A One-Pan Wonder Full of Comfort and Fresh Flavor
Looking for a delicious dinner that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor — without being heavy or complicated? This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne checks every box. Tender slices of chicken, earthy mushrooms, vibrant asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne come together in a silky cream sauce that’s rich, yet light enough for any time of year.
This one-pan pasta dish is perfect for weeknights but elegant enough for a date night or dinner guests. With a handful of ingredients and under 40 minutes from start to finish, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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One skillet = easy cleanup
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Balanced flavors: rich cream, savory chicken, fresh asparagus
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Customizable: swap in different veggies or pasta types
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Comfort food that feels elevated
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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8 oz penne pasta
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1 tbsp olive oil
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8 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button work great)
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1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp salt, or to taste
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
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Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Veggies
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In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
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Add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
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Add the asparagus and sauté for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
4. Make the Cream Sauce
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Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Combine Everything
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Add the cooked chicken and penne back into the skillet.
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Toss everything together until coated and heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan as needed.
6. Serve
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Serving Suggestions
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Garlic breadsticks or crusty baguette
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Lemon-dressed arugula salad for a peppery contrast
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A crisp glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.
Variations
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Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a little kick.
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Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
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Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
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Make it lighter with half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of cream.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne brings together everything we love about a good pasta dish: it’s creamy, hearty, and loaded with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Best of all, it comes together in one pan with minimal effort. Perfect for a cozy night in or a quick meal that feels fancy.