Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the kind of comforting, satisfying dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together easily in your own kitchen. It’s creamy without being overwhelming, hearty without being heavy, and layered with flavor from golden seared chicken, tender mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne and finished with Parmesan, this dish brings together the best of classic Italian-American comfort food.
If you’re looking for a reliable weeknight dinner that delivers on flavor and texture, this recipe checks every box. It’s approachable for beginner cooks, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the ridges of penne pasta, while the asparagus adds freshness and color that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Whether you’re cooking for family, planning a cozy date night at home, or prepping meals for the week, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan sauce preparation for easy cleanup
- Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
- Balanced flavors: creamy, savory, fresh, and herbaceous
- Beginner-friendly with straightforward steps
- Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions
- Easily adaptable for dietary preferences
Recipe Overview
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: asparagus pasta, chicken penne, creamy chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, mushroom chicken penne
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550 kcal per serving
Author: Abby Marlow
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe uses simple, well-balanced ingredients that work together to create a rich yet fresh-tasting pasta dish.
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 people generously as a main course.
Tools & Equipment Needed
To ensure smooth cooking from start to finish, gather the following tools:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using freshly grated Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Properly salted water enhances flavor from the start.
Drain the pasta and set aside. Do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce cling later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms. Cook until browned and tender. Mushrooms should release moisture and begin to caramelize.
Toss in 1 cup chopped asparagus. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still bright green. Avoid overcooking to preserve texture.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add depth and richness to the sauce.
Allow the broth to simmer briefly.
Step 6: Create the Cream Sauce
Stir in 1 cup heavy cream. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Combine
Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Add the drained penne pasta.
Toss everything together until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.
Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
Make It Vegetarian
Skip the chicken entirely and follow the remaining steps. The mushrooms and asparagus provide hearty texture.
Add Smoky Flavor
As noted, add crumbled bacon before serving for a smoky twist.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free penne pasta.
Adjust Creaminess
If you prefer a lighter sauce, slightly reduce the heavy cream and increase chicken broth proportionally while maintaining overall consistency.
Boost the Veggies
You can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
Flavor Profile
This dish delivers:
- Creamy richness from heavy cream and Parmesan
- Savory depth from mushrooms
- Fresh, grassy brightness from asparagus
- Herbaceous warmth from Italian seasoning
- Tender, juicy bites of seasoned chicken
- Perfectly textured penne that holds the sauce
The overall flavor is balanced and comforting without feeling overly heavy.
Nutritional Overview
Per serving (estimated):
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: ~38g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fat: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
Dietary Considerations:
- Contains dairy
- Contains gluten (unless gluten-free pasta is used)
- Nut-free
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Cook pasta ahead and store separately.
- Dice chicken and prep vegetables in advance to save time.
- Sauce can be reheated gently with a splash of broth to loosen if thickened.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and add extra richness.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream provides thickness. Substituting milk will result in a thinner sauce.
What mushrooms work best?
Button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are ideal.
Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, so freezing is not recommended.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep heat moderate and avoid rapid boiling after adding cream.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Serving Suggestions
Serve in shallow pasta bowls to hold the sauce. Top with extra Parmesan if desired. Pair with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Recipe Variations
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Replace asparagus with broccoli.
- Use whole wheat penne for added fiber.
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Ingredient Spotlight
Asparagus
Look for firm stalks with tightly closed tips. Bright green color indicates freshness. Store upright in a glass of water in the refrigerator and use within a few days.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and enhances flavor. Store in the refrigerator tightly wrapped.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Brown chicken thoroughly for deeper flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking mushrooms.
- Let cream simmer gently to thicken naturally.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning carefully.
Storage & Freezing Guide
Refrigerator:
Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Not recommended due to cream-based sauce separation.
Reheating:
Warm gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | ~38g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Fat | ~28g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
Dietary Notes:
Contains dairy and gluten. Vegetarian option available by omitting chicken.
Conclusion
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is comfort food done right. It brings together tender chicken, savory mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce in a single cohesive dish that feels both elegant and approachable.
With simple ingredients, reliable steps, and balanced flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Make it for a busy weeknight, a relaxed weekend dinner, or whenever you’re craving a creamy pasta that truly delivers.
Print
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a one-pan pasta dream—creamy, hearty, and simple enough for beginner cooks to master. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh asparagus come together in a rich Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite of penne perfectly.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add mushrooms and cook until browned, then add asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan cheese, then return chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss until well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For a smoky twist, add crumbled bacon before serving.
- To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Do not overcook the asparagus to keep it tender-crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
