Craving a dish that feels like a warm hug but comes together in minutes? You’ve found it. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne recipe combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a luxuriously rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of restaurant-quality meal that makes any weeknight feel special, yet it’s deceptively simple and ready in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated dinners; this is your new go-to for a fast, flavorful, and unforgettable pasta night that the whole family will request again and again.
Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this creamy chicken pasta dish stands out for so many delicious reasons. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a solution for busy evenings when you want something impressive without the effort. If you’re searching for an easy weeknight dinner or a quick family meal, this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne is your perfect answer.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in just 25-30 minutes, making it the perfect 30-minute chicken pasta solution for busy schedules.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The rich, savory cream sauce tastes like something you’d get at a high-end Italian restaurant, truly the best chicken penne recipe.
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this mushroom chicken pasta recipe doesn’t require a specialty grocery run.
- Perfect for the Whole Family: A certified crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love, proving itself as a true comfort food pasta dish.
- Easily Customizable: Simple to adapt with different veggies or proteins to suit your taste, offering endless possibilities for your penne pasta recipe with chicken.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to pasta perfection. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne, along with a few expert tips.
For the Pasta and Protein
- Penne Pasta: The ridges and tubes are perfect for catching the creamy sauce. Any short pasta like ziti or rigatoni works too for this penne pasta recipe with chicken.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized 1-inch cubes for quick, even cooking.
For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Butter & Olive Oil: A combination gives rich flavor with a higher smoke point.
- Mushrooms: Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms offer the best flavor for your cremini mushroom pasta sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Key to thickening the sauce into a velvety consistency, part of how to make creamy pasta sauce perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium version to control saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Creates that signature luxurious, creamy texture for your chicken pasta with heavy cream. Do not substitute with milk.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: The secret ingredient for savory, nutty flavor, making this truly Parmesan chicken pasta. Avoid pre-shredded cheese.
For Flavor and Freshness
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best aromatic base for our garlic mushroom chicken pasta.
- Asparagus: Trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces. Adds a fresh, vibrant crunch that cuts through the richness, creating a delightful chicken and asparagus pasta.
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This combination makes every bite of your Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne sing.
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless creamy chicken pasta dish. We’ll break it down so even beginner cooks can feel like a chef mastering this indulgent Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne.
- Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!
- Sauté the Chicken and Mushrooms: While the pasta cooks, heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced mushrooms to the same skillet and cook until they have released their moisture and are nicely browned, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, building the base for your rich mushroom chicken pasta recipe.
- Create the Creamy Sauce Base: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked mushrooms and stir for one minute to cook off the raw flour taste. This combination of fat and flour is called a roux, and it’s what will thicken our sauce beautifully.
- Simmer and Thicken: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is the heart of your cremini mushroom pasta sauce, making for a truly memorable Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne.
- Add Asparagus, Cheese, and Chicken: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the chopped asparagus and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just until the asparagus is tender-crisp. You’re almost ready for your comforting chicken and asparagus pasta!
- Combine and Serve: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with red pepper flakes and extra Parmesan. Serve your perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne immediately.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
Mastering this Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne is easy with these expert tips, ensuring your creamy chicken pasta is always a hit:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking it al dente is crucial. It will continue to cook slightly when you toss it in the hot sauce, ensuring it has the perfect texture for your penne pasta recipe with chicken.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains starches that prevent it from melting smoothly, which can result in a grainy sauce. A block of Parmesan and a grater are your best friends here for truly creamy Parmesan chicken pasta.
- The Magic of Pasta Water: The starchy water is an emulsifier. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta and gives it a glossy, cohesive finish, a key step in how to make creamy pasta sauce. Always save more than you think you’ll need.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken and mushrooms, make sure they are in a single layer. This allows them to sear and brown properly, developing deep flavor for your garlic mushroom chicken pasta. Cook in batches if necessary.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne is incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it to your liking or what you have on hand, transforming this easy weeknight dinner into something new.
- Protein Swaps: This mushroom chicken pasta recipe is fantastic with Italian sausage, shrimp, or even leftover chicken pasta from a rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetable Add-ins: For an even richer chicken and asparagus pasta, add a cup of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts, or toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or frozen peas along with the asparagus.
- Make it Lighter: While chicken pasta with heavy cream provides the best texture, you can substitute it with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version. Be careful not to bring it to a rolling boil.
- Spice it Up: In addition to red pepper flakes, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika to the sauce for a different flavor profile in your creamy chicken pasta.
- One-Pot Potential: While this isn’t a true one-pot chicken penne, many steps occur in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup for this quick family meal.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Penne
This comfort food pasta dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some perfect pairings for your Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne, making it a true quick family meal.
- Garlic Bread: Essential for soaking up every last bit of the delicious cream sauce.
- A Simple Green Salad: A side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast to the rich pasta, enhancing your easy weeknight dinner.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or green beans complement the flavors beautifully, adding extra nutrition to your best chicken penne recipe.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
Worried about leftover chicken pasta? Our Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne stores and reheats wonderfully, making it great for meal prep!
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The rich sauce will thicken as it cools.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency. Microwaving is possible but can sometimes make the chicken rubbery and the sauce separate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions to help you master this delightful Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne:
What are the best mushrooms for this chicken penne?
Cremini (baby bella) mushrooms are ideal as they have a deeper, earthier flavor than white button mushrooms, perfect for a robust cremini mushroom pasta sauce. A mix of mushrooms like shiitake or portobello can also add wonderful complexity.
How do I keep my chicken from getting dry?
Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Be careful not to overcook them during the initial searing step. They will cook a little more when returned to the sauce, ensuring tender creamy chicken pasta every time. This is key for a fantastic Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne.
My sauce isn’t thick enough, what did I do wrong?
If your sauce is too thin, simply let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. Make sure you measured the flour correctly, as it’s the primary thickening agent for how to make creamy pasta sauce.
Can I make creamy mushroom chicken penne gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the penne with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the roux for this adaptable penne pasta recipe with chicken. Even without gluten, you can enjoy a delicious Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, but it will have a different flavor and texture. Use a dairy-free butter alternative, full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and a high-quality dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a modified mushroom chicken pasta recipe. This allows more people to enjoy a version of our beloved Creamy Mushroom Chicken Penne.
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