Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
This Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne is a deliciously comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauce & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, then add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix well. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
- Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- You can use other pasta shapes if penne is not available.
- Asparagus can be swapped with green beans or broccoli for variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente for best texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Creamy chicken pasta, mushroom pasta, asparagus penne, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken penne, Italian chicken pasta
