Chicken Penne with Mushroom and Asparagus

A rich and creamy dish filled with tender chunks of chicken, vibrant asparagus, and earthy mushrooms is a comfort food dream come true. This Chicken Penne with Mushroom and Asparagus comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. The combination of flavors and textures ensures each bite is satisfying and delicious.

This recipe is perfect for families looking for a quick meal or for anyone who craves a warm, hearty pasta dish. It’s ideal for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend dinner. You can make the sauce ahead of time and just combine it with the pasta and chicken when ready to serve for an easy night.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy sauce coats the penne perfectly, enhancing each bite.
• Tender chicken adds a satisfying protein boost.
• Fresh asparagus provides a pop of color and crunch.
• Quick preparation means more time to enjoy your meal.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to create this delicious dish:

For the Pasta

• 8 ounces penne pasta

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables

• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Use low-fat cream for a lighter version.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken: Use turkey breasts instead.
• Cream: Substitute with half-and-half or milk.
• Parmesan: Any hard cheese works well.
• Asparagus: Try green beans or broccoli instead.

How to Make It

Follow these steps for a delicious meal you’ll love.

Cook the pasta

Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Season and cook chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Sauté mushrooms

In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms and garlic until mushrooms are soft and lightly browned, which should take about 5 minutes.

Cook asparagus

Add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.

Combine chicken and cream

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.

Add pasta and cheese

Add the cooked pasta and toss until coated in the creamy sauce. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, cream-based sauces do not freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Make sure to fully cook the chicken for best flavor.
• Use fresh vegetables for optimal texture and taste.
• Don’t overcook the asparagus to maintain crunch.
• Adjust seasoning before serving for maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with garlic bread for a complete Italian meal.
• Great for meal prep for lunch throughout the week.