If you’re craving a cozy, creamy pasta dish that feels fancy enough for date night but simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is calling your name. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce all wrapped around perfectly cooked penne—this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen table in under 30 minutes.

Ideal for pasta lovers, busy families, or anyone who appreciates a hearty and elegant dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and surprisingly easy to master. Let’s take a closer look at how to make this dish, what you’ll need, how to customize it to suit your taste, and why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and comforting without being overly heavy

• Balanced flavors: savory chicken, tender veggies, and rich Parmesan

• One-pan ease: minimal cleanup with maximum flavor

• Ready in 30 minutes or less

Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or impressing dinner guests without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this luscious pasta dish:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or white button work well)

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Olive oil, for cooking

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You won’t need much to pull this dish off:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Cutting board and knife

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Grater (for fresh Parmesan, optional but recommended)

How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken and Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet, let rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into strips.

In the same skillet, add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and garlic, and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot, garnished with:

• Extra Parmesan cheese

• A sprinkle of chopped parsley

• Cracked black pepper

Pair it with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette

• Caesar or arugula salad

• A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Tips, Tricks, and Variations

🔄 Ingredient Swaps:

• Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or keep it vegetarian with white beans.

• Veggies: Try spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes in place of asparagus.

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

⏱️ Time-Saving Tips:

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut prep time in half.

• Buy pre-sliced mushrooms and trimmed asparagus to skip chopping.

🍝 Make It Lighter:

• Sub half-and-half for heavy cream.

• Use whole wheat or chickpea penne for added fiber and protein.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem!

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to keep it saucy.

• Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free penne and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

What mushrooms are best?

Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer great flavor, but white button mushrooms are perfectly fine too.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, though it’s best fresh. If prepping ahead, store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the kind of recipe that feels indulgent yet wholesome. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds. From the tender chicken to the bright asparagus and savory Parmesan sauce, it’s a beautiful balance of flavors that doesn’t take a culinary degree to master.

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