Name: Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips Salt and black pepper, to taste 8 oz penne pasta 2 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 8 oz mushrooms, sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon butter 1 cup heavy cream; 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect weeknight dinner that looks fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes. This dish combines juicy, golden-seared chicken with tender penne pasta, sautéed asparagus, and earthy mushrooms all enveloped in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It hits the comfort food mark while still feeling fresh thanks to the bright asparagus and aromatic herbs.

Whether you need a quick dinner idea for guests or a cozy bowl of comfort after a long day, this recipe delivers. The flavors are layered and balanced, offering creaminess from the sauce, richness from the chicken, and light crispness from the veggies. It’s a satisfying one-pan meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is ideal because it holds onto the sauce in every ridged tube, but you can substitute rigatoni or farfalle if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a bit of a twist.

Ingredients for the Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
8 oz penne pasta
2 cups asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
8 oz mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne (1)

How To Make the Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add mushrooms and asparagus. Cook for 4–6 minutes, until tender. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Add crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, and toss everything together. Heat through, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with fresh parsley on top.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet, with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or extra mushrooms and asparagus to make it hearty.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a touch of flour or cream cheese to thicken if needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even peas would blend in wonderfully.

Is this freezer friendly?

Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

What protein can I use besides chicken?

Shrimp, turkey, or tofu all make excellent substitutes depending on your dietary needs.

Want More Creamy Pasta Dinners?

If this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne stole your heart, you’ll love these other comfort-packed dishes:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can revisit it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Did you try a twist on the ingredients? Maybe added bacon or swapped in shrimp? Drop a comment and share your take—I love seeing how these dishes come to life in different kitchens!

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and satisfying pasta dinner featuring golden-seared chicken, tender penne, fresh asparagus, and mushrooms in a garlic-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. In a separate pot, boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the water, drain pasta, and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté mushrooms and asparagus for 4–6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.

4. Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Loosen with reserved pasta water if needed.

5. Add chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat and heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.