This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the ultimate comfort meal—tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce all tossed with hearty penne pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family!

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 12 oz penne pasta – Perfectly holds the creamy sauce.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces – The protein base.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds savory depth.
• Salt and pepper, to taste – For seasoning.

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter – Adds richness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – A bold, aromatic touch.
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced – Brings a hearty, earthy element.
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces – Adds fresh, crisp texture.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The base for a luscious sauce.
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into a creamy, cheesy delight.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Helps balance the sauce consistency.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – For a hint of herby goodness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle heat kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add penne and cook until al dente (according to package instructions).
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

• In the same skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and tender.
• Stir in asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

• Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
• Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Everything

• Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
• Add cooked penne pasta, tossing until evenly coated.
• If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

• Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

Serving Suggestions

🍞 Serve with garlic bread or a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
🍷 Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Tips

🧊 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
❄️ Freeze: While creamy sauces can change texture when frozen, you can store this for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Tips for Success

✔ Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, mushrooms, and asparagus enhance flavor.
✔ Adjust the Sauce: For a lighter version, use half cream, half milk, or swap in Greek yogurt for some of the cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🌟 Rich and Comforting – A creamy, cheesy pasta that satisfies all cravings.
🥦 Balanced and Fresh – Includes protein, veggies, and pasta for a complete meal.
🎨 Customizable – Swap asparagus for broccoli or spinach, or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is restaurant-quality but easy enough for a weeknight dinner! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and savory bite! 🍽️😋