Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the kind of dish that makes you forget you ever needed a restaurant. Golden, juicy chicken cooked in rich garlic butter meets perfectly al dente penne pasta, all cloaked in a luscious, creamy sauce made from not one, not two, but three types of cheese. It’s indulgent, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull together on a busy weeknight—or dress up for guests with a side of wine.

What sets this dish apart isn’t just its cheesy decadence, but the way each component enhances the next. The garlic butter infuses the chicken with bold, savory flavor, the trio of cheeses (typically Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese) creates an ultra-smooth, velvety sauce, and the penne holds all of that goodness in every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

• Rich, indulgent flavor from the garlic butter and melty cheese blend.
• Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests.
• Customizable: add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or swap the chicken for shrimp.
• One-pan potential: cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet to reduce cleanup.
• Kid and crowd approved—cheese and pasta rarely miss the mark.
• Perfect for meal prep, with leftovers that reheat beautifully.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why They Matter)

To make Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce seamless and stress-free, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: You'll be cooking the chicken and making the sauce in one pan. A deep, wide skillet allows even cooking and room for tossing the pasta into the sauce.
• Medium or Large Pot: Needed for boiling the penne. A larger pot ensures the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Tongs are ideal for flipping chicken without tearing it, while a silicone spatula is perfect for scraping every last bit of cheesy sauce.
• Box Grater or Microplane: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a smoother texture than pre-shredded versions.
• Colander: Essential for draining the pasta. Choose one with wide holes to speed up the process without losing noodles.
• Meat Thermometer (optional but helpful): For ensuring your chicken reaches a safe internal temp of 165°F without overcooking.

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Preparation Tips

• Prep ingredients before turning on the heat: Chop the garlic, slice the chicken, and measure out the cheeses. This keeps the cooking process smooth and prevents overcooked ingredients.
• Use room temperature chicken: Let the chicken sit out for 15–20 minutes before cooking to ensure even browning.
• Salt your pasta water generously: It should taste like the sea. This is your one chance to season the pasta itself.
• Reserve some pasta water: Before draining, save a cup of the starchy cooking water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
• Low and slow for the sauce: Once the cheese goes in, keep the heat low to prevent clumping or separation.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is key—it’ll continue to cook slightly when mixed into the hot sauce.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For the Penne Pasta:

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• Water (for boiling)
• Salt (for seasoning the pasta water)

For the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup cream cheese (softened and cubed)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (as needed for thinning the sauce)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra grated Parmesan
• A drizzle of garlic butter (if you want to go all in)

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Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water to help emulsify the sauce later. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Garlic Butter Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted and bubbling, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced chicken, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping as needed, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Three-Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it—those browned bits add flavor), melt another 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream and stir until warm. Mix in the cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts completely and smooths out.

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Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses

Add the mozzarella and Parmesan to the cream mixture. Lower the heat and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Add garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to coat in the creamy cheese sauce. Let it heat for another 1–2 minutes to ensure everything is warm and well combined.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of leftover garlic butter if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

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Notes

• Freshly grated cheese makes all the difference. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent the sauce from becoming smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the sauce to your liking. If you prefer it richer, add more cream or cheese. For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Add-ins welcome! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even crispy bacon can elevate this dish to new levels.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: It’s easy to dry out chicken if left too long in the pan. Aim for golden edges and an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove it from heat promptly.
• High heat when adding cheese: Cheese sauces need a gentle touch. High heat can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy.
• Not salting the pasta water: This is your one shot to season the pasta itself. Bland pasta means a bland dish overall.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water: It’s a natural emulsifier and helps bring the sauce and pasta together beautifully. Don’t forget it!
• Dumping cold cream cheese into hot sauce: Let it soften at room temp first, or cut into smaller cubes to help it melt evenly.
• Using low-quality cheese: Better cheese = better flavor and smoother sauce. Always worth the small upgrade.
• Not tossing the pasta in the sauce: Pouring sauce over pasta misses the magic. Combine them fully so every bite is coated.
• Letting the pasta sit too long: Serve immediately after mixing everything together to keep the texture and creaminess just right.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce?

Here Are 8 Delicious Pairing Ideas:

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Pull-Apart Rolls
   Perfect for scooping up extra sauce—because let’s be honest, you won’t want to leave any behind.
2. Simple Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
   A fresh, crisp salad balances the richness of the creamy sauce beautifully.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Asparagus
   Lightly roasted veggies add texture and a healthy contrast to the cheesy pasta.
4. Steamed Green Beans with Lemon Zest
   Fresh, snappy green beans with a squeeze of citrus brighten up the plate.
5. Caprese Salad with Fresh Basil
   Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing, Italian-inspired side.
6. Crispy Prosciutto Chips
   For a salty, crunchy element—bake thin slices of prosciutto until crisp and serve on the side or as a topping.
7. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
   Quick, flavorful, and nutritious. It plays well with the bold, creamy sauce.
8. A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
   If you’re going the wine route, these whites cut through the richness of the cheese without overpowering the dish.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Let the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and stir halfway through.
• Freezing: Not recommended. Cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy once frozen and thawed, which affects both texture and flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~720 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g

Note: Nutrition facts may vary slightly depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle all work well—they hold the creamy sauce beautifully thanks to their ridges or curves.

2. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver. Just skip the sautéing step and stir it into the sauce before combining with the pasta.

3. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk with a tablespoon of flour to thicken. The result won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious.

4. What cheeses can I swap in?

Gouda, fontina, or even white cheddar can replace mozzarella or Parmesan for a twist. Stick to melty, flavorful cheeses.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your cheeses and cream are certified gluten-free.

6. How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?

Use low heat when adding cheese and stir constantly. Also, avoid using cold cheese straight from the fridge.

7. What protein can I use instead of chicken?

Shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage work well. You can also make it vegetarian by skipping the meat and adding mushrooms or spinach.

8. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, store the sauce separately from the pasta and combine just before serving for the best texture.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the definition of indulgent comfort food—rich, cheesy, garlicky, and satisfying from the very first bite. It’s a recipe that fits both casual dinners and special occasions, bringing the warmth of a homemade meal and the flavor punch of something you’d expect from a fancy trattoria.

Whether you stick to the classic or throw in your own twists, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. So grab your skillet, your cheese grater, and that box of penne—it's time to create some cheesy magic.

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