Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Pasta Dish
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of rich, creamy pasta to satisfy your cravings. This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness. Tender chicken breast is seared to golden perfection, then tossed with sautéed mushrooms and crisp asparagus in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. The result? A restaurant-quality pasta dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions.
If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dinner, this recipe delivers bold flavors, a creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients in every bite. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
Let’s dive into the details so you can recreate this irresistible creamy chicken pasta at home!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
✔ Rich & Creamy – A luscious Parmesan cream sauce coats every bite.
✔ Protein-Packed – Juicy chicken breast provides a hearty, satisfying meal.
✔ Vegetable Boost – Asparagus and mushrooms add freshness and texture.
✔ Crowd-Pleaser – A dish the whole family will love!
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Ingredients & Their Role in This Dish
To make this delicious creamy pasta, you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced – Provides a lean yet flavorful protein base.
8 oz penne pasta – The perfect shape for holding onto the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce & Vegetables
1 tbsp olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
1 cup mushrooms, sliced – Adds an earthy, umami depth.
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces – Brings a bright, slightly crisp contrast.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the dish with aromatic flavor.
1 cup heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds depth and helps balance the heaviness of the cream.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The key to the creamy, cheesy texture.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
For Garnish (Optional, But Recommended!)
Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions (usually about 8-10 minutes).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water (this helps loosen the sauce later).
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper and add it to the pan.
Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms & Asparagus
In the same skillet, add mushrooms and asparagus.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and slightly caramelized.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese.
Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken
5. Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet.
Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-quality creamy chicken pasta!
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Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
✔ Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
✔ Don’t overcook the asparagus – It should stay slightly crisp for the best texture.
✔ Adjust the sauce consistency – If too thick, add pasta water; if too thin, let it simmer longer.
✔ Try different mushrooms – Cremini, shiitake, or button mushrooms all work well.
✔ Make it lighter – Swap half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.
✔ Add a kick – A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat boost.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne with:
✔ Garlic Bread – The perfect way to soak up extra sauce.
✔ Side Salad – A crisp Caesar salad or arugula mix balances the richness.
✔ White Wine – A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
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Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is everything you want in a comfort food meal—rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus create a well-balanced dish that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or meal prepping for the week, this one-pan pasta dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it tonight and savor every creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed bite!
Craving more delicious recipes? Bookmark this page and share it with fellow pasta lovers!
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