As a baker, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that offer rich flavors and satisfy those comfort food cravings. This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne does just that! It’s a simple yet indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and fresh asparagus, all smothered in a creamy, Parmesan sauce. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
The combination of creamy sauce with the crunch of asparagus and the heartiness of chicken creates a balanced, satisfying meal. The addition of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes elevates the flavors, making each bite even more delightful. Plus, the penne pasta serves as the perfect base to soak up all that rich sauce.
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also full of nourishing ingredients that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. With a few simple steps, you can bring this flavorful, comforting dish to your table in no time.
Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something comforting, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne will surely become one of your favorites!
Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
To create this creamy, savory dish, you’ll need a selection of ingredients that come together to create a deliciously smooth sauce and tender chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Penne Pasta – 8 oz of penne pasta forms the hearty base for this dish. Its ridged shape helps to hold the creamy sauce, making every bite full of flavor.
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Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding richness to the dish.
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – 2 breasts, sliced into strips, provide lean protein that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
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Mushrooms – 1 cup of sliced mushrooms adds an earthy, umami flavor to the dish, blending beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Asparagus – 1 cup of asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces, offers a fresh, crisp bite that balances the richness of the sauce.
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Garlic – 2 cloves of minced garlic bring aromatic flavor and depth to the dish.
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Heavy Cream – 1 cup of heavy cream creates the smooth and indulgent sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.
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Chicken Broth – ½ cup of chicken broth adds extra flavor to the sauce, giving it the perfect consistency and richness.
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Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but also imparts a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
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Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds an herbaceous flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
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Salt – ½ teaspoon of salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
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Black Pepper – ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper adds a mild heat and enhances the flavor profile.
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Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick in their meal.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Making this creamy, flavorful dish is a breeze! Here’s how to prepare it step by step:
Step 1
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breasts to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and toss in the sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then, add the asparagus and continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the asparagus is tender-crisp.
Step 4
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant. The garlic will add a burst of flavor to the vegetables.
Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds even more flavor to the dish. Next, pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste, and serve hot.
How Long to Cook Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Cooking time is key to ensuring the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how long you should cook each component:
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Penne Pasta – Cook the pasta for 8-10 minutes, depending on the brand and type. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to absorb sauce once mixed with the creamy base.
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Chicken – The chicken breasts should cook for about 5-7 minutes. It’s important that the chicken is golden on the outside and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Mushrooms and Asparagus – Mushrooms take around 3 minutes to sauté, and the asparagus should cook for another 2 minutes to achieve a tender-crisp texture. You don’t want them overcooked, as they’ll lose their fresh flavor.
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Creamy Sauce – Once the cream, chicken broth, and seasonings are added, let the sauce cook for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens and becomes smooth. This step helps to concentrate the flavors and ensure a creamy consistency.
Overall, the dish comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple, and they can be enjoyed later:
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Refrigerator – Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and heat it through on low heat.
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Freezer – While you can freeze the dish, the creamy sauce might change in texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, store the pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
To ensure your dish turns out just right every time, here are a few tips:
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Cook Pasta Al Dente – Since the pasta will be mixed with the sauce, cooking it al dente is essential. This way, it will absorb the creamy sauce without becoming too soft.
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Sauté the Chicken Well – Ensure the chicken is golden and fully cooked to achieve the best texture and flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
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Adjust the Creaminess – If you prefer a creamier dish, add a little extra cream. If you like it lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Experiment with Veggies – If you want to add more vegetables, try tossing in some spinach or bell peppers along with the asparagus for additional flavor and color.
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Add Crunch – For a fun texture contrast, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before serving.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus, all coated in a rich, creamy sauce, makes this recipe a family favorite. It’s quick to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced
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1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté mushrooms for 3 minutes. Add asparagus and cook for another 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
Notes
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For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the pasta before serving.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.
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If desired, substitute the Parmesan with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use a different type of pasta for this dish? Absolutely! While penne is the ideal choice for this creamy dish, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine would work well. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions, and the rest of the recipe will work just as perfectly.
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Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh asparagus and mushrooms? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables, though fresh is recommended for the best flavor and texture. If you choose to use frozen asparagus or mushrooms, make sure to thaw them before adding them to the skillet. You may need to cook them a little longer to get the right texture.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Make the pasta, chicken, and sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss everything together. However, the creaminess may be a little thinner when reheated, so you might need to add a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring it back to life.
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Can I add a different type of cheese to the sauce? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. If you don’t have Parmesan, try using Pecorino Romano, Gruyère, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that some cheeses may alter the creaminess or texture of the sauce, so it’s best to use a cheese that melts well and has a strong, sharp flavor to balance the richness.