Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Name: Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs), diced; 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup fresh asparagus, chopped; 8 oz button or cremini mushrooms, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Alicia Newsom

March 25, 2025

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There’s something magical about the aroma of sautéed mushrooms mingling with tender asparagus and succulent chicken wafting through your kitchen. It’s like a culinary hug that promises comfort and satisfaction in every bite. This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is not just a dish; it’s an experience that tickles your taste buds and warms your heart.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, you’ve had a long day at work, and all you want is something delicious to lift your spirits. This dish is your knight in shining armor—creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-delicious The best part? It’s super easy to whip up after a hectic day or impress friends during dinner parties.

– This recipe is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

– The combination of creaminess from the sauce with earthy mushrooms makes it utterly irresistible.

– Visually stunning with vibrant colors from the asparagus against the pasta.

– Perfect for any occasion—family dinners, date nights, or even as leftovers for lunch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is more than just food; it’s comfort on a plate
You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have available
Its rich flavors will impress anyone at your dinner table
Enjoy it fresh or pack it for lunch; it’s versatile enough for any meal

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their eyes lit up with joy as they took their first bites. My brother even declared it “the best thing since sliced bread”—not sure if that’s a high bar or not

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they cook evenly and stay juicy when sautéed.
Penne Pasta: Opt for whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred; both cook beautifully in this dish.
Fresh Asparagus: Choose bright green stalks that are firm yet tender; they add crunch to your meal.
Mushrooms: Button or cremini mushrooms work well; they soak up the sauce beautifully for added flavor.
Heavy Cream: Use full-fat cream for that luxurious texture you crave in every mouthful.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese adds depth to the sauce; don’t skimp on this
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for an aromatic flavor base; skip powdered garlic here
Olive Oil: A good-quality oil brings richness when sautéing your ingredients together.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every component of this flavorful dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 10 minutes.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil. Add diced boneless chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Toss in minced garlic followed by chopped mushrooms and asparagus pieces into the skillet. Sauté until mushrooms soften and release their juices—around 4-5 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the pan’s bottom. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth—this takes just a couple of minutes.

Toss Everything Together: Drain the cooked pasta then add it directly into the skillet with sauce. Mix well until every piece is covered in that creamy goodness—1-2 minutes should do

Serve Hot: Dish out generous servings while it’s still warm. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds an elegant touch before diving into this deliciousness

Now you’re ready to dig into your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne Enjoy every bite because you’ve earned it

You Must Know

This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne dish combines rich flavors with a satisfying texture
Its versatility allows you to switch up ingredients based on personal preference, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion
The delightful aroma while cooking will have everyone gathering in the kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce to maximize flavor and efficiency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap asparagus for broccoli or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra flavor boost. Experimenting can bring new life to this dish

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To ensure your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is perfect, use high-quality pasta for better texture
Always taste as you go, adjusting seasoning for your palate
Lastly, don’t forget to let your sauce simmer for full flavor development

Cooking this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and plates were emptied in minutes.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen asparagus?

Yes, frozen asparagus works well; just adjust cooking time to avoid mushiness.

What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Penne pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully; other short pasta types work too.

How can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a delicious dairy-free alternative.

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