If you are in the mood for a decadent, comfy dinner that is both fast and delicious, then this creamy mushroom asparagus chicken penne is just what you need. This meal has juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms and crunchy asparagus smothered in a tangy cream sauce and served with al dente penne pasta. Whether you are serving it for a busy family dinner or dinner guests, this meal will be a hit.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
Sure, there are plenty of pasta recipes to try, but creamy chicken penne brings dinner to the next level. Chicken, asparagus, and mushrooms in a creamy pasta sauce – comfort food has never tasted so good! And, it’s a simple, effortless recipe that doesn’t have much prep and is loaded with flavor.
It’s the perfect compromise of textures, which you will notice if you’re already an observer that there’s plenty more cream coated pasta/pasta coated cream/crumb here than garden variety method with this recipe – the al dente penne, the juicy chicken, the still tender veg in a creamy sauce. It really is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients for Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
But before we even return to the kitchen, let’s make sure you have everything. The following ingredients will help you produce a swirly, creamy masterpiece that everyone can get on board with.
- 12 oz penne pasta or whatever shape pasta you like
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast (skinless) (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these elements, a wonderful meal is just a few simple steps away. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
The Best Way to Cook Penne Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Stir in the penne pasta and prepare as directed on package. Be sure you cook it until it’s just al dente—you should be able to feel the bite of the pasta so it holds its own when mixed with the creamy sauce.
When pasta is cooked, drain and set aside. Save a bit of pasta water for later if you need to adjust the sauce consistency.
Sautéing Chicken to Perfection
While the pasta cooks, add 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pieces of chicken breast to the pot, and give them a salt and pepper seasoning. Season chicken to taste and cook in batches for 5–7 minutes or until golden and cooked through. When it’s all done, take the chicken out of the pan and put it to one side.
Delightfully juicy, nobody does sautéed chicken better, and that’s really what sets every other ingredient in this recipe off.
Perfecting the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute or until it is fragrant. Then throw in the sliced mushrooms and asparagus. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re tender.
Add the heavy cream and chicken broth, and mix everything well. Allow mixture to simmer (bring to first bubbles) and reduce heat to low. You want to let the sauce continue to cook for a further 3-4 minutes and thicken up just a little bit. This will give a creamy, velvety sauce that will cling to the chicken and pasta.
Bringing It All Together
As soon as the sauce has thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Then stir in the penne pasta you have previously drained and then toss everything. Give the sauce another hit of richness by stirring in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Thin the sauce as needed with reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.
There you go, you have now served your creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne!
Cooking Tips & Techniques for Success
To make this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne a success each and every single time, here are a few crucial tips and tricks to consider:
Amazing Chicken Every Time:
When you sauté the chicken, use a HOT skillet and add the chicken pieces once it gets hot. This helps to lock in the juices and ensures the chicken is moist, too. Fry the chicken until it is golden brown on all sides – don’t overcook it, or it will go dry. You may also brown the chicken in stages if you like, without crowding the pan.
Cooking Asparagus:
Asparagus is one of the most important vegetables in the dish, and the texture of asparagus contributes to the texture of the entire dish, so it’s important to get it right. Saute until the asparagus is tender-crisp. Do not overcook; this rice should have a little bite. If you like softer asparagus, you can cook the asparagus for longer, but be careful not to let the spears get too mushy. Cutting the asparagus into 1-inch pieces means that it will cook evenly.
Sautéing Mushrooms Without Sogginess:
Mushrooms excrete their liquid as they cook, so it’s crucial to not shock them with overcrowding in the pan. If you have more mushrooms than that, they may steam, not sauté, and end up soggy. Cook the mushrooms in batches, or use a wide pan so the mushrooms have plenty of room to brown. Stir from time to time to cook evenly.
Thickening the Sauce:
Simmering the heavy cream and adding the chicken broth will allow the flours from the chicken to marry and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a small amount of reserved pasta water to thin it out to your preference.
By following these tips, you’ll master the art of making creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne, delivering a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying!
Variations and Substitutes
One of the awesomest things about creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is how adaptable it can be. Here are some suggestions on how to make it your own:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free penne for a diet-friendly alternative.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream (instead of heavy cream), or any vegan cream alternative.
- Vegetarian adapted: Trade out the chicken for tofu, or your favorite vegan protein, and tah-dah: Vegetarian creamy mushroom penne.
Regardless of the version you make, this dish will be full of flavor!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
This is a pretty simple recipe, but there are a few mistakes that can happen to leave you with a disappointing result.
- Overcooking the chicken: When you do so, the chicken gets dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is golden and tender but not overcooked.
- Not simmering the sauce for long enough: The sauce has to have time to thicken and meld. Don’t rush this step!
- Pouring the pasta without draining it at all: You want to drain the pasta fully so it doesn’t dilute the creamy part of creamy sauce.
Don’t make these mistakes if you want to serve up the perfect creamy chicken penne!
Nutrition (per serving)
And here’s the nutrition information for one serving of this creamy chicken penne:
- Calories: around 550 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
This is a complete meal with a healthy amount of protein, carbs, and veggies with some mushrooms and asparagus.
Pairing This Dish with Sides
Even though creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is a hearty meal all on its own, a side just makes it even better. Consider pairing it with:
- Garlic bread to fulfill that crunchy, buttery garlic bread craving.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to offset the richness of the pasta.
- Steamed vegetables to provide colors and nutrients to your plate.
These straightforward sides will round out the pasta and enhance your meal.
Conclusion
This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is an easy and lovely dish to make that pairs tender chicken, earthy mushrooms and crunchy asparagus in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a great go-to recipe for those night when you’re tight for time and but are looking for a hearty, flavorful meal. Whether you are cooking for the family or entertaining friends, this recipe will satisfy all gathered around the table.
And it gets even better with this recipe, because – you guessed it – it’s so easy to adapt for various dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or veg. And it’s high in protein and vegetables, so it’s a balanced meal.
Then, the next time you’re in need of a quick and comforting pasta, try this creamy chicken penne in the comfort of your kitchen. With only a handful of ingredients and a couple of easy steps, you can have a tasty—and restaurant-quality—meal that’s sure to suit any occasion. Enjoy, and be sure to share a picture with us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute another pasta shape?
Yes, absolutely! Penne is the traditional pasta shape, but you can use any pasta you love, like fusilli, rigatoni or farfalle. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta so it remains firm inside the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?
Yes, you can totally make this gluten-free by using gluten-free penne pasta, or any gluten-free pasta for that matter. The rest of the ingredients are gluten-free, so you only need to make one substitution and you can still eat well.
Can this dish be prepared dairy free?
To make it dairy-free, just replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream options otherwise. For the Parmesan, try a dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I freeze this dish?
Can I freeze this creamy chicken penne? When it’s cool, transfer it to a container, freeze, and keep for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a pan over low heat, adding a little milk or cream if the sauce needs a bit of loosening.
How long will leftovers last?
How to Store Creamy Leftover Chicken Penne Leftover creamy chicken penne can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat it until it’s bubbling before you serve it! If the sauce is too thick, just thin it out with a splash of milk or chicken broth until you get the consistency you want.
Can I include any others vegetables with this meal?
Absolutely, add other vegetables. Spinach, broccoli or sun-dried tomatoes are all good Tobler additions to this creamy pasta, and they add some extra nutrition, too.