Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

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Rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the kind of comfort food that makes you close your eyes with every bite. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is generously seasoned and grilled to perfection before being nestled over a bed of al dente penne pasta. The true magic, though, lies in the sauce: a lusciously smooth blend of parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese that coats every noodle in a buttery, garlicky embrace. A sprinkle of crispy bacon and fresh herbs on top brings texture and contrast that make this dish unforgettable.

Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and impressing guests, this dish strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner idea, exploring easy pasta recipes, or simply in search of a quick comfort food classic, this chicken penne delivers in every way. You’ll want to lick the plate—and no one would blame you.

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

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, buttery, and loaded with juicy grilled chicken—what more could you want?
• Quick & Satisfying: It’s ready in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or last-minute guests.
• Crowd Pleaser: The rich sauce and savory flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite cheeses, herbs, or even add vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Great for Meal Prep: This pasta stores and reheats like a dream, giving you multiple delicious meals from one pot.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (And Why They Matter)

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce doesn’t require a professional kitchen, but a few key tools will streamline the process and ensure great results:

• Large Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan: This is where the magic happens. A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution, perfect for searing the chicken to a golden-brown crust without drying it out.
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: Choose a deep pot with enough space to allow the penne to move freely while boiling. This helps avoid clumpy or unevenly cooked pasta.
• Colander: For quickly and effectively draining the pasta without overcooking it.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Essential for stirring the cheese sauce to prevent sticking or burning, especially when working with delicate dairy.
• Whisk: A small whisk helps smoothly combine the cream cheese into the sauce without lumps.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For efficiently slicing the chicken into evenly sized pieces—important for even cooking.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key, especially when balancing strong flavors like garlic and cheese.

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Preparation Tips

• Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Let your cream cheese and chicken rest out of the fridge for about 15–20 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly and melt smoothly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, give the pieces space. This allows proper browning and keeps the meat juicy.
• Salt the Pasta Water Like the Sea: Generously salting your pasta water is the first step in seasoning your dish. The pasta absorbs the flavor as it cooks.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Scoop out a cup before draining. The starchy water can help loosen the cheese sauce and bind everything together beautifully.
• Grate Cheese Freshly: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy. For best texture, grate your parmesan and mozzarella at home.
• Low and Slow for the Sauce: Keep your heat medium-low when melting the cheeses into the sauce. Patience here prevents burning and ensures a smooth, creamy finish.

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

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this ultra-creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish to life:

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Penne Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• Salted water, for boiling

For the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 oz cream cheese, softened
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp dried Italian herbs or parsley (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• 3 strips crispy bacon, chopped
• Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)

This blend of everyday ingredients transforms into a rich, creamy, and totally irresistible pasta dinner.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
During the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken as it finishes cooking.
Remove from pan and let rest before slicing into strips.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne according to the package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Three-Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and whisk in the flour to make a roux. Stir for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually pour in the warm milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
Add cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth. Stir in parmesan and mozzarella, allowing them to melt completely. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne pasta directly into the sauce. Toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.

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Step 5: Add the Chicken and Garnish

Top the cheesy penne with the sliced garlic butter chicken. Sprinkle with crispy bacon, freshly chopped parsley or basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Notes

• Use Room Temperature Dairy: This helps prevent the cheese from clumping or curdling when it hits the hot pan. Cold cream cheese, in particular, can be stubborn to melt smoothly.
• Customize the Cheese Blend: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Fontina, gouda, or even a bit of sharp cheddar can bring a unique twist to the sauce.
• Double the Sauce (Optional): If you’re a sauce lover, you can easily double the cheese sauce ingredients for an extra creamy experience—especially if you’re planning for leftovers.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Lean chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to 165°F and no more.
• Cooking Pasta Too Early: If your pasta sits too long after boiling, it can stick or dry out. Time it so it finishes just as your sauce is coming together.
• Adding Cheese Over High Heat: Cheese sauce should be melted gently. High heat can cause separation, turning your creamy dream into a grainy mess.
• Skipping the Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold! The starch helps emulsify the sauce, making it silkier and more cohesive.
• Not Tasting As You Go: Each component should be seasoned properly. Taste the sauce before adding pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: While convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated is always better here.
• Crowding the Pan with Chicken: It’s tempting to cook everything at once, but this can steam rather than sear the meat. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Draining All the Sauce: Pasta will continue to absorb sauce after serving, so keeping it slightly saucier than you think is usually ideal.

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

This indulgent pasta dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right side can enhance the experience and balance the flavors. From fresh to hearty, here are a few perfect matches.

8 Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
   Mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce with something warm and toasty. A crusty garlic baguette or buttery breadsticks are perfect.
2. Simple Arugula or Spinach Salad
   The peppery bite of arugula dressed in lemon vinaigrette adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
3. Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
   Lightly roasted with olive oil, salt, and a squeeze of lemon, they bring color and crunch to the table.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with balsamic glaze offer a cool, acidic complement to the hot, cheesy pasta.
5. Steamed or Roasted Broccoli
   Its mild flavor and texture pair beautifully with creamy dishes, plus it sneaks in a little extra fiber.
6. Caesar Salad with Crunchy Croutons
   The bold, tangy Caesar dressing is a classic partner for pasta, and the crunch adds nice texture contrast.
7. Sautéed Mushrooms with Herbs
   Earthy mushrooms tossed in garlic and thyme balance the richness of the dish and boost umami.
8. A Crisp White Wine or Sparkling Water with Citrus
   While not food, the right drink cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate between bites.

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Storage Instructions

To make the most of your Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce, here’s how to store it without losing flavor or texture:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing to avoid condensation inside the container.
• Freezer: While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the cheese sauce may separate slightly when thawed. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.
• Reheating Tips: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave in short intervals (30–45 seconds), stirring in between to prevent drying out or uneven heating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 625 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Total Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 580mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on exact ingredients used. For specific dietary needs, consider calculating with your favorite nutrition tracker.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, you can substitute with rigatoni, fettuccine, rotini, or even shells. Just be sure to cook it al dente.

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2. What can I use instead of chicken?

You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

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4. How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Always melt cheese on low heat and stir continuously. Also, avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as anti-caking agents can affect texture.

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5. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to store the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately and combine them when reheating to maintain the best texture.

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6. What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute it with mascarpone or add extra heavy cream and a bit more mozzarella for a similar creamy effect.

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7. How spicy is this dish?

Not spicy at all! But if you like heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top when serving.

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8. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Definitely. Sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, or roasted red peppers work well and add a nutritional boost.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is everything you want in a comfort meal—rich, savory, quick to make, and endlessly satisfying. With layers of garlic butter flavor, tender seared chicken, and an ultra-creamy, melt-in-your-mouth sauce, it’s a standout for busy weeknights or indulgent weekends. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

Ready to bring your dinner game to the next level? Let’s move to the printable recipe next!

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