Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe Magic

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delectable solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne recipe delivers a perfect balance of comfort and elegance.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with earthy mushrooms and crisp asparagus in a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to al dente penne.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and rich, harmonious flavors that elevate a simple pasta dish.

Colorful vegetables add nutritional depth and visual appeal to this hearty meal.

Packed with protein and vibrant ingredients, this recipe transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing pasta masterpiece.

Why Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne Shines

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal anyone can master, requiring minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Adaptable recipe lets you swap ingredients like different proteins or vegetables, making it perfect for using pantry staples and reducing food waste.
• Minimal cleanup and streamlined cooking process means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, creamy pasta that satisfies everyone at the table.
• Packed with protein from chicken, vegetables offering essential nutrients, and a creamy sauce that doesn't compromise on taste, this dish balances healthiness and indulgence seamlessly.

Everything You Need for Creamy Chicken Penne

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the creamy pasta dish.

• Penne: A tubular pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Mushrooms, Asparagus: Fresh vegetables that provide earthy flavors and nutritional depth to the recipe.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide additional depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient that brings a subtle heat to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich base for cooking and add depth to the flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and enhances the savory notes of the sauce.

Tools for Making Mushroom Asparagus Penne

• Large Skillet: Essential for sautéing chicken, vegetables, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Cutting Board: Use for slicing mushrooms and asparagus.
• Sharp Knife: Required for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and tossing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Help measure seasonings and spices accurately.
• Colander: Useful for draining cooked pasta.

Chicken Penne: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the penne pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Scoop out some pasta water before draining – you’ll need this liquid gold later.

Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Warm up a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Gently place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet.

Cook the chicken, giving it an occasional stir, until it turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks through completely.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Build the Vegetable Base

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil and a knob of butter.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until fragrant.

Add mushroom slices and let them release their earthy juices, cooking until they turn a gorgeous golden color.

Slide in the asparagus pieces and cook until they’re tender yet still have a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Create the Luscious Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer briefly.

Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a silky smooth sauce.

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for an extra flavor kick.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce.

Add the cooked penne and toss everything until well combined.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Plate

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Shower with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, savory masterpiece you’ve created.

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Chicken Penne

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and tender results.
• Pat mushrooms dry before sautéing to remove excess moisture, helping them brown beautifully and develop rich flavor.
• Cut asparagus into uniform pieces and cook briefly to maintain a crisp, vibrant green appearance and prevent overcooking.
• Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick, creating a silky, perfectly coated dish.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquid to release its aromatic oils and enhance overall taste profile.

Ways to Change Up Mushroom Asparagus Penne

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives for a meat-free meal.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute penne with spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake and add extra vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Cream Alternative: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free adaptation.

Penne Serving Suggestions for Every Meal

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy pasta directly in large, warm bowls with a side of crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Plate the dish on white ceramic plates, garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, and pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for a sophisticated touch.
• Healthy Lunch Remix: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a tasty next-day lunch, adding extra red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or mixing in some fresh baby spinach for added nutrition.
• Weekend Comfort Combo: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and create a perfectly balanced meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Storage Solutions for Chicken Penne Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, linguine, or rigatoni. Just ensure the pasta can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe uses regular penne pasta. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or white beans. Keep the creamy sauce and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.

• How can I make the sauce healthier?

Use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the Parmesan cheese amount or use a low-fat alternative to decrease calories.

Creamy Mushroom Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic happens when creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne meets Italian-inspired comfort. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this hearty pasta dish, delivering rich flavors you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 340 grams (12 ounces) penne pasta

Protein:

• 450 grams (1 pound) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 5 centimeters (2 inches) pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Fats:

• 240 milliliters (1 cup) heavy cream
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
• 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Carefully extract 120ml of starchy water before draining pasta and setting aside.

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Generously season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally, until golden and thoroughly cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.

1. In the same skillet, melt remaining olive oil and butter. Introduce minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds. Add mushroom slices and cook 5-6 minutes, allowing them to caramelize and release natural moisture. Incorporate asparagus pieces and continue cooking 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.

1. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes. Blend heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce thickens and cheese dissolves completely. Enhance flavor with Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

1. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Fold in penne pasta, ensuring even distribution. If sauce appears too dense, gradually introduce reserved pasta water until reaching ideal consistency.

1. Transfer pasta to serving plates. Embellish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Use gluten-free penne pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance the depth and complexity of the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Reserve pasta water strategically – it’s liquid gold for creating silky, perfectly emulsified sauces that cling beautifully to noodles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 628
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 63g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 105mg