There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your fork into a silky, cheese-laden sauce that clings to perfectly cooked penne, dotted with tender strips of chicken, earthy mushrooms, and bursts of bright green asparagus. This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Penne with Mushrooms & Asparagus brings all of that comfort straight to your dinner table without the usual fuss of juggling multiple pots and pans. The heavy cream mingles with savory chicken broth to form a luscious base that’s enriched by nutty Parmesan and a hint of Italian herbs, while optional red pepper flakes inject a playful kick. Every bite feels like a warm hug, ideal for wrapping up a long day or impressing friends at a casual gathering.
What makes this dish truly magical is its simplicity: from prep to table in just under an hour, even a beginner home cook can pull it off with confidence. In under 15 minutes you’ll have your ingredients prepped—slicing, trimming, and measuring—then about 30 minutes to sauté, simmer, and bring everything together. Cleanup is a breeze when everything happens in the same skillet, freeing up time for good conversation or a quick walk after dinner. With around 600 calories per serving, it’s entirely indulgent yet balanced by fresh vegetables and lean protein. Pull out your favorite skillet, crank up the tunes, and let’s dive into this cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s destined to become a weeknight staple.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN ONE-PAN CREAMY CHICKEN PENNE WITH MUSHROOMS & ASPARAGUS
To create a dish that bursts with flavor and creamy texture, each ingredient plays a crucial role. From the base of aromatic oil to the final flourish of fresh parsley, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Olive oil
This flavorful oil serves as the foundation, providing a silky medium for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables. Its fruity notes complement the dish’s rich sauce.
- Chicken breasts
Lean and tender, these strips deliver protein and substance. Searing them first locks in juices and adds a golden crust for delightful texture.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of each component. Adjust to taste for balanced seasoning throughout the dish.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the sauce with warm, pungent aroma. A quick sauté releases its essential oils, creating a flavorful backbone.
- Baby bella mushrooms
Earthy and meaty, these mushrooms soak up the creamy sauce while adding depth and a satisfying chew.
- Asparagus
Bright green and slightly crisp, asparagus spears introduce a fresh, vegetal contrast that balances the richness of the cream.
- Chicken broth
This savory liquid forms the bulk of the cooking medium, enriching the sauce with a gentle, savory note.
- Heavy cream
The star of the sauce, heavy cream imparts a velvety texture and luxurious mouthfeel that coats every piece of pasta and vegetable.
- Penne pasta
With its ridged shape and hollow center, penne traps the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
- Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty complexity and helping to thicken the mixture.
- Dried Italian herbs
A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme brings aromatic warmth and classic Mediterranean flair.
- Red pepper flakes
Optional but recommended for a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess and adds a lively finish.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley provides a fresh, herbal garnish that brightens the rich sauce and adds a pop of color.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-PAN CREAMY CHICKEN PENNE WITH MUSHROOMS & ASPARAGUS
Now that we’ve talked ingredients, let’s walk through the cooking process step by step. You’ll see how quickly everything comes together in one skillet, transforming simple pantry staples into a comforting, restaurant-quality meal.
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
2. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for 4–5 minutes until they start to brown, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for another 2–3 minutes until it turns bright green and retains a slight crunch.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat slightly.
5. Stir in penne pasta, ensuring each piece is submerged in the liquid. Cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to avoid clumping.
6. Add chicken back to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly, coating the pasta and chicken evenly.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving for a burst of fresh color and flavor.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR ONE-PAN CREAMY CHICKEN PENNE WITH MUSHROOMS & ASPARAGUS
Once your creamy chicken penne is ready, consider these serving ideas to elevate the experience even further. Each suggestion complements the rich sauce and vibrant veggies, creating a well-rounded and memorable meal.
- Serve with fresh crusty bread, like a warm baguette or ciabatta. Tear off chunks to mop up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon and olive oil. The acidity cuts through the creaminess and adds a refreshing contrast.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle a bit of lemon zest just before serving to brighten the flavors and add aromatic flair.
- Offer a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Its crisp acidity balances the dish’s richness and enhances each savory bite.
HOW TO STORE ONE-PAN CREAMY CHICKEN PENNE WITH MUSHROOMS & ASPARAGUS
After thoroughly enjoying this dish, you may have leftovers that deserve just as much care as the fresh batch. Proper storage preserves texture, flavor, and safety so you can savor your creation later in the week.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
Transfer cooled pasta to a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to three days. This prevents exposure to air and keeps flavors intact.
- Freeze for long-term storage
Portion the pasta into freezer-safe bags, removing excess air before sealing. Label with the date and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop
Warm the pasta over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Refresh with added cream or cheese
If the sauce seems dry upon reheating, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or a handful of Parmesan to revive its original creaminess.
CONCLUSION
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Penne with Mushrooms & Asparagus has it all: tender chicken strips, earthy mushrooms, vibrant asparagus, and a dreamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together. With just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples, you can create a satisfying meal in under an hour—even on your busiest weeknights. The prep time of 15 minutes and cooking time of 30 minutes keeps things quick, while the resting time lets flavors meld before you dive in. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or sharing it with friends, this dish strikes the perfect balance between cozy comfort and bright, fresh ingredients. It’s beginner-friendly, gluten-free adaptable, and easily customized with extra veggies or a splash of white wine.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference, or tuck it into your digital recipe collection. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to address common questions about ingredient swaps, cooking tips, and storage tricks. If you give this recipe a try—or if you have any comments, questions, or feedback—please let me know! I’m always excited to hear about your cooking adventures and happy to help troubleshoot any step along the way. Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
One-Pan Creamy Chicken Penne with Mushrooms & Asparagus
Description
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken Penne features tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and vibrant asparagus all in a luscious creamy sauce. It's a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
-
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to brown.
-
Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green.
-
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in penne pasta and ensure it is submerged in the liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
-
Add chicken back to the skillet along with Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Note
- For added flavor, consider deglazing the pan with white wine before adding the broth.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas or spinach to enhance nutritional value.
- This dish can be prepared with gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
