Creamy Mushroom & Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe Magic

Ever wonder how a simple creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure?

Mushrooms bring an earthy depth that dances with tender chicken pieces.

Delicate asparagus adds crisp green notes throughout the pasta.

Comfort meets elegance in this remarkably straightforward dish that speaks directly to your inner chef.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors that feel both familiar and exciting.

Rich cream sauce binds ingredients with velvety smoothness, creating a meal that whispers pure satisfaction.

Come savor this delightful recipe that transforms basic ingredients into something truly memorable.

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne You’ll Make Again

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious pasta in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Balanced Flavor Sensation: Combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus with a rich, creamy sauce that delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, making it a versatile dish for different palates.
• One-Pan Cooking Magic: Minimizes cleanup with a single skillet method, allowing you to create a complete meal with minimal kitchen mess and maximum flavor impact.

Pasta Penne with Mushroom & Asparagus Details

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, boneless and skinless recommended for easy cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides deep savory base for the sauce, low-sodium variety preferred for better control of salt levels.

• Penne Pasta: Tubular pasta that catches sauce well, al dente texture essential for best mouthfeel.
• Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty ingredient that adds depth and umami to the dish, fresh cremini or white button mushrooms work best.
• Asparagus: Adds fresh green color and spring-like crunch, choose firm and bright green stalks.

• Heavy Cream: Creates rich and smooth sauce texture, full-fat version recommended for best results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp and salty flavor, freshly grated gives best melting quality.
• Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing and adds subtle flavor, extra virgin recommended.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and pungent flavor, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that enhances overall dish complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding mild heat and spice.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste, freshly ground black pepper recommended.

Creamy Chicken Penne with Asparagus Prep

Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook it until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sear Golden Chicken

Warm up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Drop in the chicken slices and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Let the chicken sizzle and dance in the pan, turning golden brown and cooking completely through.

Once the chicken looks perfectly crispy, scoop it out and park it on a nearby plate.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed.

Slide in the mushroom slices and let them sauté, creating a rich, caramelized flavor.

Introduce the asparagus to the pan and cook until it’s tender yet still has a delightful crunch.

Toss in minced garlic and let its aromatic magic fill the kitchen for just a quick moment.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, using a spatula to scrape up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom.

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Stir everything until the sauce becomes smooth and starts to thicken into a velvety dream.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Reunite the golden chicken with the sauce in the skillet.

Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets a gorgeous coating of the creamy sauce.

Give it a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistible.

Chicken Penne Tips For Creaminess

• Cook penne al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushiness and ensuring a satisfying bite in every forkful.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden-brown exterior that locks in juicy flavors and creates a beautiful caramelized crust.
• Quickly sauté asparagus to keep its vibrant green color and crisp texture, avoiding overcooking that can make it soggy and dull.
• Whisk Parmesan cheese gradually into the sauce to prevent clumping and create a silky, uniform consistency that coats pasta and chicken evenly.
• Adjust heat levels by controlling red pepper flakes – add more for spice lovers or omit completely for a milder version that suits all palates.

Chicken Penne That Reheats Creamy Every Time

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, where the meal can stay good for up to 2 months, preventing freezer burn by removing excess air.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.
• Consume reheated pasta within one day for optimal taste and texture, as repeated warming can compromise the dish's quality and break down the sauce's smoothness.

Easy Sides That Pair With Chicken Penne

• Perfectly Pair Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
• Uncork a Crisp White Wine: Choose a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the earthy mushrooms.
• Balance with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with arugula, fresh basil, and a lemony vinaigrette to contrast the rich, creamy pasta.
• Enhance with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare quick roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled zucchini to add a light, fresh element that brightens the overall dining experience.

Mushroom Penne Cream Tweaks

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the creamy texture with cashew cream or coconut milk.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce cream quantity and increase vegetable portions for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and choose dairy-free margarine for cooking.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat that can be adjusted to taste. You can easily omit them for a milder version or add more for extra kick.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or bowtie pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a similar rich texture. Greek yogurt can also work in a pinch.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne brings Italian comfort straight to your dinner table, blending earthy mushrooms with tender chicken and crisp asparagus. Delicate pasta nestles beneath a silky sauce that promises pure culinary satisfaction for weekend meals or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced

Starches:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup asparagus, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy and Sauces:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Oils and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil for the penne pasta.
2. Cook pasta until it reaches perfect al dente texture, then carefully drain and reserve to the side.
3. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature.
4. Introduce seasoned chicken strips, allowing them to develop a golden exterior while cooking thoroughly, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken from the skillet, keeping it warm.
6. Utilize the same skillet, adding minimal additional oil if required, and introduce sliced mushrooms.
7. Sauté mushrooms until they release their rich, earthy aroma and develop a slight caramelization.
8. Incorporate crisp asparagus pieces, cooking until they maintain a vibrant green color and tender-crisp texture.
9. Quickly add minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and release its aromatic essence.
10. Deglaze the pan with rich chicken broth, carefully scraping any flavorful browned bits from the skillet surface.
11. Stream in velvety heavy cream, combining with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fragrant Italian seasoning, and optional spicy red pepper flakes.
12. Whisk the mixture continuously, allowing the sauce to gradually thicken and develop a luxurious, smooth consistency.
13. Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, combining with the prepared pasta.
14. Gently toss all ingredients, ensuring each component is lavishly coated in the creamy, herbaceous sauce.
15. Perform a final seasoning adjustment, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose fresh, firm asparagus with bright green color and tight tips for the best texture and flavor in the dish.
• Slice chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent any undercooked or overcooked pieces.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet when sautéing mushrooms and asparagus to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense and authentic flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg