A rich and comforting creamy chicken penne loaded with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp asparagus in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for Sunday dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
1 pound penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 chicken breasts, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms for 4–5 minutes. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add asparagus and cook 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Return chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
Add cooked penne and gently combine.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.