Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne recipe is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something a little special. Packed with tender chicken, sautéed mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, this pasta dish brings together bold flavors with everyday ingredients. It feels elegant but takes just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make this delicious pasta step-by-step, including a few variations and helpful tips to get it just right. One pot, one pan, and a whole lot of flavor—let’s get cooking.
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne That’ll Change Your Pasta Nights Forever
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a rich, savory pasta dish made with juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a velvety Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
8 oz mushrooms (cremini or white), sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley and red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and fully done. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add butter to the same skillet. Sauté mushrooms for about 4 minutes.
4. Add asparagus and garlic, cooking until asparagus is tender-crisp.
5. Pour in cream and chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes to slightly thicken.
6. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
8. Add cooked penne pasta and toss everything until well coated in sauce.
9. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parsley or chili flakes if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
If you want to lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
You can make the sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Table of Contents
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe– A Southern Spin on Cozy Pasta
When Comfort and Convenience Meet in One Pan
Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is one of those meals I never planned to fall in love with—it just happened. I remember the first time I made it was on a Thursday evening after my youngest had a rough day at school. I needed dinner to feel like a warm hug, but I also needed it to be fast.
I had chicken in the fridge, some mushrooms that needed using, and a handful of asparagus spears left from the weekend. With a box of penne and a splash of cream, this dish came together by accident—and now it’s a staple in our kitchen.
Growing up in St. Francisville, I learned how important it was to cook with what you have. My grandmother used to say, “Cream covers everything,” and in this case, it absolutely does. The creamy sauce wraps around every piece of pasta, the mushrooms add an earthy depth, and the asparagus keeps things fresh and bright. It’s a balanced bite that feels both hearty and wholesome.
Now that I live in New Orleans, I’ve added my own twist to it. A pinch of Cajun seasoning here, a little extra Parmesan there. It’s simple, but it satisfies. I like to serve it with a crisp salad and warm bread—or if I’m going all out, alongside my sausage cream cheese crescents for the full comfort food experience.
If you’re looking for something easy, creamy, and incredibly flavorful, creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is it.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Pasta
Simple Ingredients, Big Comfort
If you’re craving a warm, satisfying pasta dish, creamy chicken mushroom and asparagus penne delivers every time. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses fresh ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 oz sliced mushrooms (cremini or white button)
- 1 bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: parsley, red pepper flakes for garnish
The balance of cream, cheese, and veggies in creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne pasta is what makes it a weeknight favorite.
Cooking Instructions Step-by-Step
Cook the penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add butter, mushrooms, and cook for 4 minutes. Stir in asparagus and garlic; sauté until asparagus is tender-crisp.
Pour in cream and broth, stirring to deglaze. Simmer 3–4 minutes, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Return the chicken to the pan and add the pasta. Toss well to coat.
Serve the creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne hot, garnished with herbs or chili flakes. Pair with my garlic butter steak bites for an ultra-satisfying dinner that’s creamy and bold.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping ahead, chicken creamy mushroom and asparagus penne is guaranteed to be a repeat dish.
How to Serve and Store Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Best Ways to Serve It
When I make creamy chicken mushroom and asparagus penne recipe, I like to keep the sides light since the dish itself is rich and satisfying. A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess beautifully. If you’re going for cozy, a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast is all you need to complete the meal.
This pasta is also a great base for other proteins. If you’re not in the mood for chicken, it pairs well with shrimp or even leftover turkey. For a vegetarian option, you can easily leave the chicken out and load up on more veggies—like spinach or peas—for a colorful, satisfying twist.
The blend of garlic, mushrooms, and Parmesan in creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne makes it a dish that’s hearty but still elegant enough for company. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up midweek or serve at a small dinner gathering.
Try serving it before or after a bold appetizer like spicy honey sauce for chicken—the flavor contrast is divine.
How to Store Leftovers
This dish stores surprisingly well. Let any leftovers cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
You can even freeze creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, though I recommend doing so before adding the cream. Just freeze the chicken-veggie mixture and add fresh cream when reheating for the best texture.
Variations and Mistakes to Avoid with Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Easy Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered creamy mushroom and asparagus penne chicken , you’ll find it’s easy to customize. Don’t have penne? Use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just keep the sauce-to-pasta ratio balanced so every bite gets coated.
If you’re craving a bit more kick, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne. For extra creaminess, add a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce. You can even sneak in more greens like spinach or kale—just toss them in at the end until wilted.
To make the dish even more hearty, top it with extra Parmesan and broil it for a couple of minutes before serving. It forms a lightly golden crust that’s hard to resist. I’ve even tried it with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean spin. There’s no limit to how versatile creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne can be.
Try pairing it with something rich but bite-sized, like my mac and cheese meatloaf casserole for a comforting family meal that’s pure bliss.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If your sauce turns out too thick or grainy, it may be due to overheating. Always simmer gently after adding cream and cheese. Avoid boiling, or the sauce may separate.
Overcooked asparagus can ruin the texture. Make sure to add it only after the mushrooms have started to soften, and cook until just tender-crisp.
And remember to season each component—chicken, vegetables, and sauce—as you go. It’s the layering of flavor that makes creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne so unforgettable.
FAQs About Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
How to make creamy mushroom sauce for chicken?
To make a creamy mushroom sauce for chicken, sauté mushrooms and garlic in butter, then add heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer until thickened, and season to taste. This same technique is used in chicken creamy mushroom and asparagus penne, delivering rich, velvety flavor in every bite.
What to put in chicken and mushroom pasta?
Great chicken and mushroom pasta should include a creamy element (like heavy cream or cream cheese), aromatics like garlic and onion, and a flavor booster like Parmesan. In creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, asparagus adds a fresh contrast that balances the richness beautifully.
How to make creamy mushroom sauce easily?
The easiest way to make creamy mushroom sauce is by combining sautéed mushrooms, garlic, cream, and Parmesan in one pan. Stir gently and avoid boiling. This quick method is the foundation of the sauce in creamy mushroom and asparagus penne chicken .
How to make a nice creamy sauce for chicken?
A nice creamy sauce for chicken uses heavy cream, broth for depth, and cheese for body. Whisk until smooth, and let it simmer. It should coat a spoon without being too thick. This is exactly how the sauce is built in creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne—simple but delicious.
Conclusion
It’s hard to beat the kind of dinner that feels comforting and a little bit fancy—but still uses what’s in your fridge. That’s exactly why I keep coming back to creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne recipe. It’s creamy, flavorful, and flexible enough for a weeknight or a special night.
Recipes like this remind me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. A little garlic, a splash of cream, and a pan full of good ingredients—suddenly, you’ve got something that brings everyone to the table.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just want to treat yourself to something delicious and homemade, creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is always a great idea. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to be one of those recipes you turn to again and again. Want more easy and delicious ideas from New Easy Recipe? Check out our full collection on Pinterest.
