Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne: A Comfort Dish for Beginner Cooks

Learning to cook can feel overwhelming. So many recipes seem to assume you already know what “deglaze the pan” means or how to tell if your pasta is “al dente.” But the truth is, everyone starts somewhere—and the best way to build confidence in the kitchen is by cooking meals that are straightforward, forgiving, and still feel like a win.

Print

One of the first recipes I ever mastered was a creamy chicken penne with mushrooms and asparagus. I had just moved into my first apartment and was tired of eating boxed noodles and takeout. I found a version of this dish in a cookbook and gave it a try. To my surprise, it turned out to be not only delicious, but also simple to make. The ingredients were easy to find, and the steps made sense. That dinner marked the moment I realized I could enjoy cooking—even as a beginner.

This recipe is a great place to start. It’s quick (ready in about 30 minutes), it uses common ingredients, and it teaches foundational techniques like sautéing vegetables and building a cream sauce. It’s also flexible—you can make swaps based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder (not counting the pasta pot), which means cleanup is minimal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a couple of friends, this dish is bound to impress without the stress.

Ingredients and Preparation

What You’ll Need (Serves 4):

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (white button or cremini work well)
• 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Optional Ingredient Swaps:

• Chicken alternatives: Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat, or swap with thinly sliced beef strips for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy alternative: If you’re watching your fat intake, replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream.
• Cheese variety: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a saltier bite or Gruyère for a nutty twist.
• Pasta options: This recipe also works with fettuccine, rigatoni, or your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Before you start cooking, it helps to prep everything: slice the chicken, mushrooms, and asparagus; mince the garlic; and measure out your liquids and seasonings. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—which means the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm when you bite into it. This usually takes about 9 to 11 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. A quick tip: don’t rinse the pasta. The light coating of starch helps the sauce stick better later on.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken in a single layer and season with salt and black pepper. Let it sear without moving for 2-3 minutes so it gets a nice golden crust.

Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Beginner tip: You can check doneness by slicing into one piece—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink, you’re good to go.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—you want to keep those flavorful browned bits), add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the mushrooms and sauté for about 3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

Add the asparagus and cook for another 2 minutes. You want the asparagus to stay bright green and crisp-tender—still slightly firm but cooked.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds. You’ll smell it immediately—fragrant but not burned.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. These add rich flavor to the sauce.

Next, add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently until the sauce comes together and begins to thicken slightly, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash more broth. If it seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a couple more minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently so the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—maybe a pinch more salt, pepper, or cheese depending on your preference.

Serve hot, garnished with a little extra Parmesan if you like.

Beginner Tips and Notes

What to Watch Out For

• Chicken browns too quickly? Lower the heat and add a splash of broth or water to deglaze and control the cooking speed.
• Vegetables overcooking? Cook them briefly and remove from heat before they turn mushy. You want some bite left for texture.
• Sauce separating or curdling? This usually happens if the heat is too high. Keep the temperature at a gentle simmer when adding cream and cheese.

Kitchen Efficiency Tips

• Prep first: Chop everything and measure out your ingredients before you turn on the stove. It makes everything flow more smoothly.
• Multitask smartly: While the pasta cooks, start prepping your chicken and veggies. You’ll save time and keep your momentum going.
• Use the same pan: Cooking everything in one skillet means fewer dishes to wash and better flavor since all the ingredients build off each other.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for pasta
• Deep skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife for slicing
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Colander for draining pasta

Serving Suggestions

This creamy penne is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal or serve it on a special occasion, here are some great pairings:

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or baguette: Perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
• Simple green salad: Toss baby spinach or mixed greens with lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
• Steamed or roasted veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or roasted carrots make for a healthy side that complements the rich pasta.

Sauce Enhancements

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top to brighten the flavors.
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto or sun-dried tomato paste for a new twist.
• Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Leftover Storage

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving is fine too, just stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Engagement Features

Cooking is a journey, and everyone starts with that one dish that builds confidence. If this creamy chicken penne becomes that dish for you, then you’re well on your way. Don’t worry if your sauce is a little too thick the first time, or if the pasta is slightly overcooked. Every step in the kitchen is part of the learning process.

What makes this recipe a great beginner meal isn’t just its ease—it’s how rewarding it is. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of care, you create something that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Even better, you’ll start building those small but essential cooking instincts: knowing when to turn the heat down, when to add a pinch of salt, and how to balance textures and flavors.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it went. Did you stick to the original version, or put your own spin on it? What did you serve it with? Share your experience, ask questions, or offer your tips in the comments.

Because the best kind of cooking isn’t perfect—it’s personal. And this creamy mushroom and asparagus chicken penne is just the beginning.