Luscious Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

Creamy pasta dishes never fail to comfort hungry souls, especially when blending delicate silky mushroom and asparagus chicken penne with rich, velvety textures.

Tender chicken pieces mingle beautifully with earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus spears.

Each forkful promises a delightful symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The pasta captures savory ingredients in its spiraled embrace, creating a harmonious meal.

Fresh herbs and a light cream sauce elevate this classic dish to something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners deserve such elegant simplicity that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort meal that impresses everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne Must-Haves

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides a satisfying main element and carries the delicate sauce flavors beautifully.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and nutty cheese that adds depth and creamy richness to the overall dish.

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta shape that perfectly captures and holds the creamy sauce.
• Reserved Pasta Water: Magical liquid that helps adjust sauce consistency and enhance overall flavor binding.

• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the dish with robust, earthy undertones.
• Black Pepper: Warming spice that adds subtle heat and complexity to the sauce.
• Paprika: Slightly sweet and smoky seasoning that brings warm color and depth.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle, optional heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that introduces Mediterranean warmth and complexity.

• Heavy Cream: Luxurious base that creates silky, indulgent sauce texture.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid foundation that builds layers of savory flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, velvety sauce consistency.

• Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that provide meaty texture and umami undertones.
• Asparagus: Tender green vegetable that introduces fresh, spring-like brightness.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds fresh color and light herbaceous finish.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle fruity undertone.

Prep Tools For Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Skillet: Versatile pan for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and making sauce.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precisely cutting ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps measure ingredients accurately.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.

Simple Steps For Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne in salted water until tender. Keep a small cup of pasta water before draining.

• Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Sprinkle chicken with seasonings. Cook in hot skillet until beautifully browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.

• Create Vegetable Magic

Melt butter in the same pan. Toss in garlic, then mushrooms until they release their rich flavors. Add asparagus for a quick sizzle.

• Whip Up Dreamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Lower heat and swirl in cream, cheese, and spices. Let sauce simmer and thicken, adding pasta water if needed for silky consistency.

• Bring the Dish Together

Combine pasta, chicken, and veggies in the luscious sauce. Stir until everything is beautifully coated.

• Serve and Delight

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra cheese. Pair with crusty bread or crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Easy Fixes For Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne

• Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook penne just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness when mixing with sauce.
• Protein Swap Magic: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute penne with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that's equally delicious.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan to create a creamy sauce that's lactose-free and vegan-friendly.
• Meal Prep Champion: This dish stores beautifully in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or make-ahead dinners that stay flavorful and fresh.

Dish Up Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne

• Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Pair the creamy chicken penne with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich pasta.
• Weekend Entertaining Platter: Arrange the penne on a large wooden board, sprinkle additional Parmesan, and add some crusty rosemary bread on the side for a beautiful family-style presentation.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish's creamy texture and herb notes with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the meal's flavors.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose extra penne by quickly reheating and topping with a soft-poached egg for a delightful next-day lunch that feels like a brand new meal.

Save Creamy Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne For Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed dishes maintain optimal taste and texture for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep chicken and pasta separate if possible to prevent sogginess.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Microwave works in a pinch, but stir frequently and cover to prevent drying out. Avoid repeated reheating to maintain food quality.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Package meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Cream-based sauces might separate slightly, so whisk gently when reheating to restore smoothness.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide meal into individual serving containers immediately after cooking. This method streamlines meal prep, prevents overconsumption, and provides grab-and-go lunch options for busy days. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.

Silky Mushroom And Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne brings Italian comfort to weeknight dinners. Hearty pasta combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, silky sauce that satisfies beyond expectations.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms, sliced (baby bella or cremini work best)
• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining completely.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Coat chicken pieces with a bold mixture of salt, ground black pepper, and smoky paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering, then sear chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms, allowing them to caramelize, then introduce asparagus spears, maintaining their vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. Sauce Creation: Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up caramelized bits. Reduce heat and whisk in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
5. Final Assembly: Combine cooked pasta, seared chicken, and velvety sauce, gently folding to ensure every component is luxuriously coated. Use tongs to distribute ingredients evenly, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan. Plate immediately, accompanied by crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water to help thicken and smooth out the sauce if it becomes too thick or needs extra binding.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Ensure skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust, which locks in flavor and creates delicious caramelization.
• Vegetable Crunch Control: Cook asparagus briefly to maintain its bright green color and crisp texture, preventing it from becoming mushy or losing nutritional value.
• Sauce Consistency Hack: Adjust sauce thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water, allowing you to control the final creamy texture without compromising flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg