Creamy pasta dishes are the ultimate comfort food. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about twirling a fork through a rich, velvety sauce that clings lovingly to every bite of pasta. Add tender chunks of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp-tender asparagus, and you’ve got a recipe that’s not just comforting but deeply flavorful and nourishing, too.
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a stunning example of how you can turn simple, everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two, a weeknight meal for the family, or even meal prepping for the week ahead, this one-pan pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to perfect this creamy penne—from choosing the right ingredients and mastering the sauce to creative variations, make-ahead tips, and more. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s your new go-to comfort food classic.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s begin by laying out what you’ll need. These are basic pantry staples and fresh produce—nothing fancy, but the magic lies in how we put them together.
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any pasta with ridges or tubes for holding sauce)
- Salted water (for boiling)
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Vegetables:
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini work well)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Cream Sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Reserved pasta water, for adjusting sauce thickness
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥄 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook until al dente—meaning it should still have a little bite. This texture is key because the pasta will finish cooking later in the sauce.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for achieving a silky, cohesive sauce.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
🍗 Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season your diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and add the seasoned chicken.
Cook for about 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.
Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t clean the pan—we’re using it for the veggies to keep all those delicious browned bits.
🥦 Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5–6 minutes until they’ve released their moisture and turned golden brown.
Add the chopped asparagus and cook for another 3–4 minutes. The asparagus should be bright green and tender-crisp—still holding a bit of snap when you bite into it.
🧀 Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
With your vegetables still in the skillet, pour in ½ cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape the bottom to release all that flavor.
Add 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste.
👉 Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
🥘 Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir well to coat.
Add the drained penne and toss until everything is well combined and heated through. Let it simmer for a minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully.
Remove from heat and prepare for applause—dinner is served.
🥄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-pan convenience: Cook everything in a single skillet (except pasta) for easy cleanup.
✔️ Quick and easy: Ready in under an hour, but tastes like it took all day.
✔️ Perfectly balanced: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, with fresh, crisp vegetables to lighten it up.
✔️ Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to match your preferences or pantry.
🧂 Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Here are some smart swaps and variations to keep this dish fresh and exciting:
🌱 Vegetarian Option
Skip the chicken and use:
- Extra mushrooms
- Sautéed zucchini or bell peppers
- Chickpeas or white beans for protein
- Vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
🧈 Lighter Version
Replace heavy cream with:
- Half-and-half
- Whole milk + 1 tbsp flour (for thickening)
- Greek yogurt (added at the end, off heat, to prevent curdling)
Reduce cheese or use a lower-fat version to cut back on richness.
🦐 Swap Protein
Instead of chicken, try:
- Shrimp (sautéed separately for 3–4 minutes)
- Italian sausage
- Rotisserie chicken (for a no-cook shortcut)
- Tofu or tempeh (for a plant-based version)
📦 Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta reheats beautifully with a few tricks.
🧊 How to Store
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
🔥 How to Reheat
- Warm in a skillet over low heat.
- Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Stir occasionally until heated through.
Avoid high heat—it can cause the sauce to split or become greasy.
🥗 What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Penne
Complete your meal with these delicious side dish ideas:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for mopping up the sauce.
- Simple Arugula Salad – A peppery contrast to the rich pasta.
- Steamed Green Beans – Light and fresh.
- Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts – For added fiber and crunch.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free penne and ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
2. Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, the texture of the cream sauce may change upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
3. What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Use freshly grated Parmesan from a block. Pre-grated or shelf-stable versions contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven and double all ingredients. Just keep an eye on your cooking times.
5. How can I make it spicy?
Add:
- Extra red pepper flakes
- A dash of cayenne
- A spoonful of chili oil at the end
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~560 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
Estimates based on 4 servings. Actual values may vary.
✨ Chef’s Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Penne
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly underdone is ideal, as it continues to cook in the sauce.
- Use room temperature cream. Cold cream can cause the sauce to break when added to a hot pan.
- Grate your cheese fresh. It melts smoother and adds a richer flavor.
- Let the sauce rest off heat. This prevents curdling and allows everything to thicken naturally.
- Add lemon zest or juice at the end for a fresh, bright pop that cuts through the richness.
📝 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is more than just a dinner recipe—it’s an experience. It brings together the comfort of pasta, the wholesomeness of vegetables, and the indulgence of a silky cream sauce. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers every single time.
Its elegance is in its simplicity. With a few humble ingredients and a little kitchen love, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home—no reservations needed.
So pour yourself a glass of wine, grab your favorite skillet, and dive into the delicious world of homemade creamy pasta. Because meals like this aren’t just about feeding your body—they’re about nourishing your soul.
