauce; vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a vegetarian version. Fresh Parsley – A vibrant garnish that enhances flavor; substitute with basil if you wish or leave out if not available. Enjoy crafting this comforting meal, perfect for any occasion! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Step 1: Cook the Pasta Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, tossing it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. Step 2: Sauté the Chicken In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded in the pan for optimal browning. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Step 3: Cook the Vegetables In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sliced mushrooms and chopped asparagus, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the mushrooms have released their moisture. This will add depth to your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. Step 4: Create the Sauce Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to bubble lightly for about 2 minutes. This will let the flavors meld beautifully and create a creamy sauce. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid boiling, which could split the cream. Step 5: Combine Ingredients Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the drained penne. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if using. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and everything is heated through. Watch for a velvety texture to form as the cheese melts. Step 6: Final Touches and Serve Remove the skillet from the heat and taste the sauce, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm in bowls, and enjoy this comforting and satisfying one-pan meal! What to Serve with Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne A delightful meal deserves some tasty companions to complete the experience! Garlic Bread: Freshly baked and buttery, it’s perfect for scooping up that creamy sauce. A must-have for any pasta dish! Side Salad: A crisp mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. It adds vibrancy to your dinner plate. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted to caramelized perfection, they bring warmth and texture, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Comforting and velvety, they blend beautifully with the dish’s creamy elements, creating a hearty and indulgent experience. White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors superbly, providing an elegant touch to your dinner. Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft, doughy, and infused with garlic and cheese, these are an irresistible accompaniment, perfect for those sauce-soaked bites. Tiramisu: For dessert, this classic Italian treat is the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal, delighting your guests with its creamy layers and coffee flavor. Steamed Broccoli: Light and nutritious, it adds freshness without overpowering the rich main dish, brightening up the dinner table with a splash of green! Storage Tips for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy this creamy goodness a second time! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creamy texture of your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. Room Temperature: Avoid leaving the dish out for more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety. Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe and make it your own! The comforting flavors and creamy texture can be easily adjusted to suit your taste buds. Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp for a delightful seafood version that cooks in just minutes. Vegetarian Delight: Swap out chicken for hearty sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or diced tofu for a plant-based option; the creaminess still shines through! Extra Veggies: Add in fresh spinach or roasted red peppers to pack in more nutrients and colors; this dish loves the company of vibrant veggies! Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta of your choice so everyone at the table can enjoy this comforting meal without worries. Spicy Kick: For heat lovers, toss in diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavor profile and give your taste buds a thrill. Herb Variation: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like basil or thyme to give it a unique aromatic flair; fresh herbs can elevate the dish to a new level! Nutty Finish: Top it off with toasted pine nuts or walnuts just before serving for added texture and a nutty flavor twist; it’ll provide that perfect crunch. Creamy Vegan: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan; it’s a creamy indulgence that’s also vegan-friendly! By exploring these variations, your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne can become a different dish each time, providing endless delightful dining experiences every time you make it! For a delightful twist, consider pairing this dish with a refreshing salad or serve it alongside Grilled Chicken Skewers for a complete meal that’ll impress your guests. Enjoy the journey of flavor! Expert Tips for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Avoid Sticky Pasta: Toss drained penne with olive oil to keep it from clumping together as it waits for the creamy sauce. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. This ensures each piece gets a beautifully golden crust. Maintain Veggie Texture: Sauté mushrooms and asparagus over medium-high heat to retain their crispness; avoid cooking them too long! Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, simply stir in reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired creaminess. Flavor Balance: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust with salt and pepper, ensuring your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is perfectly seasoned. Keep it Customizable: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on what you have! Whether it’s chicken for shrimp or adding another veggie, make it your own. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the penne pasta and sauté the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. To maintain freshness, store the pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The sautéed vegetables can also be prepared ahead of time; just ensure they are allowed to cool before sealing. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and veggies in a skillet, add the pasta, stir in the creamy sauce, and heat through until everything is warm. With this make-ahead strategy, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table with ease on your busiest nights! Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe FAQs What’s the best way to select ripe mushrooms and asparagus for this dish? Absolutely! Look for mushrooms that are firm, plump, and have a clean, dry appearance. Avoid any with dark spots or slime. For asparagus, choose firm stalks that are bright green with closed, compact tips. If they’re wilting or have dark spots, they’re past their prime. How should I store leftovers of the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best taste, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to revive the creamy texture. Can I freeze Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne? Yes, you can! To freeze, portion out your leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. When reheating, add a little chicken broth while warming on low heat to restore creaminess. What should I do if my sauce is too thick? Very! If your sauce turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit of reserved pasta water or more chicken broth while stirring over low heat. This will help loosen the sauce and bring it back to that creamy, perfect consistency you’re looking for. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Absolutely! If you’re serving this dish to someone with dairy allergies, consider substituting heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Always check for any additional allergies with your guests! Can I customize this dish with different vegetables? The more, the merrier! Feel free to toss in other vegetables you love—spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini would work beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time so they’re tender yet still vibrant. Enjoy making it your own! Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne in Just 30 Minutes This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting one-pan meal packed with rich flavors, perfect for busy weeknights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta8 oz Penne PastaFor the Protein1 lb Chicken BreastsFor the Sauce1 cup Heavy Cream2 tbsp Unsalted Butter1 cup Chicken BrothFor the Vegetables2 tbsp Olive Oil3 cloves Garlic minced8 oz Mushrooms sliced1 cup Asparagus choppedFor the Seasoning and Flavor1 tsp Salt1 tsp Black Pepper1 tsp Italian Seasoning1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optionalFor the Finish½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped Equipment Large PotLarge skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.Sauté diced chicken in olive oil until golden brown.Cook minced garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus in the same skillet.Add chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer to create sauce.Combine cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce, adding Parmesan.Serve garnished with parsley. Nutrition Serving: 1plateCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
