Description
If you’re craving a cozy, restaurant-style meal you can make at home, this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is exactly what you need. It’s a luxurious combination of golden garlic butter, tender chicken, and rich, melty cheeses tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, easy recipes for guests, or indulgent comfort food, this pasta delivers bold flavor and creamy texture in every bite. Perfect for weeknights or a relaxing weekend treat!
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1.5 cups heavy cream
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup shredded fontina or white cheddar cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
0.25 cup reserved pasta water
Extra parmesan for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Cracked black pepper for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook penne until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and toss with 1 tablespoon butter.
3. In a large skillet, cook marinated chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 30–60 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and parsley. Remove from heat.
5. In a medium saucepan over low heat, warm heavy cream. Gradually whisk in parmesan, mozzarella, and fontina until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper. Use pasta water to adjust consistency.
6. Stir cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour in garlic butter mixture and mix. Add chicken on top and gently fold in.
7. Serve hot, garnished with parmesan, parsley, and cracked black pepper as desired.
Notes
Let your cheese come to room temperature for the smoothest sauce.
Use fresh garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for the richest flavor.
Always reserve some pasta water—it’s your secret weapon for silky sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: 730
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: garlic butter chicken pasta, creamy cheese penne, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, quick pasta, chicken pasta ideas, weeknight dinner