Penne with Chicken and Asparagus – Easy Creamy Spring Pasta Recipe

This Penne with Chicken and Asparagus is a quick, satisfying pasta dish that’s full of bright spring flavors. With tender chicken breast, crisp asparagus, and perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a light garlic cream sauce, it’s a balanced, comforting meal you can make in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or something that feels fresh and seasonal, this recipe checks every box. It’s creamy without being heavy, and the combination of protein, vegetables, and pasta makes it a complete meal in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Ready in 30 Minutes – Fast, Fresh, and Fuss-Free
This Penne with Chicken and Asparagus is a weeknight lifesaver. It comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect solution when you’re short on time but still want a meal that’s comforting, flavorful, and wholesome. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients-just real food, fast.

✔ Fresh & Light – Spring Flavors in Every Bite
The addition of asparagus gives this pasta a crisp, refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. It adds color, texture, and a mild earthiness that makes the whole dish feel light and seasonal, perfect for warmer evenings or when you’re craving something satisfying but not too heavy.

✔ Customizable – Make It Yours
Whether you’re following a specific diet or just using what you have on hand, this recipe is super flexible.

• Need it gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free penne or chickpea pasta.
• Want to skip the dairy? Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
• Not in the mood for chicken? Try shrimp, tofu, turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a fun twist.

You can easily add extra veggies like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.

✔ One-Skillet Simplicity – Less Mess, More Flavor
Minimal dishes = maximum joy. This dish uses just one skillet to cook the chicken, asparagus, and sauce. Pair that with your cooked pasta and you’ve got a complete, nourishing meal with very little cleanup. It’s ideal for busy nights when you don’t want to spend forever at the sink afterward.

✔ Family-Friendly – Creamy, Cozy, and Loved by All
This recipe is a crowd-pleaser! The creamy sauce and tender pasta make it kid-approved, while the fresh asparagus and lemony finish elevate it enough for grown-up tastes. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table-and gets them asking for seconds.

💡 Pro Tip- Finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to brighten the flavor and add a subtle tang that ties everything together beautifully. Don’t skip it-it makes the whole dish pop!

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions –

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta-
Boil penne until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

2️⃣ Sauté the Chicken-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Sauté Garlic & Asparagus-
In the same pan, add more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add asparagus. Cook until just tender, about 4–5 minutes.

4️⃣ Make the Sauce-
Add chicken broth and let simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in cream, Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Simmer until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Combine & Serve-

Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked penne and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning and use pasta water as needed for a silky sauce. Garnish with herbs and red pepper flakes.

💡 Serving Tip- Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan and lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Variations

🔹 Lighter Version – Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Gluten-Free Option – Substitute with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
🔹 Add More Veggies – Try peas, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
🔹 Protein Swaps – Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu in place of chicken for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Can I make this Penne with Chicken and Asparagus ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! This dish is a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need something ready to go. You can fully prepare it in advance, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When reheating, keep in mind that cream-based sauces tend to thicken slightly in the fridge. To bring the sauce back to a silky, creamy consistency, add a splash of milk, chicken broth, or even a bit of water when warming it up. Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round until hot.

💡 Pro Tip- Store pasta and sauce separately if you want to avoid over-softening the pasta over time.

❓ Can I use frozen asparagus instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! While fresh asparagus gives the best texture-offering a pleasant crunch and bright flavor-frozen asparagus works in a pinch. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with a paper towel before adding it to the pan.

Excess moisture from frozen asparagus can water down the sauce, so removing that moisture helps maintain a creamy, flavorful consistency. Also, since frozen asparagus is typically par-cooked, it will need less time in the skillet than fresh. Add it during the last couple of minutes of sautéing.

❓ What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

While penne pasta is the classic choice for this dish-its hollow shape holds onto the sauce beautifully-you’re not limited to just one option. Here are some great alternatives-

✅ Farfalle (bowties) – Adds a fun shape and holds up well in creamy sauces.
✅ Rigatoni – Slightly larger than penne with ridges to catch every bit of flavor.
✅ Rotini – Spiraled shape adds a nice bite and clings to the sauce nicely.
✅ Gluten-free pasta – Works perfectly for those avoiding gluten-just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness.

💡 Pro Tip- Save a bit of your pasta cooking water and add it to the sauce to help the noodles bind and stay creamy.

❓ Can I freeze this dish for later?

Technically, you can freeze it-but it’s not the ideal dish for freezing. Because the sauce is cream-based, freezing can cause it to separate and become grainy or watery upon reheating. The texture may lose its silky smoothness, and the pasta can become overly soft.

If you do decide to freeze it-

• Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
• Let it cool completely before freezing.
• When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring in extra cream or broth to help restore the texture.

That said, this dish is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it. It comes together quickly enough that freezing is usually not necessary!

Conclusion- Easy, Creamy, and Bursting with Fresh Flavor

This Penne with Chicken and Asparagus is the kind of dish that feels light yet satisfying, simple yet full of flavor. With tender pasta, protein-packed chicken, and crisp seasonal veggies, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love It-
✔ Balanced and comforting
✔ Customizable to your taste
✔ Quick, wholesome, and incredibly delicious

Try it tonight-and don’t forget that squeeze of lemon for the perfect finishing touch!

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