Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a delightful pasta dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will please the entire family.Clap Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
Balanced Meal: Packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the vegetables, it’s a wholesome dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with different vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences.Clap Recipes

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz (340g) penne pasta
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the asparagus pieces and continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir the sauce until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Serve: If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top for a spicy kick. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if preferred.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a meatless version.
Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken with shrimp or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Lighter Sauce: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.

What type of mushrooms work best in this recipe?

Cremini or button mushrooms are commonly used, but you can also use shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a deeper flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely. Vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas can be added for extra color and nutrition.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

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Author: Olivia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

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Description

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich, savory pasta dish combining tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. This easy one-pan dinner is perfect for weeknights or a cozy date night in.

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add mushrooms and cook until softened and browned (4–5 minutes).
Add asparagus and sauté for another 3–4 minutes until just tender.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened (2–3 minutes).
Add cooked chicken and pasta back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or parsley if desired.

Notes

You can substitute asparagus with spinach or peas.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American