If you are on the lookout for a dish that combines comfort with a splash of elegance, the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe will absolutely delight your taste buds and impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. This recipe melds tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of penne pasta. It’s a celebration of textures and flavors that come together in a way that feels both homey and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the cornerstone of this dish’s magic. Each component is straightforward yet pivotal, bringing unique flavors and textures to the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne recipe. From fresh vegetables to rich cream and perfectly cooked chicken, these ingredients elevate every aspect of the dish.
- 12 oz penne pasta: Choose quality pasta that holds sauce well for every satisfying bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms: Offers an earthy depth and a pleasant, tender texture.
- 1 bunch asparagus: Trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces for crispness and a pop of vibrant green.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the sauce, delivering luscious creaminess.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and deepens the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and a slightly nutty note.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Elevates the dish with fragrant herbal undertones.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Brightens and freshens the presentation.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Penne
Start by cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it, which ensures it won’t become mushy when combined with the sauce. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside – this base will be kissed by the creamy sauce momentarily.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for a few minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Step 3: Cook Mushrooms and Asparagus
Using the same skillet, toss in your sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté them together for around 5 minutes, until the mushrooms release their natural moisture and the asparagus becomes tender but still crisp. This step brings out their natural sweetness and adds incredible flavor layers to your dish.
Step 4: Add Fragrant Garlic
Next, add the minced garlic to the vegetables and sauté for just about a minute, until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Garlic is a game-changer here, infusing every bite with its distinctive warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, gently stirring to mix everything together. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. This forms the luscious base of the sauce that will beautifully coat your pasta and chicken while melding all the ingredients into one harmonious dish.
Step 6: Thicken with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes as the sauce thickens and the cheese melts, enriching the sauce with its cheesy, savory goodness and perfectly balanced herbiness.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with your sauce and vegetables. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece of pasta gets luxuriously coated in the creamy mushroom and asparagus sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh burst of flavor and serve immediately. The warm colors, inviting aroma, and creamy texture of this dish will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley is a simple way to enhance the freshness and add a vibrant green contrast to the dish. If you want to take it up a notch, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a dash of red pepper flakes can add surprising texture and a little kick.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also ideal for soaking up every last bit of the dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne recipe in shallow bowls for a rustic look or plate it elegantly by twirling the pasta into neat nests. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can also transform the presentation for a memorable dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne recipe can be transferred to airtight containers and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish is not the best candidate for freezing due to the heavy cream, which can separate when thawed. If you want to freeze leftovers, consider freezing the pasta and chicken separately without the sauce, then prepare a fresh sauce when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This approach helps revive the creaminess and brings the dish back to life without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to cook according to the shape’s instructions so it remains firm.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the flavors will shift slightly but it will still be delicious.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in spinach, bell peppers, or peas along with the asparagus and mushrooms. These additions add color, nutrients, and texture without overwhelming the flavor profile.
What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?
Frozen asparagus works fine too; just thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture in the sauce. Alternatively, you could use green beans as a crunchy substitute.
Can I prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time?
Definitely! Cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables a day ahead will cut down your prep time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine with the sauce and pasta when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting yet special enough to serve when guests come around. I guarantee once you try this recipe, it will become one of your go-to favorites for weeknight dinners and celebratory meals alike. Dive in and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and fresh asparagus in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté mushrooms and asparagus: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus pieces. Sauté the vegetables for approximately 5 minutes until they become tender and the mushrooms release their moisture.
- Add garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Continue to cook the sauce for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss all the ingredients together carefully, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the dish immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream for half-and-half but expect a thinner sauce.
- You can use other pasta types such as rigatoni or fusilli if penne is unavailable.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a more aromatic flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook asparagus; it should remain tender-crisp for the best texture.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
