Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Published: March 26, 2025

by mimi

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne offers an easy preparation process that even beginners can master
The rich flavor profile will have everyone coming back for seconds
Its visual appeal makes it perfect for impressing guests at any gathering
Versatile enough to adapt with seasonal vegetables or proteins as you please

Every time I serve this dish, my friends turn into food critics—mouths full, they nod approvingly while trying not to moan with delight.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts are perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce usually 3-4 should do.
Penne Pasta: Al dente is key; it holds onto that luscious sauce beautifully.
Mushrooms: Fresh cremini or button mushrooms provide an earthy flavor make sure they’re firm and free from blemishes.
Asparagus: Bright green spears add color and crunch; opt for thin stalks for tenderness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best flavor; your kitchen will smell amazing as it cooks.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its signature creaminess; don’t skimp here!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated adds depth; sprinkle generously on top before serving.
Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor during cooking; extra virgin is always best.
Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): Simple but essential for bringing the entire dish together.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and slice the mushrooms and asparagus into manageable sizes. Having everything prepped speeds up your cooking time significantly.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, add your penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 10-12 minutes should do. Drain and set aside while you work on the sauce.

Sauté Chicken & Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes—then add garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus until veggies are tender.

Create The Sauce: Pour in heavy cream once veggies soften slightly—watch as it brings everything together! Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted smoothly into the mixture.

Toss It All Together: Add cooked penne directly into the skillet with your creamy mixture. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sauce—this is where magic happens

Enjoy your masterpiece right away or let it cool slightly before serving—it tastes great at any temperature

Your taste buds called—they want you to whip up some creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne today

You Must Know

This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl
The flavors meld beautifully, making leftovers almost as good as the first day
Enjoy the aromatic blend of garlic and sautéed veggies wafting through your kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the rich, creamy sauce. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly, resulting in a delightful harmony of textures and flavors.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out asparagus for broccoli or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Experimenting keeps your dish exciting and personalizes it to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always undercook your pasta slightly; it will absorb some sauce while cooking later
Fresh herbs can elevate flavor—try basil or parsley for a fresh kick
Don’t rush the sauce; letting it simmer brings out all those delightful flavors

Cooking this dish reminds me of that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about my cooking. Their smiles made all the chopping worth it

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen veggies in creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne?

Absolutely! Frozen veggies save time and still offer great flavor and texture.

What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Penne works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes you love.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.