Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Looking for a comforting, restaurant-style pasta dish that you can make at home? This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is rich, flavorful, and packed with fresh vegetables. Tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus are tossed in a luscious creamy sauce with penne pasta, making it a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a dish that will impress family and friends.

Ingredients

For 4 servings, you will need:

400g (14 oz) penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini work well)
200g (7 oz) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional:

Red pepper flakes for a mild kick
Extra Parmesan for serving

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter.
Sauté onions until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and become golden brown, about 5–6 minutes.
Add asparagus pieces and cook for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.