If you’re looking for a luxury-style pasta recipe that feels like restaurant food but is still easy to make at home, this Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is exactly what you need. It’s rich, comforting, protein-packed, and full of fresh vegetables—perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even a special weekend treat.
This recipe combines tender chicken breast, earthy mushrooms, fresh asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a silky, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. It’s one of those meals that looks impressive, tastes indulgent, and yet can easily be adjusted to be healthier, lighter, or gluten-free.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Penne Recipe
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✅ High-protein, balanced meal
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✅ Great for meal prep & leftovers
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✅ Customizable (low-carb, dairy-free, or gluten-free options)
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✅ Loaded with anti-inflammatory vegetables
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✅ Comfort food without heavy guilt
This dish is especially popular among people searching for:
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🍝 Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
For the Pasta & Protein:
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400g (14 oz) penne pasta (whole wheat or regular)
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Vegetables:
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1½ cups fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini)
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1 cup fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Creamy Sauce:
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ cup chicken broth
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickness)
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½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
Garnish:
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Fresh parsley or basil
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Extra Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Al dente pasta holds creamy sauces better and doesn’t get mushy.
2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken
Season chicken slices with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Sauté Mushrooms & Asparagus
In the same skillet, add butter and onions. Cook until soft and translucent. Add garlic and mushrooms, sauté until mushrooms release moisture and turn golden. Add asparagus and cook for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in chicken broth and cream. Stir gently. Add Parmesan cheese and chili flakes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
If you want extra thickness, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it into the sauce.
5️⃣ Combine Everything
Add cooked chicken and penne pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
🥗 Nutritional Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s also nutrient-dense:
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Chicken breast → Lean protein for muscle health
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Mushrooms → Rich in antioxidants and immune support
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Asparagus → Anti-inflammatory, high in fiber
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Olive oil → Heart-healthy fats
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Parmesan cheese → Calcium and protein
👉 When made with whole-wheat pasta, this recipe becomes a balanced, fiber-rich meal.
🔥 High-CPM Keywords (Naturally Integrated)
This recipe targets popular, high-value food keywords such as:
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Perfect for food blogs, Google AdSense, Pinterest, and Facebook pages.
🧠 Expert Tips for Best Results
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Use fresh asparagus, not canned
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Don’t overcook mushrooms—golden is key
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Add cheese slowly to avoid clumping
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Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil
🔄 Recipe Variations
🥦 Healthier Version
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Use Greek yogurt instead of cream
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Add spinach or broccoli
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Choose whole-wheat or chickpea pasta
🧀 Extra Cheesy Version
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Add mozzarella or cream cheese
🌶 Spicy Version
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Increase chili flakes or add Cajun seasoning
🌱 Vegetarian Option
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Skip chicken, add more mushrooms or tofu
❓ Related Questions (FAQ)
Is creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne healthy?
Yes! When made with lean chicken, olive oil, and vegetables, it’s a balanced and nutritious meal.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze creamy chicken pasta?
Freezing is possible, but cream sauces may slightly change texture. Best enjoyed fresh.
What pasta works best for creamy sauces?
Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni are ideal because they hold sauce well.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Is this recipe good for weight loss?
With portion control and whole-grain pasta, it can fit into a healthy weight-loss meal plan.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Garlic bread or whole-grain toast
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Fresh green salad with lemon dressing
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Roasted vegetables
🌟 Final Thoughts
Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is the perfect blend of comfort food and wholesome nutrition. It’s creamy without being heavy, flavorful without being complicated, and impressive enough for guests while still being easy for weeknight dinners.
If you’re building a recipe blog, Facebook food page, or monetized content, this dish checks all the boxes: high-CPM keywords, strong visual appeal, and broad audience interest.
