Here’s a detailed recipe for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne—a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
🍝 Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables
- In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add asparagus and cook 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Everything
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Add cooked penne and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
6. Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a side salad.
Tips & Variations
- Extra veggies: Add peas, spinach, or zucchini for more color and nutrition.
- Cheesy twist: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- Low-carb option: Substitute penne with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta.
- Make-ahead: Cook chicken and pasta separately; reheat with sauce when ready to serve.
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is savory, creamy, and full of fresh vegetables, making it a hearty and elegant one-pan dinner.
I can also provide a 30-minute skillet version that cooks the pasta, chicken, and veggies all in one pan for faster cleanup if you want.
Do you want me to do that?
