If you’re anything like me, dinnertime is all about speed, comfort, and making sure everyone walks away full and happy. That’s exactly how creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne became one of our family’s weeknight lifesavers. I remember the first time I threw it together—it was one of those evenings where the fridge was almost empty, and the kids were already asking, “What’s for dinner?” With a few pantry basics and some leftover chicken, I tossed together what would soon become a cheap but irresistible favorite.
There’s something about the combination of savory mushrooms, crisp asparagus, and tender chicken coated in a rich cream sauce that makes this penne pasta dish shine. Even better? It’s super easy to make and kid-approved. In this article, I’ll show you how to create this satisfying recipe, share clever shortcuts, and help you turn a few ingredients into a dinner you’ll crave all week. Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is that rare meal that hits the sweet spot: quick, delicious, and budget-friendly.
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Method
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
- Add cooked chicken and drained pasta. Stir until well coated and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra parmesan if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- You can use milk and cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
- Frozen asparagus or mushrooms also work in a pinch.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of milk.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Chicken Penne Deserves a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
Big flavor, simple ingredients
Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne isn’t just a pasta dish—it’s a creamy, comforting dinner that turns regular ingredients into something special. Earthy mushrooms and tender asparagus soak up the garlicky cream sauce, while juicy chicken adds the protein punch. Penne’s ridges catch every drop of sauce, making each bite perfectly coated and satisfying.
For another easy, creamy meal made from pantry staples, try this Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole—it’s filling, frugal, and great for busy nights.
Budget-friendly and pantry-ready
This is the kind of meal you can whip up with whatever you have on hand. Chicken, pasta, mushrooms, and cream are all kitchen staples. Asparagus is seasonal but can be swapped with frozen veggies without losing that fresh flavor. A recipe like this stretches ingredients far—especially when pasta is involved.
Need more inspiration? This creamy garlic butter chicken and rotini in parmesan sauce is another cozy favorite with the same creamy, family-approved vibe.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne at Home
Ingredients that make this dish a weeknight winner
One reason I love making creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is that the ingredients are easy to find and flexible. You don’t need anything fancy—just real, simple food that turns into something warm and comforting.
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 12 oz |
| Cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped) | 2 cups |
| Fresh asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces) | 1 bunch |
| Mushrooms (sliced) | 8 oz |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream or half-and-half | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, this chicken broccoli alfredo bake also uses similar ingredients and turns out beautifully every time.
Step-by-step instructions
Making creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is easier than you think. Here’s how to get it on the table fast:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Sauté the mushrooms in olive oil over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until browned and tender. Add garlic and stir for one more minute until fragrant.
- Add asparagus and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still bright green. You want it to have a bit of crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan and reserved pasta water to help thin and emulsify the sauce.
- Toss in the chicken and cooked pasta. Stir until everything is coated with sauce and heated through.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra parmesan or fresh parsley if you like.
This recipe is similar in method to this one-pot chicken and rice with caramelized lemon, which also makes a hearty meal with bright, bold flavors.
Make It Your Own – Variations and Leftover Tips
Easy variations to switch things up
One of the best things about creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is how easy it is to adjust based on what you have. This dish is naturally flexible, which makes it perfect for busy families working with pantry staples.
Want to make it vegetarian? Just leave out the chicken and maybe double the mushrooms or add white beans for protein. You could also swap the penne for rotini or even fettuccine if that’s what’s in your cupboard. Don’t have heavy cream? A mix of milk and a spoonful of cream cheese works surprisingly well.
For a fun twist with bold flavor, this Meghan Markle pasta recipe uses roasted veggies and a creamy base, too—worth trying on meatless nights.
Feeling adventurous? Add sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for 3–5 minutes for a crispy, golden topping.
Store, reheat, and enjoy later
Leftovers of creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne store beautifully, making it a great make-ahead lunch or dinner. Simply transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce—it’ll bring that creamy texture right back. Heat in a skillet over medium-low or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring often.
If you’re someone who loves prepping ahead, this method works just like with our instant pot chicken thighs and rice, which also keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
You can even freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe bags, and label. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs About Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
Can I use canned mushrooms for creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne?
Yes, you can. While fresh mushrooms offer more texture and flavor, canned mushrooms are a budget-friendly alternative that work in a pinch. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the pan.
What’s the best pasta type for creamy chicken penne recipes?
Penne is ideal because its tubular shape holds sauce well, but you can also use rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. Stick to short pastas that trap the creamy sauce for best results.
How do I keep the asparagus from getting mushy in this dish?
Cook the asparagus for just a few minutes until it turns bright green and still has some bite. Adding it toward the end of cooking helps preserve its crisp texture.
Can I make creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the full dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is proof that weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated or expensive. This dish brings together everything a family loves—comforting flavors, satisfying textures, and ingredients that don’t stretch the grocery bill. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or prepping for leftovers, this pasta delivers every time.
If you’ve been looking for a dish that balances creamy richness with fresh veggies and lean protein, this one’s a keeper. It’s fast enough for weeknights, tasty enough for guests, and flexible enough to make your own. Keep this one bookmarked—it’s going to be part of your regular dinner rotation.
For more family-friendly ideas and kitchen-tested recipes, follow along on Pinterest and connect with us on Facebook. That’s where I share new meal ideas, cooking tips, and budget-saving tricks—because we’re in this together.
