Name: Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced; 1 cup mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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Get ready for a pasta dish that’s pure comfort in a bowl! This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is rich, velvety, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, and tender asparagus come together in a luscious cream sauce that clings to every bite of penne pasta. It’s an easy, restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress someone special—without the stress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal.
Rich & Creamy: A luxurious sauce that feels indulgent but comes together easily.
Loaded with Flavor: Garlic, parmesan, and herbs make every bite irresistible.
Protein-Packed: Chicken makes it hearty and satisfying.
Customizable: Swap the veggies or use a different protein to make it your own.

Ingredients

Pasta & Protein

Penne Pasta: The perfect shape to hold all that creamy sauce.
Chicken Breast: Tender, juicy, and packed with protein.
Olive Oil: Helps get that golden sear on the chicken.

Vegetables

Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty, they add depth to the dish.
Asparagus: Fresh and slightly crisp, it balances the richness.
Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic!

Creamy Sauce

Heavy Cream: The base of that dreamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Melty, salty, and adds incredible flavor.
Chicken Broth: Helps thin the sauce while keeping it flavorful.
Butter: For richness and a silky-smooth finish.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs for that classic flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the delicious flavors.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the mushrooms until they’re browned and tender. Add the asparagus and cook for another 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Make the Cream Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a rich, velvety sauce.

Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Serve & Enjoy

Plate it up, sprinkle with extra parmesan and a pinch of black pepper, and dig in!

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

With Garlic Bread: Because dipping into that creamy sauce is a must.
A Fresh Side Salad: Something light and citrusy balances the richness.
Extra Cheese: Always say yes to more parmesan on top!
A Glass of White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully.

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: A great shortcut if you’re in a hurry.
Swap the Pasta: Try fettuccine or rigatoni for a fun twist.
Make it Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Add a Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a little heat.
Store & Reheat: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Cook everything and store it in an airtight container. Reheat with a bit of broth or cream.

Q2: Can I use frozen asparagus?
A2: Fresh is best, but frozen works! Just thaw and pat dry before cooking.

Q3: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
A3: If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.

Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free version.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A5: Warm it gently on the stove over low heat with a bit of extra broth or cream.

Q6: Can I add bacon?
A6: Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits would add amazing flavor.

Q7: What other vegetables can I use?
A7: Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would be great additions.

Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan.

Q9: How do I keep the asparagus from getting mushy?
A9: Don’t overcook it—just a quick sauté until bright green and slightly crisp.

Q10: Can I use a different protein?
A10: Yes! Shrimp or salmon would be delicious swaps for the chicken.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is comfort food at its finest—rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It’s a go-to for cozy nights in or special dinners when you want something fancy but easy. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your home!