Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

If you’re like me, finding a dinner that feels fancy but is still quick and easy to make is a total win. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. It’s got everything you want in a meal—tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and a luscious, creamy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight when you want something a little extra special.

I first stumbled upon this dish on one of those days when I was craving comfort food but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce is indulgent but not too heavy, and the combination of the mushrooms and asparagus adds just the right amount of freshness. This recipe has since become a staple in our home, and I’m sure it will be in yours too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients. You’ll need chicken breasts, penne pasta, a handful of veggies (mushrooms and asparagus), and some basic pantry staples like olive oil, butter, and garlic. The sauce is rich and creamy, made with heavy cream and Parmesan, which gives it that perfect texture and flavor balance. Simple, right?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. I always make sure the water is nice and salty—think like the sea, they say—and bring it to a rolling boil. Once that’s done, toss in the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You don’t want it too soft because it will continue cooking once mixed with the sauce. After the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season your chicken breasts with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is golden brown. Once the chicken is done, take it out of the skillet and slice it into strips. Set it aside for now.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Now, it’s time to cook up those veggies! Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus to the skillet, and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften. You’ll want to stir occasionally to make sure they cook evenly. Once they’re starting to soften, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until it gets fragrant. This will make your whole kitchen smell amazing!

Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Be sure to stir often so the cream doesn’t scorch. Once it’s simmering, gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens. The cheese will melt into the cream, thickening the sauce and making it wonderfully creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a little extra flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can really elevate the whole dish!

Now that you’ve got your pasta cooked and your sauce nearly ready, it’s time to bring everything together. This is the part where all those wonderful flavors combine into one beautiful, creamy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Trust me, this will be a family favorite before you know it!

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

Once your sauce is smooth and creamy, it’s time to add the cooked penne to the skillet. Gently toss the pasta into the sauce, making sure that each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy goodness. It’s like a big hug for the pasta! Once everything is well mixed, add the sliced chicken on top. Gently stir to combine the chicken with the pasta and sauce. The warm chicken will absorb some of that creamy sauce, making every bite even more delicious.

You’ll want to be careful not to over-stir the chicken to keep the slices intact, but also make sure everything is evenly coated in that rich sauce. I love how the chicken and pasta just meld together, making each bite so satisfying.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now for the best part—serving! This dish looks so beautiful when plated. I like to serve it immediately, garnished with a bit of extra Parmesan cheese and maybe even a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you have some on hand. You can also add a little fresh cracked black pepper for an extra touch of flavor. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked veggies all come together to make a dish that feels so indulgent yet incredibly comforting.

And there you have it! Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne that’s so easy to make but feels totally special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over for dinner, this is a meal that will impress without requiring a ton of time or effort.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: Tips, FAQs, and Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve made this creamy, indulgent dish, let’s address a few common questions and provide some helpful tips to ensure you get the most out of your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, I’ve got you covered with answers to some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?

Absolutely! While mushrooms and asparagus create a beautiful balance in this dish, you can swap them out for vegetables that you prefer or have on hand. For example, spinach, broccoli, or even zucchini would work great as a substitute. If you’re using broccoli, just make sure to steam or blanch it first to soften it up before adding it to the sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you like! Penne works well because its tube shape helps catch the creamy sauce, but you could easily use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have available. Just be sure to adjust your cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare certain elements in advance. For example, you can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to two days before assembling the pasta. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and gently reheated on the stove. However, I wouldn’t recommend fully assembling the dish until you’re ready to serve, as the pasta may absorb too much sauce and lose its creamy texture.

Can I make this recipe lighter?

If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, there are a couple of substitutions you can make. For the cream, you could use half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative. You can also use a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese if you prefer. For a lighter protein, you could swap out the chicken for turkey breast or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to restore its creamy texture, then warm it up gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the pasta and sauce can be frozen, I recommend freezing the components separately. The creamy sauce can sometimes change texture when frozen and thawed. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze the pasta separately. When ready to reheat, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then gently heat it up while reheating the pasta.

Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne! This dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and elegance, and it’s one that’s sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Whether you’re making it for your family or prepping for a dinner gathering, it’s a dish that’s easy to pull together but still feels special. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh veggies come together so perfectly—you might even find yourself making it on repeat.

I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do. It’s a simple but delicious way to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

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This creamy chicken penne pasta is the perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. The flavors are delicate yet satisfying, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special. The creamy sauce ties everything together, while the penne pasta ensures each bite is hearty and flavorful.

• Author: Mark's Recipe

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter

2 cups mushrooms, sliced (such as cremini or button)

1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp black pepper

Salt to taste

For the Pasta:
12 oz penne pasta

Water for boiling

Salt for pasta water

Instructions

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

Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.

Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Add Cream and Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta. Add the sliced chicken on top and stir to combine.

Serve
Serve the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the dish before serving to brighten the creamy sauce.

• You can substitute the asparagus with spinach or broccoli if you prefer.

• If you like a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.