Easy Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne Recipe

This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is a wholesome, one-pan pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a velvety, lightened-up cream sauce. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and nutritious eating—satisfying enough for a cozy dinner, yet fresh and vibrant enough for any season. Every forkful is rich with flavor but smartly portioned for mindful indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Savory & Earthy – Mushrooms add rich umami depth.
Perfect Pasta Pairing – Penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully in every bite.
Fresh Vegetables – Asparagus brings a bright, crisp contrast.
Light but Creamy – A silky sauce made with smart ingredients delivers the same indulgent feel with fewer calories.

Ingredients

• 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup fat-free half-and-half or low-fat milk
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp light cream cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Chicken
In a large nonstick skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add mushrooms and cook until browned and tender, about 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and asparagus; sauté for 2–3 minutes until asparagus is crisp-tender.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in half-and-half, Parmesan, and light cream cheese. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Combine Everything
Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until heated through.

6. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and top with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 330
Protein: 28g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 4g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta absorbs sauce better when combined.
• Use Seasonal Veggies – Swap in peas, spinach, or broccoli if asparagus isn’t in season.
• Garlic Boosts Flavor – Don’t skip the garlic—it’s key to building the savory base.
• Creamy but Smart – A little cream cheese goes a long way in creating a rich texture without heavy cream.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish checks all the boxes: creamy, filling, veggie-packed, and protein-rich. By using whole wheat pasta, lean chicken, and light dairy alternatives, it keeps the comfort of classic creamy pasta while staying aligned with health-conscious goals. It’s weeknight-friendly, reheats well, and tastes restaurant-quality.

Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne is everything you want in a cozy pasta dish—savory, creamy, and nourishing. With a smart ingredient swap here and there, you get all the indulgence without the extra heaviness. It’s easy enough for busy nights and special enough for guests.