Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Introduction

There are few things as comforting as a creamy pasta dish, and when you combine tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, you get a meal that’s nothing short of irresistible. This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is exactly that — a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Whether you’re looking for a quick family-friendly dinner or a dish that feels gourmet but is surprisingly easy to prepare, this recipe delivers. With just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time, it’s ready in 35 minutes, making it a delicious solution for busy nights when you crave something hearty, creamy, and comforting.

The combination of tender chicken pieces, crisp asparagus, and savory mushrooms in a cheesy, velvety sauce is a classic flavor profile that never disappoints. It’s also highly adaptable: you can swap vegetables, adjust seasoning, or even use different types of pasta to suit your family’s preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy indulgence: Rich heavy cream and Parmesan make the sauce silky and decadent.
• Balanced flavors: Earthy mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and seasoned chicken complement each other perfectly.
• Customizable: Swap vegetables or pasta types to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• One-pan friendly: Minimal cleanup with the skillet handling the sauce and chicken.
• Family-approved: Comforting, hearty, and kid-friendly.

Ingredients Breakdown

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Cooking Oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Spices

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh parsley or basil for color

Servings: 4
Calories: 550 kcal per serving

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this recipe perfectly, you’ll need:

• Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
• Colander: To drain the pasta.
• Large skillet: For cooking the chicken, vegetables, and sauce.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring without scratching your pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and cream.
• Knife and cutting board: To prep chicken and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Reserve a splash of pasta water — it’s perfect for loosening the sauce later if needed.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if necessary to get a nice sear.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms and 1 cup asparagus pieces to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp.

Pro Tip: Mushrooms release moisture as they cook — cook until most of the liquid evaporates for a richer sauce.

4. Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Tip: Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from curdling.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Serve and Garnish

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Presentation Tip: Twist the pasta into a nest on each plate for a restaurant-style look, and sprinkle a few sautéed mushroom slices on top.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetable swaps: Replace asparagus with broccoli, zucchini, or spinach depending on what’s in season.
• Cheese upgrades: Add Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
• Protein swaps: Use shrimp or turkey breast for a different protein twist.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and a little olive oil instead of butter for a lower-fat version.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle heat.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced:

• Taste: The Parmesan and cream bring richness, the mushrooms add earthiness, the asparagus gives freshness, and the seasoned chicken adds hearty protein.
• Texture: Tender pasta coated in silky sauce with crisp-tender vegetables and juicy chicken.

Suggested Drink Pairings

• Wine: A light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce.
• Beer: Pale Ale or Belgian-style Wheat pairs nicely with the chicken and cream.
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon, or a lightly sweetened iced tea.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping.
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce.
• Roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach for extra greens.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	550 kcal
Total Fat	32 g
Saturated Fat	16 g
Carbohydrates	35 g
Protein	35 g
Fiber	3 g
Sodium	480 mg

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prep ingredients in advance: Slice mushrooms and asparagus and cut chicken up to a day ahead.
• Cooked pasta: Can be cooked a few hours ahead and stored in a lightly oiled container to prevent sticking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat penne works well and adds extra fiber. Cook slightly longer if needed.

Q2: Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with a plant-based cheese alternative.

Q3: Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh. You can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture, but the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. Reheat gently and whisk to recombine.

Q4: Can I use frozen asparagus?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess water before sautéing to prevent watery sauce.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep ingredients	10 min
Cook pasta	10 min
Cook chicken	7 min
Sauté vegetables	4 min
Make sauce & combine	4 min
Serve & garnish	2 min
Total	35 min

Serving Suggestions

• Twirl pasta into nests for elegant plating.
• Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side for brightness.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance color and flavor.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Mushroom Chicken Penne: Add minced garlic when sautéing mushrooms.
2. Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne: Substitute asparagus with spinach and add sun-dried tomatoes for tangy sweetness.
3. Lemon Cream Chicken Penne: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and extra juice to the cream sauce for a citrusy twist.
4. Smoky Bacon Chicken Penne: Add chopped crispy bacon to the chicken and sauce for extra depth.

Ingredient Spotlight

Asparagus

A springtime favorite, asparagus adds color, flavor, and nutrients. Choose firm, bright green stalks with closed tips. Store in the fridge with the ends wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep fresh.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms add umami and texture. Choose fresh, firm mushrooms without soft spots. Sauté until their water has evaporated to concentrate their earthy flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; searing in batches prevents steaming.
• Simmer cream gently; high heat can curdle the sauce.
• Toss pasta with sauce off the heat for better coating.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Component	Storage Method	Shelf Life
Cooked pasta	Airtight container, fridge	3 days
Cooked chicken & vegetables	Airtight container, fridge	3 days
Cream sauce	Store separately in airtight jar	3 days
Freezing	Freeze chicken & veggies separately, cream sauce not recommended	1 month

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
550 kcal	35 g	35 g	32 g	3 g

Dietary Notes:

• Contains dairy; can be modified for dairy-free diets.
• Naturally gluten-containing (pasta); swap for gluten-free pasta if needed.

Expanded Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect marriage of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. Every forkful is comforting, flavorful, and indulgent — yet simple enough to make any night of the week feel special.

This recipe proves that you don’t need hours to prepare a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home. With easy-to-find ingredients and minimal steps, it’s a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, date nights, or even meal prep.

Try it once, and this creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed pasta will likely become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it warm, garnish it with fresh herbs and Parmesan, and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite.

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