Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta — and when you combine tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a luscious, garlicky sauce, you’ve got a dish that’s both elegant and soul-satisfying.
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect marriage of flavor and texture — juicy bites of chicken, the earthy umami of mushrooms, and the crisp freshness of asparagus, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta and enveloped in a silky cream sauce.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or even date nights at home. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes — and tastes like it came straight out of a fine Italian kitchen.
🧾 Ingredients
🍗 For the Chicken and Pasta:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
🍄 For the Vegetables:
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work best)
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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2 cloves garlic, minced
🥛 For the Cream Sauce:
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🧑🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
💡 Tip: Toss the drained pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking together.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — cooking the chicken in batches helps it sear properly and stay juicy.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and have released their moisture.
Next, add the asparagus and sauté for another 3 minutes, until tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
The combination of mushrooms and asparagus gives the sauce a deep, earthy aroma that instantly fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
💡 Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently so the sauce coats each piece evenly. Let it cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
Serve immediately while hot and creamy — the aroma alone will make everyone rush to the table!
🌿 Why This Recipe Works
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Balanced Flavors: The richness of cream and cheese balances perfectly with the freshness of asparagus and the savory depth of mushrooms.
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Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in 30 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights.
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Restaurant Quality at Home: Every bite feels gourmet, but with simple ingredients you already have.
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Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences or whatever veggies you have on hand.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Pair it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
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Add a glass of chilled white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) for an elevated dining experience.
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Sprinkle with lemon zest before serving for a fresh, tangy twist.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze it (without asparagus) for up to 1 month.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
💡 Variations
1. Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne
Swap asparagus for fresh spinach and toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean flair.
2. Garlic Shrimp Version
Replace the chicken with shrimp — sauté them for 2 minutes per side and continue the recipe as directed.
3. Lighter Version
Use milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also use whole-wheat penne for extra fiber.
4. Extra Creamy Mushroom Lovers’ Style
Add more mushrooms (up to 2 cups) and a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.
⚖️ Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)
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Calories: 530 kcal
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Protein: 38 g
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Fat: 23 g
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Carbohydrates: 40 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Calcium: 15% DV
This dish gives you a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fats — ideal for refueling after a long day or workout while still indulging in something creamy and comforting.
💬 Related Questions
Q1: Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Substitute with a mix of milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese for similar richness.
Q2: How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat medium-low when adding cream and avoid boiling. Stir continuously for a smooth, velvety texture.
Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely — just skip the chicken and use extra mushrooms or tofu. You can also replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Q4: What pasta works best besides penne?
Fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle (bow-tie pasta) work beautifully with this creamy sauce.
Q5: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken a few hours early. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss in freshly cooked pasta.
🌸 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is more than just another pasta dish — it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Every bite delivers layers of flavor: creamy, garlicky sauce; tender chicken; juicy mushrooms; and that irresistible crunch of asparagus.
It’s proof that homemade comfort food can be both nutritious and indulgent — a dish that’s as perfect for family dinners as it is for special occasions.
Serve it once, and it might just become your signature pasta recipe! 🍝💛
