If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that combines comfort, elegance, and a burst of fresh flavors, you’ve got to try Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne. This dish brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a luscious, velvety sauce that hugs every piece of perfectly cooked penne. It’s hearty yet light, simple yet sophisticated—a guaranteed winner for any dinner table craving a splash of gourmet made easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Flavor Profile: The earthiness of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the fresh brightness of asparagus, all united by a rich cream sauce.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
Protein-Packed: Juicy chicken breast adds satisfying substance to keep you full and energized.
Perfect Creamy Texture: The sauce clings to every piece of penne, delivering indulgence in every bite.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each adding a distinct touch of flavor, texture, or color to the dish. Fresh asparagus adds crunch and vibrancy, mushrooms bring umami depth, and chicken provides hearty protein, while the cream sauce pulls it all together in a silky finish.

Chicken Breasts: Choose skinless, boneless breasts for tenderness and quick cooking.
Fresh Asparagus: Trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces, for a green, crisp contrast.
Button or Cremini Mushrooms: Cleaned and sliced for that warm, deep flavor.
Penne Pasta: Al dente is best so it holds shape under the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a luxuriously smooth, rich sauce.
Garlic: Minced, for that aromatic foundation that ties all flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for saltiness and depth.
Olive Oil and Butter: For sautéing and enriching flavor layers.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing every ingredient perfectly.
Fresh Herbs (Optional): Such as parsley or thyme for a fresh herbal note.

Variations for Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Feel free to customize Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne to suit your preferences, dietary restrictions, or ingredient availability. This recipe adapts beautifully to many variations without losing its comforting charm.

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for plant-based protein.
Low-Carb Swap: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of penne.
Cheese Alternatives: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a twist.
Added Heat: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Different Greens: Swap asparagus for broccoli, spinach, or green beans for variety.

Why Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne Wins Dinner

How to Make Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by trimming the asparagus and slicing mushrooms. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, and measure out your cream and cheese. Bring salted water to a boil for the penne and cook it al dente according to package directions.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Mushrooms and Asparagus

In the same skillet, add butter, then toss in the mushrooms and asparagus. Cook until mushrooms are browned and asparagus is tender-crisp, roughly 4-5 minutes. Stir in garlic midway to release its aroma without burning.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything gently so pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce and the ingredients are well mixed. Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh asparagus and mushrooms make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook penne al dente because it will soften further when tossed in the sauce.
Toast Mushrooms: Give mushrooms time to brown and develop flavor before adding other veggies.
Simmer Cream Gently: Avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling and maintain smoothness.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding a splash aids in loosening the sauce if it gets too thick.

How to Serve Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness, while a little extra Parmesan on top enhances the cheesy goodness. For a subtle crunch, toasted pine nuts work wonders too.

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for balance, or crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce and complete the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls and swirl it. Add a few asparagus tips artistically on top. For dinner parties, serve family-style in a large beautiful skillet right at the table to encourage sharing and conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely, but the asparagus may soften further.

Freezing

For longer storage, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes instead of penne?

Absolutely! Fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely and complement the chunky vegetables and chicken.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, simply substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta varieties available in most stores to make it gluten-friendly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream or cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep it rich and creamy.

How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Cut the chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking by sautéing until just done; resting the chicken briefly helps the juices redistribute.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a party?

This dish can be made a few hours ahead; just wait to combine pasta and sauce until serving time to keep its best texture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is one of those recipes that brings pure joy in every bite, blending simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, it’s a deliciously satisfying choice that’s easy enough for any weeknight but elegant enough for any occasion. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite dinner!

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne

Print Recipe

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and elegant weeknight dinner that features tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, velvety cream sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated with the luscious sauce, delivering a hearty yet light dish that is quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop Sauté
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free penne pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, diced
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
12 oz penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped, for garnish
Red pepper flakes or cayenne, for heat
Toasted pine nuts, for crunch

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Trim the asparagus and slice the mushrooms. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, and measure out the cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta al dente according to package directions.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Mushrooms and Asparagus: In the same skillet, add butter, then add the mushrooms and asparagus. Cook until the mushrooms are browned and the asparagus is tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic halfway through cooking to release its aroma without burning.
Make the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce and mix the ingredients well. Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh asparagus and mushrooms for the best flavor and texture.
Cook penne pasta al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the sauce.
Allow mushrooms to brown fully before adding garlic or other vegetables to develop deeper flavor.
Simmer the cream sauce gently to prevent curdling and keep it smooth.
Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: chicken penne, creamy mushroom pasta, asparagus pasta, one-pot dinner, quick weeknight meal, creamy chicken pasta, gluten-free pasta recipe