Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: A Comfort Dish with a Touch of Elegance

When you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and a little sophisticated, Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne hits all the right notes. This dish combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and a velvety cream sauce that clings beautifully to penne pasta. It’s hearty enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a special gathering. Let’s walk through the method step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

300 g (about 10 oz) penne pasta
2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), sliced into thin strips
200 g (7 oz) mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

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

Tip: Drizzling a tiny bit of olive oil on the drained pasta will prevent it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken in the skillet until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Remove from the pan and set aside.