1. Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to season the water, which helps enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, meaning it should be tender but still have a slight bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Set the pasta aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pan. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. To check for doneness, cut a piece in half—there should be no pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped asparagus. If needed, drizzle in a little more olive oil to prevent sticking. Sauté the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. The mushrooms should release their moisture and become soft, while the asparagus should turn bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Avoid overcooking, as asparagus can become mushy if left on the heat too long.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir well to combine it with the vegetables. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-5 minutes, which helps it thicken slightly. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. If desired, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor. Serve the dish while hot and enjoy!