Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant meal that bursts with flavor and textures, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is just the ticket. It combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant asparagus, and al dente penne pasta all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests without hours in the kitchen, this dish hits all the right notes for anyone who loves a rich, hearty pasta with a fresh vegetable twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors in this dish. Each component plays a key role, from the chicken adding protein and heartiness, to the mushrooms and asparagus lending earthiness and bright green color, and the cream bringing everything together in a silky sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up the flavors.
- Penne pasta: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully with its ridged tubes.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Mushrooms: Bring a meaty, earthy depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Asparagus: Adds a fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic flavor that wakes up every bite.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that irresistibly creamy, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth: Lightens and deepens the sauce with savory undertones.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that rounds out the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Delivers a burst of color and a fresh herbal note as garnish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling your penne pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. This step is crucial because the pasta’s texture provides the canvas that holds all the creamy goodness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to await its flavorful companions.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the diced chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Browning the chicken so nicely adds a ton of flavor, so don’t rush. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside for the final assembly.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Asparagus
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Their natural juices mingle in the pan, creating a wonderful base of flavor. Sauté them for 4 to 5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and asparagus turns tender but still crisp, maintaining a lovely bite that makes this dish so delightful.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Now, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook it for just about one minute until fragrant. Garlic is one of those ingredients that instantly elevates any dish, and here it perfectly complements the earthiness of the mushrooms while waking up the whole flavor profile.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, becoming luxuriously creamy and ready to envelop your pasta and chicken.
Step 6: Combine Parmesan, Chicken, and Pasta
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, followed by the sautéed chicken and cooked pasta. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of penne and chicken in that rich sauce. This is where all the flavors meld beautifully into one perfect plate.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness. Your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed and is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan or a few extra chopped parsley leaves can brighten the dish wonderfully just before serving. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a nice subtle zing to balance the creamy richness if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Pairing this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread creates a fulfilling meal that hits all the texture notes. Simple roasted vegetables or a tangy tomato salad work beautifully too, bringing freshness alongside every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a delicate garnish of microgreens or edible flowers to make it pop visually. You can also drizzle a touch of truffle oil on top for an ultra-luxe twist that pairs excellently with mushrooms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess, you can freeze leftover portions in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Keep in mind the asparagus texture may soften a bit after freezing, but the overall flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat with a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving is possible but stirring midway helps prevent the sauce from separating and keeps the dish creamy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap out heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese to enjoy a dairy-free version that still packs flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and stay moist well. Just dice and cook them thoroughly as you would with breasts.
What can I substitute for asparagus if I can’t find any?
Green beans or broccoli florets make great alternatives, adding similar crunch and color to the dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or sprinkle some on top as a garnish for a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is an absolute winner for anyone who loves comfort food with a gourmet touch. It’s approachable to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and delivers that creamy richness we all crave. Give it a try soon—you might just find your newest favorite dinner that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are sautéed with fresh mushrooms and crisp asparagus, then combined with penne pasta and a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh parsley, this dish balances savory, creamy, and fresh flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Vegetables
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and trimmed asparagus pieces. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the asparagus becomes tender but still crisp.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the vegetables and garlic. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, cooked chicken, and the drained penne pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, tossing everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta right before serving as a bright, fresh garnish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink before removing from the skillet for food safety.
- Trim the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends before cutting into pieces.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
