Let’s cook this creamy pasta dish step-by-step:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
• Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
• Drain the pasta well and set aside. You can toss it with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking if desired.

2. Cook the Chicken:

• While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Pat the sliced chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper.
• Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-7 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In the same skillet (add a bit more olive oil only if the pan is completely dry), add the sliced mushrooms. Sauté for about 3 minutes, until they release their moisture and start to brown.
• Add the cut asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes, until the asparagus is tender-crisp and bright green.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Make the Cream Sauce:

• Pour the chicken broth into the skillet. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan.
• Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
• Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring or whisking until the Parmesan is melted and the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Combine & Serve:

• Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the skillet with the sauce.
• Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet.
• Toss everything together gently until the chicken and pasta are well coated in the creamy sauce and heated through.
• Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

A delicious skillet pasta ready to enjoy!