Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich, comforting, and delicious pasta dish made with tender chicken, fresh asparagus, sautéed mushrooms, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Everything is coated in a smooth, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce that brings all the flavors together.

It’s an easy restaurant-style meal that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or a satisfying weeknight dinner!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Course: Main Course / Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta and Vegetables

• 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta

• 1½ cups fresh mushrooms, sliced

• 1½ cups fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

• ½ small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup whole milk

• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed

For Garnishing

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the penne pasta.

3. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

4. Avoid overcooking because the pasta will be mixed with the hot sauce later.

5. Before draining, reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta water.

6. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

2. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.

3. Place the chicken in a mixing bowl.

4. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

5. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer.

3. Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally.

4. Allow the chicken to develop a beautiful golden-brown color.

5. Check that the thickest pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Mushrooms

1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter.

2. Add the sliced mushrooms.

3. Cook for approximately 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Allow the mushrooms to release their moisture and become golden brown.

5. Add the chopped onion.

6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.

7. Add the minced garlic.

8. Stir and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Cook the Asparagus

1. Wash the asparagus thoroughly.

2. Trim off the tough ends.

3. Cut the asparagus into approximately 2-inch pieces.

4. Add the asparagus to the mushroom mixture.

5. Drizzle with a little olive oil if needed.

6. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes.

7. Stir gently until the asparagus becomes bright green and slightly tender.

8. Avoid overcooking so it retains a little crunch.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.

2. Add the minced garlic.

3. Cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream.

5. Add the whole milk.

6. Stir gently until everything is combined.

7. Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes if desired.

8. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

9. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese.

10. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

11. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.

12. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7: Combine the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

2. Add the sautéed mushrooms and asparagus.

3. Stir gently using a cooking spatula.

4. Allow everything to simmer together for approximately 2 minutes.

5. Make sure the chicken and vegetables are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 8: Add the Penne Pasta

1. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet.

2. Gently toss everything together.

3. Use a large spoon or cooking spatula to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy Parmesan sauce.

4. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed.

5. Continue mixing until the chicken, mushrooms, asparagus, and penne are evenly distributed.

6. Cook for another 1–2 minutes over low heat.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.

2. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta.

3. Add extra grated Parmesan cheese.

4. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.

5. Transfer the creamy pasta to serving bowls.

6. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne

• Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft.

• Brown the chicken properly: Golden-brown chicken adds extra flavor.

• Use fresh mushrooms: They provide a delicious earthy taste.

• Don’t overcook asparagus: Keep it slightly crisp and bright green.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and creates a smoother sauce.

• Avoid boiling the cream: Gentle simmering helps prevent the sauce from separating.

• Reserve pasta water: It helps adjust the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and provide extra juiciness and flavor.

Q2: Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, rotini, rigatoni, fusilli, and bow-tie pasta are excellent alternatives.

Q3: Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes! Thaw and drain it before cooking. Add it toward the end to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Q4: What mushrooms work best?

Cremini, baby bella, and white button mushrooms are all excellent choices.

Q5: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk. The sauce will be slightly lighter.

Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?

Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few extra minutes or add a little more Parmesan cheese.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Spinach, broccoli, sun-dried tomatoes, and bell peppers make delicious additions.

Q8: How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q9: How do I reheat creamy chicken penne?

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth. Stir gently until warmed through.

Q10: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the vegetables ahead of time. For the best creamy texture, prepare the sauce and combine everything shortly before serving.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Per serving, based on 6 servings.

Nutrition values are approximate and depend on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious creamy pasta with:

• Crispy garlic bread

• Fresh Caesar salad

• Roasted broccoli

• Garlic butter green beans

• Cucumber and tomato salad

• Parmesan breadsticks

• Roasted zucchini

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Chicken, Mushroom & Asparagus Penne with your family! 🍗🍄🥦🍝❤️