Name: Creamy Crack Chicken Penne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 oz 225 g penne pasta Classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is rich and creamy.; 1 tbsp olive oil Provides a smooth base for browning the chicken and enhances overall flavor.; 1 lb 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced Tender and lean, ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to tasteBalances flavors and enhances the dish’s natural richness.); 1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that imparts a subtle Mediterranean aroma.; ½ onion (finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor base.); 2 cloves garlic (minced Provides a warm, aromatic note essential for the sauce.); 1 cup mushrooms (sliced Contributes an earthy undertone that complements the cream.); 1 cup asparagus (chopped Lends freshness, texture, and a hint of vibrant green.); ½ cup chicken broth Used to deglaze and infuse savory flavor into the sauce.; 1 cup heavy cream Creates a luxurious (velvety base for the pasta.); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty (salty richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.)

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne made with tender chicken, mushrooms, asparagus, Parmesan cheese, and rich cream—an easy one-pan pasta that’s irresistibly delicious and ready in 35 minutes!

Every great recipe has a moment of discovery behind it, and my Creamy Crack Chicken Penne was born on one of those “what’s-for-dinner-and-why-is-the-fridge-empty” nights. I had a handful of mushrooms, a few asparagus spears that were begging to be used, and a lonely chicken breast sitting in the fridge. Instead of admitting defeat and ordering takeout (again), I decided to turn this culinary chaos into comfort food. As the sauce began to bubble and fill the kitchen with that buttery-garlic aroma, I knew I was on to something magical. The first bite was a revelation—creamy, savory, with just the right pop of freshness from the asparagus. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just dinner… it was pure pasta therapy in a pan!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne:

There’s a reason everyone keeps talking about this Creamy Crack Chicken Penne—it’s basically a hug in a bowl, but with Parmesan.

✅ One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, more flavor! Everything comes together in a single skillet, so cleanup is a breeze and your kitchen stays sane.
🥛 Ultra-Creamy Sauce: A luxurious combo of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan that clings to every strand of pasta like it was meant to be.
🍄 Veggie Power: Mushrooms add that earthy depth while asparagus brings a crisp freshness that keeps it from feeling heavy.
🐔 Protein Perfection: Tender chunks of chicken soak up all the creamy goodness and make this dish hearty enough for dinner (and tomorrow’s lunch).
💡 Customizable & Foolproof: Whether you’re a newbie cook or a weeknight warrior, this recipe never lets you down.

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne served in a creamy Parmesan sauce

Ingredient Notes for Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

Before diving into the kitchen chaos, let’s talk about the real heroes of this Creamy Crack Chicken Penne. These ingredients might look humble, but together, they’re a flavor powerhouse.

Penne Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta that holds sauce well. Penne’s ridges trap every bit of that creamy coating like a champ.
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless is key for quick cooking. Slice it into small, even pieces for juicy perfection.
Olive Oil: The golden start to any great meal—adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
Garlic & Onion: The dynamic duo that gives your kitchen that “is-that-a-restaurant?” smell. Don’t rush this step—it builds your flavor base.
Mushrooms: Bring in a meaty, umami depth that balances the creaminess. Use baby bella or white mushrooms for best results.
Asparagus: Bright, fresh, and just slightly crisp—it cuts through the richness and adds that green pop we all love.
Heavy Cream: The star of the show. Go full-fat—this isn’t the time for restraint!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds that salty, nutty finish that ties it all together in pure pasta harmony.

How To Make Creamy Crack Chicken Penne Step-by-Step:

Making Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a joyful, buttery adventure that will make you feel like a pro—even if your last “homemade meal” involved instant noodles.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne pasta in generously salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This isn’t just cooking—it’s your pasta’s spa moment. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of that pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat up that olive oil in a large skillet, toss in your diced chicken, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through—those little brown bits at the bottom are flavor bombs waiting to happen. Remove the chicken and set it aside like a proud parent watching its kid graduate.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In that same pan (don’t you dare wash it yet), sauté onion and garlic until they turn soft and fragrant. This is where the magic begins—the base of that restaurant-level aroma.

Step 4: Add the Veggies
Throw in your sliced mushrooms and let them cook until golden and slightly shriveled. Then, toss in the chopped asparagus for a quick sauté—just long enough to stay tender-crisp.

Step 5: Deglaze & Creamify
Pour in the chicken broth to scrape up those glorious browned bits—no flavor left behind! Add the heavy cream and simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Bring It All Together
Now for the grand finale: stir in the Parmesan, return the chicken and pasta to the pan, and toss everything together until beautifully coated. It should look glossy, creamy, and irresistibly inviting. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately—preferably with someone who appreciates your cooking skills.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your Creamy Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, splash in a tablespoon of milk or broth to loosen up that luscious sauce—it’ll taste just as dreamy as day one. If you’re planning ahead, freeze it (without the asparagus) for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat gently over low heat. Dinner, solved!

Variations and Substitutions

The best part about Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is how forgiving and flexible it is—kind of like that friend who always shows up with wine and zero judgment.

Swap the Protein: No chicken? No problem! Use shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Add Bacon or Pancetta: A smoky, salty upgrade that takes this creamy pasta to next-level comfort food status.
Go Gluten-Free: Swap penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta—it’ll still soak up that heavenly sauce.
Make It Spicy: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.
Cheese Lover’s Edition: Stir in extra Parmesan or even a handful of mozzarella for stretchy, cheesy bliss.

Print Recipe

Creamy Crack Chicken Penne

This Creamy Crack Chicken Penne is a refined one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Balanced, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant, it is ideal for a quick yet indulgent dinner that satisfies every craving.

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Total Time35

Course: Main Dish, pasta

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: asparagus pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne

Servings: 5

Ingredients

8 oz 225 g penne pasta Classic pasta shape that holds sauce perfectly, ensuring each bite is rich and creamy.
1 tbsp olive oil Provides a smooth base for browning the chicken and enhances overall flavor.
1 lb 450 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced Tender and lean, ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to tasteBalances flavors and enhances the dish’s natural richness.
1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that imparts a subtle Mediterranean aroma.
½ onion finely chopped Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
2 cloves garlic minced Provides a warm, aromatic note essential for the sauce.
1 cup mushrooms sliced Contributes an earthy undertone that complements the cream.
1 cup asparagus chopped Lends freshness, texture, and a hint of vibrant green.
½ cup chicken broth Used to deglaze and infuse savory flavor into the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream Creates a luxurious velvety base for the pasta.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty salty richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally.

Optional: chopped parsley, for garnish Brings color and a hint of herbal freshness to finish.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook gently until softened and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness.
Cook the Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender and lightly browned. Add the chopped asparagus and continue to cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, maintaining a slight crispness.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release the browned bits, which enhance the overall depth of flavor.
Create the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, with each bite offering a balance of creamy texture, savory chicken, and crisp asparagus.

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding crumbled bacon just before serving—its smoky, salty crunch beautifully complements the creamy sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the chicken and replace the broth with vegetable stock.

When reheating leftovers, add a tablespoon of milk or broth to restore the silky texture of the sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.