Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

 

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne from tinsuf is a comforting Italian-American  pasta dish featuring tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and penne pasta coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining guests. The combination of savory chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cloves  garlic, minced

For the Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan  cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the asparagus and cook for another 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Best Chicken Penne

• Cook the pasta just to al dente since it will continue absorbing sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
• Avoid overcooking asparagus to keep it bright and tender-crisp.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Reserve pasta water to create the perfect sauce consistency.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream, milk, or broth to restore the creamy texture.

Variations

Spinach Chicken Penne

Add 2 cups fresh spinach during the final minutes of cooking.

Bacon Mushroom Penne

Mix in crispy cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Shrimp and Asparagus Penne

Replace the chicken with large shrimp for a seafood version.

Lighter Version

Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Conclusion

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is rich, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce come together in a quick and easy pasta dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete restaurant-worthy meal at home.