Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe combines two of my go-to ingredients: earthy mushrooms and vibrant asparagus. They bring freshness and texture to a luscious cream sauce that coats every piece of tender chicken and al dente penne. It’s the kind of dish you turn to when you need a satisfying dinner, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a quiet weekend at home. Growing up, pasta nights were always a favorite in my household, and this recipe reminds me why—it’s easy to make and feels like a hug on a plate.

How to make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich and flavorful pasta dish made with tender pieces of chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and asparagus, all tossed in a creamy sauce and served over penne pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta (or use your preferred pasta shape—fettuccine or rigatoni work well too)
• 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the chicken)
• 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing vegetables)
• 8 oz (225 g) button or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or substitute half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth (for added flavor and to thin out the sauce)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.
2. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
3. Sauté the mushrooms and asparagus: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus, sautéing for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat and pour the chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom (they add flavor!). Then, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 3–4 minutes.
5. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen it to your liking.
6. Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper, if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

• Choose fresh ingredients: Use fresh asparagus and mushrooms for the best flavor and texture. Avoid overcooking the asparagus to maintain its crunch.
• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides a more robust flavor compared to pre-shredded or powdered varieties.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When cooking chicken or sautéing mushrooms, make sure they’re in a single layer in the skillet. Crowding the pan can prevent them from browning properly.
• Control the sauce thickness: Adjust with some chicken broth or reserved pasta water if your sauce is too thick. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer to reduce and thicken.
• Experiment with flavors: Add a splash of white wine to your sauteed mushrooms for a touch of acidity, or mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
• Make it vegetarian: You can skip the chicken and add more mushrooms, or substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
• Store leftovers properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

What to serve with

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with complementary sides to create a well-balanced and memorable meal.

1. Appetizers

Start your meal with light and flavorful appetizers to awaken the palate:

• Garlic Butter Shrimp: Make a small serving of garlic butter shrimp on skewers. The savory shrimp flavor pairs beautifully with the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne without overpowering it. Alternatively, bake or grill the shrimp with a dash of paprika and lemon for added zest.
• Bruschetta: Serve tomato bruschetta made with fresh diced tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze, and garlic on toasted baguette slices. The acidity from the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne.
• Caprese Skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on small toothpicks or skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze for a light yet satisfying bite.

2. Salads

Pair the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne with a fresh, crisp salad to add some brightness and texture to the meal.

• Classic Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and a light Caesar dressing complements the creaminess of the Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne. You can even incorporate anchovies for an extra savory kick.
• Arugula and Spinach Salad: Toss arugula and baby spinach with sliced pears or apples, candied walnuts, crumbled goat cheese, and a vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. The sweet and tangy elements contrast beautifully with the creamy pasta dish.
• Mediterranean Salad: Combine cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, and drizzle with a simple olive oil and fresh lemon dressing. This salad introduces fresh, zesty notes to the meal.

3. Vegetables

Adding a roasted or steamed vegetable side dish complements the asparagus and mushrooms already featured in the pasta without overwhelming the plate.

• Roasted Vegetables: Roast a mix of vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and cherry tomatoes, with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The roasted flavors pair beautifully with the creamy pasta.
• Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli lightly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon helps balance the richness of the main dish.
• Grilled Artichokes: Serve grilled or roasted artichokes with a dipping sauce like lemon aioli on the side. Artichokes add a slightly nutty flavor that complements the earthy mushrooms and creamy sauce.
• Sauteed Spinach: Quickly sauté spinach with garlic and a touch of olive oil for a lighter veggie side. It’s easy to prepare and adds vibrant greens to the plate.

4. Bread

Bread always works well with pasta dishes. Choose bread options that can soak up the creamy sauce or add texture to the meal.

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crispy garlic bread brushed with butter, fresh garlic, and parsley. The garlicky flavor enhances the dish without overpowering it.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: Offer slices of crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread. Lightly toast it and serve as-is or with a dipping oil of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
• Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks: Soft, oven-baked breadsticks stuffed with cheese pair beautifully with the creamy pasta and add indulgence to the meal.

5. Drinks

Choosing the right drink elevates the dining experience. Creamy pasta dishes pair well with wines and beverages that balance the richness.

• White Wine: Serve a crisp and slightly acidic white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay. These wines complement the cream sauce and enhance the dish’s flavors.
• Red Wine: If you prefer red wine, opt for lighter varieties like Pinot Noir or Grenache that won’t overpower the pasta.
• Sparkling Water or Lemonade: Sparkling water with a slice of lemon or cucumber keeps the meal light and refreshing. Alternatively, try serving a homemade lemonade with a hint of rosemary.
• Iced Tea: For a family-friendly option, opt for unsweetened iced tea infused with mint or a splash of citrus. The herbal notes pair well with the creamy dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne but need or want to use some ingredient substitutes:

1. Chicken Breast Substitutes:

• Chicken Thighs: More flavorful and tender compared to breasts.
• Turkey Breast: Similar in taste but with a slightly different texture.
• Tofu or Tempeh: Excellent plant-based options for a vegetarian version.
• Seitan: A wheat-based meat substitute that can mimic the texture of chicken.

2. Penne Pasta Substitutes:

• Other Pasta Types: Fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni can work well.
• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: For a healthier or gluten-free option.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb alternative.

3. Asparagus Substitutes:

• Broccoli: Provides a similar green color and crunchy texture.
• Green Beans: Another crisp, green vegetable.
• Snap Peas: Keeps the dish light and adds a bit of sweetness.
• Spinach or Kale: For a leafy green option.

4. Mushroom Substitutes:

• Zucchini: Adds a different texture but still absorbs flavors well.
• Eggplant: Offers a similar texture when cooked.
• Bell Peppers: For a different flavor profile and added color.

5. Heavy Cream Substitutes:

• Half-and-Half: A lighter option but still provides some creaminess.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess with a tangy twist.
• Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free alternative with a hint of coconut flavor.
• Cashew Cream: Another dairy-free alternative that is rich and creamy.

6. Garlic Substitutes:

• Garlic Powder: Use a smaller amount as it’s more concentrated.
• Shallots: Milder and sweeter, but can add a similar aromatic quality.
• Onion Powder: In a pinch, it can offer some garlicky flavor.

7. Onion Substitutes:

• Leeks: Milder in flavor and add a nice texture.
• Shallots: Smaller with a milder and slightly sweeter taste.
• Green Onions: Offer a sharper bite but can work well.

8. Parmesan Cheese Substitutes:

• Pecorino Romano: Similar to hard cheese with a slightly different flavor.
• Grana Padano: Less sharp but equally good.
• Nutritional Yeast: A vegan option with a cheesy flavor.
• Vegan Parmesan: Made from nuts and nutritional yeast.

9. Olive Oil or Butter Substitutes:

• Coconut Oil: Adds a different flavor but works for sautéing.
• Ghee: Clarified butter that offers a rich, nutty taste.
• Avocado Oil: Healthier option which is great for high-heat cooking.

10. Salt and Pepper Substitutes:

• Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness with a different flavor profile.
• Herb Mix: Using herbs like thyme or rosemary can add flavor with less salt.

11. Chicken Broth Substitutes:

• Vegetable Broth: A good alternative for a vegetarian version.
• Bone Broth: Offers a richer flavor profile.
• Water with Bouillon Cubes: In a pinch, bouillon cubes dissolved in water can work.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe will surely become a family favorite and a staple in your home.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Copycat KFC Chicken and Waffles Recipe
• Bamboo Chicken Salad Recipe
• Homemade McDonald’s Chicken Strips Recipe
• Homemade Jersey Mike Chicken Salad Recipe
• Copycat Wendy’s Cajun Crunch Chicken Recipe