Introduction
If you’re craving comfort food, nothing beats a bowl of Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne! This pasta recipe blends juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce for the ultimate cozy dinner .
» As a chef, I’ve always believed pasta is more than food—it’s an experience! A dish like Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne reminds me why I fell in love with cooking. Did you know pasta consistently ranks in the top 5 comfort foods worldwide? One forkful of this creamy pasta proves exactly why.
This cozy dinner recipe is one I make often at home, not just because it’s easy, but because it strikes that perfect balance: hearty yet fresh, comforting yet elegant. The earthy mushrooms and tender asparagus cut through the rich creaminess, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making dinner for the family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, this pasta recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.
So let’s get started!
What is Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne?
» Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring:
- Penne pasta cooked al dente.
- Chicken breast pieces, sautéed until golden.
- Mushrooms and asparagus, which add earthy and fresh flavors.
- Creamy sauce, usually made with heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, coats the pasta and vegetables.
- Seasonings like salt, pepper, and sometimes herbs (parsley or thyme) for extra flavor.
It’s a rich, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend lunch.
🥘 Why You’ll Love Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne
✅ A creamy, savory flavor with fresh vegetable crunch
✅ Comfort food that feels restaurant-quality
✅ A complete meal in one bowl—protein, veggies, and pasta
✅ Kid-friendly, family-approved, and weeknight ready
🍴 Kitchen Equipment Required For This Pasta Recipe
» For your Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, here’s a clear kitchen equipment list you will need:
» Colander – to drain the cooked pasta
» Large pot – for boiling the penne pasta
» Grater – to freshly grate Parmesan cheese
» Tongs – for handling chicken and tossing pasta
» Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring the sauce and pasta
» Measuring cups & spoons – for cream, Parmesan, and seasonings
» Chef’s knife & cutting board – to prep chicken, asparagus, and mushrooms
» Large skillet or sauté pan – for cooking chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus
» Mixing bowl – optional, for holding cooked chicken or veggies before combining
Ingredients For Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne
» Here’s the full ingredient list for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne:
♥ Penne pasta – 12 oz (about 340 g)
♥ Chicken breast – 2 medium (about 1 lb / 450 g), boneless and skinless
♥ Mushrooms – 8 oz (225 g), sliced (button, cremini, or portobello)
♥ Asparagus – 1 bunch (about 1 lb / 450 g), trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
♥ Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
♥ Onion – 1 small, finely chopped
♥ Butter – 2 tablespoons
♥ Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
♥ Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups (360 ml)
♥ Parmesan cheese – 1 cup (100 g), freshly grated
♥ White wine (optional) – ¼ cup (60 ml), for extra depth of flavor
🌿 Garnishes & Optional Add-Ins
♥ Salt – to taste
♥ Black pepper – to taste
♥ Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, finely chopped (for garnish)
♥ Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon, adds brightness to the creamy sauce
♥ Baby spinach – 2 cups, added at the end for extra greens
♥ Sun-dried tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped, for a tangy, sweet kick
♥ Roasted garlic – 2 cloves, mashed, for deeper flavor
♥ Mozzarella or provolone – ½ cup, melted in for a cheesier sauce
♥ Green peas – ½ cup, for added sweetness and color
♥ Cajun seasoning – 1 teaspoon, for a spicy twist
♥ Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon (or use oregano + basil)
♥ Red pepper flakes (optional) – ½ teaspoon, for a little heat
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
» Here are the Step-by-step cooking instructions for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne in detailed chef-style directions (easy to follow, with tips included).
👥 Servings: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes
🛌 Resting Time: 5 minutes
⏲️ Total Time: 40 minutes
💰 Estimated Cost: $5–$5.50 USD (approx.)
👉 Step 1. Cook the Pasta
♥ First, you need to take a large pot, add salted water, and bring to a boil. (Tip: add 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water – this seasons the pasta from within).
♥ Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite, usually 9–11 minutes).
♥ Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid helps loosen the sauce later if it gets too thick.
♥ Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
👉 2. Prepare the Chicken
♥ Pat 2 chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
♥ Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
♥ Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
♥ Transfer chicken to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized cubes.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Resting keeps the chicken juicy and prevents it from drying out in the pasta.
👉 Step 3. Sauté the Vegetables
♥ In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed).
♥ Now add 1 small finely chopped onion & cook for at least 2–3 minutes until tender and soft.
♥ Then you need to add 4 minced garlic cloves & sauté for at least 25 to 30 seconds until you get a light fragrance from the garlic.
♥ Stir in 8 oz sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until they release their moisture and turn golden brown.
♥ Add asparagus (1 lb, trimmed & cut into 2-inch pieces) and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp (bright green with a slight bite).
♥ Season lightly with salt and pepper.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd mushrooms—spread them out so they caramelize instead of steaming.
👉 Step 4. Build the Creamy Sauce
♥ Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt.
♥ Deglaze with ¼ cup white wine (optional), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
♥ Now you need to add 1 ½ cups of heavy cream & shimmer it gently.
♥ Stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens and turns silky.
♥ You can also reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce. If it’s too thick.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Keep the heat gentle—boiling cream can cause it to separate.
👉 Step 5. Combine Pasta, Chicken & Sauce
♥ Return the sliced chicken to the skillet.
♥ Add the drained penne pasta and toss well to coat every piece with the sauce.
♥ Season with salt, pepper, or Parmesan, and you can adjust to taste.
👉 Step 6. Finish & Garnish, Enjoy!
♥ Remove from heat and let sit for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
♥ Now, garnish with some fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or some lemon zest.
♥ Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking mushrooms—they need space to brown, not steam!
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
» Cook pasta just shy of al dente, as it will finish in the sauce.
» Layer seasoning at each stage (chicken, veggies, sauce).
» For lighter creaminess, replace part of the cream with chicken broth or milk.
» To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.
❄️ Storage and Reheating Tips
» Refrigerate: You can store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
» Freeze: Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
» Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
» Reuse: Leftovers make a great baked pasta—top with cheese and bake until bubbly!
What to Serve with Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Pair this dish with simple sides to create a full meal:
» Salads – Caesar, Caprese, or arugula with lemon vinaigrette
» Bread – Garlic bread, focaccia, or cheesy breadsticks
» Appetizers – Bruschetta or roasted vegetables
» Wine Pairing – A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully
Ingredient Substitutes for Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
🔄 Quick Ingredient Substitutes
| Main Ingredient | Substitution Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs, Shrimp, Salmon, Tofu | Thighs are juicier, shrimp/salmon add elegance, tofu makes it vegetarian. |
| Penne pasta | Rigatoni, Farfalle, Fettuccine, Gluten-free pasta | Choose ridged pasta for better sauce coating. |
| Mushrooms | Cremini, Portobello, Shiitake, Zucchini | Keep earthy or meaty textures for depth of flavor. |
| Asparagus | Broccoli, Green beans, Peas, Spinach | Fresh green vegetables maintain the balance of creaminess + freshness. |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half, Whole milk + cornstarch, Greek yogurt | Adjust thickness; yogurt gives a lighter, tangy twist. |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano, Asiago, Grana Padano |
» Protein swaps – Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for variety
» Pasta swaps – Rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine all work well
» Veggie options – Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes
» Lighter option – Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream
» Spicy twist – Add Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes
Best Alternate Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!
» Lemon Butter Shrimp Pasta
» Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
» Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Penne
» Spinach and Mushroom Alfredo Penne
» Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
» Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
» Creamy Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook penne pasta as per package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Now, take a skillet, heat olive oil & sauté garlic.
- Add chicken, cook until lightly browned.
- Add mushrooms & asparagus; cook 5 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
- Toss in cooked penne, season with salt & pepper.
- Garnish with parsley & serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Use gluten-free pasta if preferred.
- To enhance the flavors, Add white wine to the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! Just swap penne with gluten-free pasta. Ensure broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free for a safe, delicious, and creamy gluten-free pasta option.
What protein works best if I don’t want chicken?
Shrimp, salmon, or tofu are excellent substitutes. Each pair beautifully with creamy sauces while still complementing the mushrooms and asparagus for a balanced pasta dish.
How can I make this dish lighter but still creamy?
Use half-and-half or whole milk thickened with a little cornstarch. Greek yogurt also works, giving creaminess while adding protein and reducing calories compared to heavy cream.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat low and avoid boiling the cream. Add Parmesan gradually while stirring, and use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
My Final Thoughts
And that’s it—my Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe! As a chef, this dish holds a special place in my kitchen because it delivers both comfort and elegance in one bowl. It’s the kind of meal that makes a regular weeknight feel like a celebration. 🍝
Next time you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and satisfying, give this dinner recipe a try. Trust me, one bite of this creamy pasta and you’ll understand why it’s become a go-to favorite in my home—and soon, yours too!
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, then write to me in the comment section below! – I’d love to hear from you, You can find my other chicken recipes as well. Till then,
Happy Dinner!
