Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a deliciously comforting pasta dish that brings together tender slices of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus, all tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe is simple yet satisfying, balancing freshness with indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
8 ounces penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Sauce:
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the sliced chicken breasts until golden and fully cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and cook until softened and lightly browned, then stir in the asparagus and garlic.
sautéing for a few more minutes until the asparagus is just tender. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet.
tossing everything together until well coated. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
How to Make
Begin by prepping your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. While the pasta cooks, sear the chicken slices until golden.
Use the same skillet to build flavor with sautéed mushrooms, asparagus, and garlic. Adding the broth and cream creates a luscious base for the sauce, and melting in the Parmesan adds depth and richness.
Once everything is combined, the final dish should be creamy, well-balanced, and full of fresh textures and flavors.
Variations
You can easily make this dish your own. Swap penne with fettuccine or farfalle for a fun twist. Use spinach or peas instead of asparagus for a seasonal change.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Want more protein? Add crispy pancetta or bacon for extra flavor.
Tips
For best results, cook the pasta just shy of al dente before combining it with the sauce to let it soak up the flavors.
Don’t overcook the asparagus—keep it bright and slightly crisp. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it up.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and versatile dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. With its creamy texture, vibrant vegetables, and savory chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation, offering restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
