At Eminent Recipes, cooking is more than just a daily routine—it’s a heartfelt passion. That’s exactly why this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a must-try. Inspired by comforting meals and a love for experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients, this dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect dinner for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, created to be both simple and satisfying.
Table of Contents
creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich, satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus tossed in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the perfect blend of comfort and freshness—easy enough for a weeknight, yet elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
8 oz penne pasta
2 chicken breasts, sliced
Vegetables & Aromatics:
1 cup asparagus, chopped
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the penne pasta al dente
Start by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add 8 oz of penne and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite. Overcooking will cause the pasta to become mushy once mixed with the sauce. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Pan-sear chicken to juicy perfection
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté mushrooms and asparagus until tender
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add sliced mushrooms and chopped asparagus. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute for added aroma.
Step 4: Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine everything in one skillet
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat every bite with that velvety sauce. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Final seasoning and plating tips
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of crushed red pepper or a zest of lemon can brighten the dish. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Don’t overcook the asparagus: Add it last so it stays bright and crisp-tender.
Reserve some pasta water: Add a splash to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
Lighten it up: Use half-and-half or low-fat milk with a teaspoon of cornstarch for a lower-calorie option.
Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or a squeeze of lemon juice can boost flavor.
Make it ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, American
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Bursting with flavor: earthy mushrooms, tender chicken & crisp asparagus
This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a flavor experience that checks all the boxes. Imagine juicy chicken seasoned just right, sautéed mushrooms bringing rich, savory depth, and asparagus that adds a fresh, vibrant bite. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce ties everything together, coating each piece of penne in velvety goodness. It’s comfort food with a gourmet feel, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors and textures keeps every bite interesting—and seriously addictive.
Easy cleanup with this one-pan pasta dinner idea
Another reason you’ll fall in love? It’s low on mess and big on reward. This dish comes together in just one skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy the meal. By cooking the chicken, veggies, and sauce all in the same pan, you not only simplify the process but also layer flavors in a way that’s hard to replicate with separate pots. It’s a time-saving, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for busy home cooks who still want to serve something special. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a family, this one-pan pasta makes life a whole lot easier—and more delicious.
Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne
Pasta & Protein: Choosing the best chicken and pasta combo
The foundation of any good creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is the pasta and protein combination. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal—they’re lean, cook quickly, and soak up every drop of that creamy sauce. Chicken thighs work too, especially if you want deeper flavor. As for pasta, penne with chicken and asparagus is a match made in comfort food heaven. Penne’s hollow shape holds the sauce beautifully, keeping every bite rich and flavorful. Other shapes like rigatoni or farfalle also work if needed.
Vegetables & Aromatics: Flavor-packed mushroom, asparagus, and garlic
No chicken mushroom and asparagus pasta is complete without fresh produce. Crisp, vibrant asparagus and tender mushrooms deliver both color and earthy depth. Slice the asparagus into bite-sized pieces and use cremini or white mushrooms for the best flavor balance. Garlic adds aromatic complexity, especially when sautéed gently. For even more flavor, consider shallots or a dash of onion—small touches that transform this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne into something gourmet.
The Creamy Sauce: Dairy options and flavor boosters
The creamy sauce is what turns this dish from basic to unforgettable. Made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth, it gives this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne its signature texture. If you’re watching calories, substitute with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Parmesan gives it a salty punch, while a little Dijon mustard or lemon zest can brighten the flavor. The result? A luscious, balanced sauce that coats your pasta and ties the chicken and asparagus pasta together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients List
- Pasta & Protein:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Necessary Tools
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Cutting board & knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or Italian sausage
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream + nutritional yeast
- Pasta Variations: Try rigatoni, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta
- More Veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers
Must-Have Tools to Cook This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Recommended pots, pans, and utensils for best results
To prepare this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne efficiently and with minimal mess, start with the right tools. A large nonstick or stainless-steel skillet is essential for cooking your chicken evenly and building your creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce in one pan. Pair it with a deep pasta pot for boiling penne to al dente perfection—especially important in any chicken asparagus pasta recipe. You’ll also need a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board to prep asparagus, mushrooms, and chicken cleanly and safely. Measuring cups and spoons help you get the proportions right for this flavorful chicken and asparagus pasta dish.
Kitchen shortcuts: From prep bowls to garlic presses
Smart tools can save you precious time when making chicken mushroom and asparagus pasta. Small prep bowls help you organize your chopped veggies, pasta, and aromatics before you start cooking. A garlic press is a game-changer, making mincing fast and uniform, which is especially handy in quick weeknight recipes like this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne. Don’t forget a wooden spoon for stirring—gentle on nonstick pans and perfect for marrying all those delicious ingredients.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Penne Dish
Step 1: Cook the penne pasta al dente
Start by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add 8 oz of penne and cook until just al dente—firm to the bite. Overcooking will cause the pasta to become mushy once mixed with the sauce. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Pan-sear chicken to juicy perfection
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Discover great ideas like this in our chicken pasta collection.
Step 3: Sauté mushrooms and asparagus until tender
In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add sliced mushrooms and chopped asparagus. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute for added aroma.
Step 4: Make the creamy garlic parmesan sauce
Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Check out our crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for more creamy dinner inspiration.
Step 5: Combine everything in one skillet
Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to coat every bite with that velvety sauce. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Final seasoning and plating tips
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of crushed red pepper or a zest of lemon can brighten the dish. Serve hot with extra grated Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Looking for inspiration? Try our twist on jerk chicken pasta Alfredo.
FAQS
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For better results, use whole milk and add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce. You can also try half-and-half for a lighter version of this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne that still delivers good texture.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying out?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk, broth, or cream to loosen the sauce. Warm over low heat and stir occasionally. For microwaving, cover and add a spoonful of liquid to keep the pasta from drying out.
Discover great ideas like this on our chicken pasta recipes page.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or even white beans for protein. You can also use plant-based cream and cheese to make it fully vegetarian. This becomes a delicious mushroom asparagus pasta with all the creaminess intact.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne is ideal, but rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine also work well. Their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce, making every bite flavorful. Use whatever you have on hand for your version of chicken and asparagus pasta.
Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but blanch it quickly or add it straight to the skillet while still frozen. It won’t have the same crisp texture as fresh asparagus, but it will still taste great.
Bonus: Can I double this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, just use a larger skillet or pot to avoid overcrowding. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to a month. Great for batch-cooking this flavorful chicken mushroom and asparagus pasta!
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Conclusion
This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is the kind of dish that feels fancy but is easy enough for any weeknight. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, every bite is pure comfort. It’s flexible, family-friendly, and perfect for impressing guests or meal prepping for the week. Once you try it, it might just become your new go-to chicken and asparagus pasta recipe.