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Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: A Restaurant-Quality Pasta Dish at Home
This creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne brings the flavors of an Italian trattoria right to your dinner table. Perfectly al dente pasta is tossed with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a luxurious cream sauce that’s both rich and balanced. The dish combines the comforting heartiness of chicken pasta with the fresh, seasonal appeal of spring vegetables.
What makes this creamy chicken pasta recipe special is how the ingredients complement each other. The umami depth from sautéed mushrooms contrasts beautifully with the bright, grassy notes of asparagus, while the creamy sauce ties everything together. This one-pan wonder is substantial enough to satisfy hungry appetites yet elegant enough for date nights or dinner parties. Best of all, it comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich creaminess from the sauce, savory depth from mushrooms and chicken, and fresh brightness from asparagus and lemon zest.
- Texture: Al dente pasta with tender chicken pieces, meaty mushrooms, and crisp-tender asparagus create a satisfying mouthfeel in every bite.
- Aroma: The dish fills your kitchen with enticing scents of sautéed garlic, earthy mushrooms, and fresh herbs.
- Visual Appeal: The white cream sauce provides a beautiful backdrop for the green asparagus, golden chicken, and brown mushrooms.
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing and making a cream sauce, but is approachable for most home cooks.
- Special Equipment: Just a large skillet and standard kitchen tools – no special equipment needed.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This creamy mushroom pasta recipe is rated intermediate because it involves coordinating several components (pasta, chicken, vegetables, sauce) and requires proper timing to ensure everything finishes cooking at the right moment.
- Category: Perfect as a main course for dinner, but can also work for special lunches or potluck dishes.
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired with modern American touches, particularly in the cream sauce preparation.
- Cost: Mid-range budget – uses affordable proteins and seasonal vegetables with a few premium ingredients like fresh herbs.
- Season: Ideal for spring when asparagus is at its peak, but can be made year-round.
- Occasion: Works equally well for casual family dinners or more formal entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The first thing you’ll notice about this creamy asparagus chicken pasta is how restaurant-quality it tastes while being completely achievable at home. The combination of textures – from the al dente penne to the juicy chicken and crisp-tender asparagus – creates a symphony in every bite. The sauce clings perfectly to the pasta without being gloppy or heavy, striking that ideal balance between rich and light.
From a convenience standpoint, this recipe is a winner. It’s a complete meal in one dish with protein, vegetables, and carbs all combined. The cooking process flows logically from one step to the next, and cleanup is minimal since most of the cooking happens in a single skillet. You can even prep components ahead to make weeknight cooking even faster.
Nutritionally, this dish offers a good balance. Chicken provides lean protein, mushrooms add umami depth and nutrients, while asparagus contributes fiber and vitamins. Using whole wheat penne boosts the fiber content, or you can use gluten-free pasta if needed. The cream sauce is indulgent but balanced with bright lemon and fresh herbs.
For entertaining, this creamy mushroom and asparagus pasta is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but familiar enough that even picky eaters will enjoy it. The beautiful presentation with the green asparagus spears and golden chicken makes it Instagram-worthy without requiring fancy plating skills.
Cost-wise, this recipe makes excellent use of affordable ingredients. Chicken thighs offer more flavor at a lower price than breasts, while mushrooms and asparagus provide gourmet appeal without breaking the bank. A little cream goes a long way when combined with pasta cooking water to create a luxurious sauce.
The Recipe
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- ½ tsp black pepper, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, tough ends removed, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Season chicken pieces with ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the skillet. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and brown, about 5 minutes. Add asparagus and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Stir in garlic and thyme, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, remaining ½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Recipe Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Vegetarians can omit chicken and use vegetable broth.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts will work but may dry out more easily. Reduce cooking time to 4-6 minutes and check for doneness frequently. Thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor.
What other vegetables can I add?
Spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes would be excellent additions. For heartier vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, blanch them first before adding to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free penne and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead (cook chicken, clean vegetables), but for best texture, combine everything just before serving. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth or water.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half will work but produce a thinner sauce. For dairy-free, coconut milk works surprisingly well, though it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
