Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich, satisfying pasta dish that combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a silky garlic cream sauce. Tossed with penne pasta and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s an easy yet elegant dinner I can make in under an hour—perfect for weeknights or a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe brings together comforting flavors with fresh ingredients. The mushrooms and asparagus give it depth and a bit of crunch, while the cream sauce makes every bite smooth and luscious. It’s hearty without being too heavy, and I can make it all in one skillet with minimal fuss. This dish feels like something I’d order at a restaurant, but I can enjoy it right at home.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Penne pasta

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

• Olive oil or butter

• Garlic, minced

• Mushrooms (cremini or white), sliced

• Fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces

• Heavy cream

• Chicken broth

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper

• Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, fresh parsley

directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté it in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, I add more oil if needed and cook the mushrooms until browned and their moisture has evaporated.

4. I stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add the asparagus and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until just tender.

5. I pour in the chicken broth and cream, stirring to combine. I let the sauce simmer gently until slightly thickened, about 5–7 minutes.

6. I return the chicken to the pan and toss in the cooked penne, stirring everything together to coat well in the sauce.

7. I finish the dish with Parmesan and adjust seasoning to taste. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of lemon zest for brightness.

8. I serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley or more Parmesan if I’m feeling generous.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so I usually have it on the table in 45 minutes or less.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the penne for fettuccine or rigatoni, depending on what I have. I’ve made a lighter version using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or added spinach at the end for extra greens. When I want more protein, I toss in cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist. I’ve even made it vegetarian by leaving out the chicken and adding more mushrooms.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but I stir halfway through to keep it creamy. I avoid freezing it since the cream sauce can separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I’ve used shredded rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time. I just add it at the end to heat through in the sauce.

How do I keep the asparagus from overcooking?

I add the asparagus near the end of sautéing and cook it just until bright green and tender-crisp. That way, it keeps a nice bite and doesn’t get mushy.

What mushrooms work best?

I usually use cremini mushrooms for their deep flavor, but white mushrooms or even shiitake work well too.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I’ve made a version using full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan. It’s different, but still creamy and flavorful.

What’s the best wine to pair with this?

If I’m serving wine, I go with a dry white like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc—it complements the cream sauce and mushrooms nicely.

Conclusion

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is one of those go-to meals that feels both comforting and sophisticated. I love how the fresh vegetables and savory sauce come together with tender pasta and chicken to make a dish that’s always satisfying. Whether I’m cooking for guests or just making something special for myself, this pasta never disappoints.