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There is nothing quite like the comforting warmth of a pasta dish that combines tender chicken, fresh asparagus, and earthy mushrooms all coated in a luscious creamy sauce. This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is one of those unforgettable meals that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It brilliantly marries the bright snap of asparagus with the rich, silky sauce and hearty pieces of chicken, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this recipe delivers a satisfying, elegant meal without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this dish shine. Each component contributes its unique flavor and texture, creating a symphony of tastes that make the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe truly special.
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: The rich protein base that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Its tube shape holds the sauce perfectly for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken and cooking the vegetables to perfection.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and flavor.
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced: Brings an earthy richness and meaty texture to balance the cream.
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces: Offers a fresh, crisp contrast and vibrant color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The star that makes the sauce decadently smooth and velvety.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps to build the sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the cream with a salty, nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Provides a subtle herbal note that complements the chicken and mushrooms.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and brings out all the vibrant flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce and gives it a silky finish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brings fresh color and a bright, herbal finish to the dish.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water to cook the penne pasta until al dente. This ensures a tender bite that still holds its shape, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water – a nifty trick for adjusting your sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and season your chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Cooking them for 6 to 7 minutes per side creates a beautiful golden crust, locking in moisture. After the chicken reaches 165°F internally, remove it to rest so the juices settle.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Use the same skillet for the onions, allowing them to soften and turn translucent for about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook just until fragrant—watch closely to prevent burning, as garlic can quickly turn bitter if overcooked. These steps create a flavorful base for your sauce.
Step 4: Cook Mushrooms and Asparagus
Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms and let them sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they release their moisture and gain a slight golden hue. Then add the asparagus and cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes; you want them tender but still with a crisp bite that will brighten the dish.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer so the flavors meld beautifully. Follow it with the heavy cream, stirring consistently as you bring the sauce to a gentle simmer where it thickens just right over 3 to 4 minutes. Adding Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper transforms this into the indulgent, silky creaminess that defines the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the rested chicken into tender strips and stir them into the skillet. Then add your cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together so each piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. If it looks too thick, that reserved pasta water is your best friend to thin it out to just the right consistency.
Step 7: Final Touches
Swirl in butter for a rich finish and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for color and freshness. Give the dish one last taste to adjust salt or pepper if necessary, and you’re ready to serve a meal that’s nothing short of spectacular.
How to Serve Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a must for its bright pop of green and herbal lift, but if you want to elevate things a bit, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes an elegant finish. A squeeze of lemon can also add unexpected brightness and a fresh tang that accents the creamy sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since the main dish is rich and flavorful, consider pairing it with lighter sides like a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect too for dipping into all that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and place the chicken strips artfully on top. Garnish with parsley and a few extra sautéed mushrooms and asparagus tips for texture. Serving family-style in a large skillet right at the table also invites cozy sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce, so keeping it tightly sealed helps maintain moisture and freshness.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though the texture of the asparagus may soften slightly after thawing. Place cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months for quick, comforting meals later.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to revive the creamy texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to catch the sauce, fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle make excellent substitutes depending on your preference or pantry staples.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to keep that savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then assemble everything just before serving. Cooking the pasta last ensures it stays perfectly textured when served.
What if I don’t have fresh asparagus?
Frozen asparagus can be used in a pinch; just thaw it beforehand and add it slightly earlier to ensure it cooks through without becoming mushy.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic or sprinkle some chili oil over the finished dish for a gentle kick that brightens the flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe is a shining example of how simple, fresh ingredients come together to create a feast for the senses. Its blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, crisp asparagus, and earthy mushrooms makes for a dish that feels as special as it tastes. Give this recipe a try — you’re in for a deliciously cozy meal that’s sure to become one of your favorites.
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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Enjoy a rich and flavorful Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with al dente penne pasta in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and a hint of thyme. This comforting one-pan dish combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then place them in the hot skillet.
- Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken breasts for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest on a plate.
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Cook mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and slightly golden, stirring occasionally.
- Add asparagus: Incorporate asparagus pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften but retain slight crispness.
- Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine with vegetables, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
- Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Add grated Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
- Slice chicken: Thinly slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them back into the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, adding one tablespoon at a time if needed.
- Add butter and adjust seasoning: Stir in butter until melted, then taste and add more salt or pepper as preferred.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately, ensuring each plate receives plenty of creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Fresh asparagus adds a nice crunch — avoid overcooking for best texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese adds depth; use freshly grated for best flavor.
- Butter enriches the sauce and gives it a silky finish; do not skip.
