Go Back
Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne recipe served in a white bowl.

Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Penne Rigate
  • 1 lb Chicken breast thinly sliced
  • 8 oz Cremini mushrooms sliced
  • 1 bunch Asparagus trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Shallot finely diced
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook penne in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden (5–7 mins). Remove from pan.
  3. Add mushrooms to the same pan. Cook for 2 mins without stirring, then add asparagus and shallots. Sauté for 4 mins.
  4. Add garlic; cook for 1 min. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze.
  5. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 2 mins.
  6. Toss in cooked pasta, chicken, and Parmesan. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

  • Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Do not skip reserving the pasta water. The starch is the secret to getting a glossy, restaurant-style sauce without using excessive heavy cream.
  • Vegetable Texture: Add the asparagus in the last 3-4 minutes of sautéing the mushrooms. This ensures they stay bright green and "tender-crisp" rather than becoming mushy.
  • Mushroom Searing: For the best flavor, let the mushrooms sit undisturbed in the pan for 2 minutes before stirring. This develops the umami-rich brown crust essential for Mediterranean flavors.
  • Substitutions: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whisk in 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt at the very end (off the heat to prevent curdling).
  • Storage: If reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the bowl before microwaving to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.