Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting and elegant pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms tossed in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines balanced nutrition with rich, satisfying flavors in under 35 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into cubes or strips

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and sliced into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped

Dairy & Fats

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

Seasonings & Herbs

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Trim and slice the asparagus into bite-sized pieces, clean and slice the mushrooms, finely chop garlic and shallots, and cut the chicken breasts into cubes or strips.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
  3. Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. Cook Mushrooms and Asparagus: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add mushrooms and asparagus, cooking until mushrooms are browned and asparagus is tender-crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and shallots toward the end and cook until softened, avoiding burning.
  5. Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the vegetables. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy mushroom and asparagus sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish with freshly chopped herbs and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for maximum flavor and appeal.

Notes

  • Use fresh asparagus and mushrooms for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Keep penne al dente to maintain firmness after tossing in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to pasta.
  • Season progressively by tasting during cooking to balance flavors.
  • Let the dish rest for a minute before serving to meld flavors.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Contains Dairy but can be adapted for Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: chicken pasta, creamy penne, mushroom asparagus pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy chicken penne