Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
If you are in search of a luscious, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant asparagus, and earthy mushrooms all coated in a rich, velvety sauce, then this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture—from the al dente penne pasta that perfectly holds the creamy sauce, to the perfectly seared chicken and crisp asparagus providing a fresh contrast. It’s approachable enough for a weekday dinner yet impressive enough to serve company, making it a true crowd pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor while contributing to a balanced taste, texture, and color profile. Gather fresh, high-quality components to make sure your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe turns out spectacularly every time.
- 12 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfectly golden sear on the chicken, adding subtle fruitiness.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces to cook quickly and stay tender.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps brown the mushrooms beautifully.
- 8 ounces mushrooms (sliced): Bring an earthy depth and meaty texture that complements the chicken.
- 1 bunch asparagus: Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for a pop of vibrant green and crunchy freshness.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Intensifies the aromatic profile with its warm, savory punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy sauce that envelops all the ingredients.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds savory notes while thinning the sauce just enough.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty finish that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick for those who like a little heat.
- Extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish: To elevate the presentation and add fresh brightness.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the penne until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a slight bite. This texture is key as it holds up admirably when tossed with the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that pasta water before draining; it will help adjust your sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed until it develops a golden crust on one side, about 5 to 7 minutes, then flip and cook through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside—this layering of flavors will ensure juicy, flavorful pieces in the final dish.
Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Asparagus
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Cook until they’re caramelized and browned, around 4 to 5 minutes—this adds a deep umami essence. Then add the asparagus pieces, cooking them for another 3 minutes until they are just tender but still have a nice snap. This combination gives the dish a wonderful balance between earthy and fresh flavors.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck to the pan; these add fantastic flavor complexity. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a touch of heat, some crushed red pepper flakes. Let this sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, thickening to a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained penne pasta. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the creamy mushroom and asparagus sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve the perfect silky finish. At this point, everything is coming together beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley transform this dish from delicious to spectacular. The Parmesan adds a sharp, salty contrast while the parsley brightens the plate visually and flavor-wise with its fresh herbal notes.
Side Dishes
Pair your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne with a simple mixed green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette for that uplifting bite. Garlic bread also complements the meal nicely, perfect to scoop up any remaining sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve this pasta in shallow wide bowls to showcase the colors and textures. Add a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few curls of Parmesan on top for that restaurant-worthy touch. You can even add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind the texture of asparagus may soften upon freezing. Package in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce’s creaminess if it has thickened too much. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta with this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully for holding the sauce, you can substitute rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle for a different shape and texture experience.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding more mushrooms or some cooked chickpeas for protein. You can even substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
What is the best way to store the cooked asparagus in this dish?
Since asparagus is cooked just until tender, it retains its flavor best when not overcooked. Refrigerate it mixed within the pasta and sauce in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Can I lighten this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickening, though the sauce will be less rich. Using less butter and Parmesan also helps reduce calories.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Make sure to cook the chicken pieces on medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking by removing them promptly from the pan once done. Cutting into uniform bite-sized pieces helps them cook evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is a heartwarming crowd favorite that brings together simple yet thoughtful ingredients for a meal sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight go-to or a cozy weekend treat, it offers comfort, freshness, and a touch of elegance in every forkful. Dive in and enjoy this irresistible blend of creamy goodness and vibrant vegetables—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breast, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy stovetop recipe combines savory ingredients with a touch of Italian seasoning for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta & Vegetables
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Mushrooms and Asparagus: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Then add the asparagus pieces and cook for an additional 3 minutes until they are just tender.
- Add Garlic and Build Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to combine and coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Serve the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
Notes
- Swap asparagus for spinach or peas for a variation on the vegetables.
- For added depth of flavor, deglaze the mushrooms with a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
