Servings: 4
Total Time: 25 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories per Serving: ~380 kcal
Macros (per serving): 32g protein / 7g net carbs / 22g fat / 3g fiber
3. Intro
This Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne brings together everything you love about a comforting pasta dish—rich cream sauce, tender chicken, sautéed vegetables—while keeping it fully aligned with a keto, low-carb, high-protein, WW, and SW-friendly lifestyle. It’s the perfect fusion of cozy and clean.
By swapping traditional pasta for low-carb penne and using a lighter, protein-rich cream base, this dish becomes a macro-friendly, crave-worthy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but stays totally on plan. The mushrooms add earthiness, the asparagus adds freshness, and the creamy sauce brings it all together beautifully.
If you’re craving a comforting pasta-style meal without the carb crash, this keto creamy chicken penne is a quick, nourishing, and truly satisfying solution.
4. Look at the Recipe
- Texture: Tender chicken, al dente low-carb penne, and velvety smooth cream sauce.
- Flavor: Garlic-infused cream, earthy mushrooms, savory chicken, and bright asparagus.
- Diet Benefit: Low carb, sugar-free, high-protein, and made with clean, nutrient-rich ingredients.
5. Ingredients Needed
For the Creamy Chicken Penne
- 2 cups cooked low-carb penne (e.g., keto penne or konjac penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup chopped asparagus
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 cup light cream or half-and-half (use heavy cream for strict keto)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 minced garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of Italian seasoning or chili flakes
6. How to Make Our Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Chicken Penne
- Sauté the veggies. Heat butter or oil in a skillet and sauté mushrooms for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add asparagus and cook until bright green.
- Add chicken. Stir in the cooked chicken to warm through.
- Build the sauce. Pour in the cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
- Add the penne. Fold in the cooked low-carb penne, coating everything in the sauce.
- Season. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
- Serve warm. Creamy, hearty, and macro-friendly—perfect for any night of the week.
Using low-carb penne and a lighter cream base keeps this pasta inspired dish fully aligned with keto, high-protein, WW, and SW goals.
7. Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month—thaw overnight before reheating.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with a side salad, roasted veggies, or extra Parmesan on top.
8. Tips & FAQs
Can I use regular pasta?
Yes—use whole wheat for WW, or slimming-friendly dried pasta for SW. Keto followers should stick with low-carb penne.
Can I make the sauce dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
Why did my sauce separate?
High heat can cause separation. Keep it at a gentle simmer.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely—thighs add more richness and work well for keto.
How do I make this higher in protein?
Add more chicken or stir in 1 tbsp unflavored whey powder at the end.
9. Macros & Plan Compatibility
| Plan | Notes |
|---|---|
| Keto & Low-Carb | ~7g net carbs per serving using low-carb penne and heavy cream. |
| SW | ~6–7 syns per serving; use light cream and reduce cheese to lower syns. |
| High-Protein | ~32g protein per serving; add extra chicken to increase protein. |
| Weight Watchers | ~6 SmartPoints per serving (Blue plan) using light cream and reduced-fat Parmesan. |
