Get ready to indulge in a pasta dish that’s truly comforting and incredibly delicious! This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a rich, velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion that feels gourmet with minimal fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This pasta dish is a go-to in my kitchen for its fantastic blend of flavors and textures. What I love most is how it combines tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables with a luscious, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of penne. The mushrooms add a wonderful umami depth, while the asparagus brings a fresh, slightly sweet bite. It comes together incredibly quickly in one pan (after the pasta is boiled!), making it an ideal solution for busy evenings. It feels wonderfully indulgent yet is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting and delicious pasta dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for an even juicier result; they hold up well to pan-cooking.
- Penne Pasta: Penne is great for capturing the creamy sauce, but you can use other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle.
- Mushrooms: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer a deeper flavor, but white button mushrooms work well too.
- Asparagus: Choose asparagus spears that are not too thin (which can overcook quickly) or too thick (which might need blanching before adding to the pan). You can also add other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped bell peppers or fresh spinach (add at the very end to wilt).
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for the best aromatic flavor in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for a rich, thick, and luxurious sauce. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half, as the sauce may not thicken properly or could curdle.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can be substituted.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will yield the best flavor and melt. Pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch, but fresh is superior.
- Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end. A pinch of onion powder or dried oregano could also be a nice addition to the sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness for garnish.
Preparation
Let’s get this cozy, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish cooked in your skillet!
- Cook Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente (cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the penne well and set it aside.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken slices to the hot skillet and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through (no longer pink in the center), about 5-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Veggies & Garlic: In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those browned bits are flavor!), add the sliced mushrooms and 1-inch pieces of trimmed asparagus. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and lightly browned, and the asparagus is tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir everything to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan & Combine: Stir the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until it is completely melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken (sliced if desired) to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the chicken and pasta are fully coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring, just to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld completely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every bite of this cheesy, creamy comfort food!
Tips for Success
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts cook quickly. Remove them as soon as they are no longer pink to keep them juicy and tender.
- Watch the Garlic: Garlic burns easily! Keep the heat low and stir constantly when it’s in the pan.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: This makes a significant difference in the sauce’s texture (smoothness) and flavor. Avoid pre-shredded if possible.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skillet: If you have a smaller skillet, cook the chicken or sauté the vegetables in two batches to ensure proper browning and cooking.
- Serve Immediately: Creamy pasta dishes are best served hot and fresh, as the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce!
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay would complement the flavors beautifully.
- For other incredibly popular creamy pasta dishes, consider our Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for another classic Italian-American favorite.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably, and the pasta may soften.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Reheating on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring constantly, is also an option. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish due to the heavy cream (which can separate) and the pasta (which can become mushy).
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this penne dish, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another classic Italian comfort food, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying beef and pasta dishes, our Creamy Garlic Butter Beef & Spinach Tortellini for Cozy Comfort is a must-try.
- And for a versatile chicken and rice dish that’s a one-pan wonder, our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a winner.
- Finally, for another amazing cheesy chicken recipe, our These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are perfect for feeding a crowd!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal to your table with incredible ease. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, promising a bowl full of rich, creamy goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the creamy comfort fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite combination of chicken and vegetables in a pasta dish? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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