Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

If you’re looking for a comforting, restaurant-quality dish that comes together effortlessly at home, look no further than this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. This recipe brings together tender slices of seasoned chicken, perfectly al dente penne pasta, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus, all enveloped in a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet refreshingly easy to make, and it’s perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to small, intimate gatherings.

In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into the details of this crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just getting started in the kitchen, this dish is approachable, customizable, and guaranteed to impress. I’ll also share my pro tips, equipment list, FAQs, storage advice, and some perfect food and wine pairings to elevate your dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is for anyone who craves a balance of hearty comfort and light, fresh flavor. The creamy sauce feels indulgent without being overwhelming, thanks to the brightness of asparagus and the umami depth from mushrooms. The chicken adds satisfying protein, while the penne pasta does a perfect job of holding onto the velvety sauce in every bite.

If you’re a fan of quick, one-pan dishes (and who isn’t?), you’ll appreciate that most of the magic happens in a single skillet — which means fewer dishes to clean up afterward! Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a romantic dinner, or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

• 8 ounces penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Sauce:

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup chicken broth

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

To make this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, you’ll need:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Tongs or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Colander (for draining pasta)

• Grater (for Parmesan cheese)

Optional but helpful:

• Garlic press (for quickly mincing garlic)

• Slotted spoon (to easily transfer cooked ingredients)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and remember to reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water — it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the pan for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown. Add the asparagus and minced garlic, and sauté for another 3 minutes, just until the asparagus is bright green and slightly crisp.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Return the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the pan. Toss everything together to ensure every bite is coated with that rich, creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired — and trust me, you’ll want to!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Protein swaps: Not a fan of chicken? This recipe works beautifully with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

• Vegan-friendly: Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.

• Pasta alternatives: Try it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta if needed.

• Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers make fantastic additions for extra flavor and color.

• Cheese boost: For an extra cheesy sauce, add a handful of shredded mozzarella along with the Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the sauce.

• Garlic bread or a crusty baguette for soaking up every last drop of sauce.

• A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta.

• For an elegant touch, serve with roasted asparagus spears and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms.

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the cream-based sauce can separate upon thawing. However, it’s perfect for next-day lunches or quick weeknight dinners!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the pasta, chicken, and sauté the vegetables in advance. Store them separately, then make the sauce and combine everything just before serving for the freshest results.

What type of mushrooms work best?
Cremini or baby bella mushrooms are fantastic for their deep flavor, but white button mushrooms work just as well.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and swap out Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a plant-based Parmesan substitute.

Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This recipe is flexible. Feel free to toss in spinach, peas, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, and this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne delivers comfort in spades — without the need for hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to time and again.

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