Why Make This Recipe
Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and cheesy sauce makes this pasta dish a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
- 12 oz penne pasta (Feel free to swap for rigatoni or fusilli for a change.)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs (Can be substituted with rotisserie chicken.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (Any cooking oil will work.)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (Adds richness; margarine can be a dairy-free alternative.)
- 7 cloves garlic, minced (Adjust based on your garlic preference.)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (Enhance flavor.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Replace with dried basil or oregano if desired.)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Opt for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (Mascarpone can serve as a delightful stand-in.)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (Freshly grated yields the best results.)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano can be used for a twist.)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (Use to adjust sauce thickness.)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish.)
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
How to Serve Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
Serve this dish warm, topped with extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal.
How to Store Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
To store leftovers, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or cream to bring back the creamy texture.
Tips to Make Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
- If you want a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter while cooking.
- For a veggie boost, toss in some spinach or broccoli before adding the cheese.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with a mix of milk and low-fat yogurt. You can also use turkey or vegetables for a healthier alternative.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! You can swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer.
2. Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Absolutely! You can omit the chicken and add more vegetables instead, like mushrooms or bell peppers.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine and heat everything together before serving.
Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz penne pasta Feel free to swap for rigatoni or fusilli for a change.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs Can be substituted with rotisserie chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Any cooking oil will work.
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Adds richness; margarine can be a dairy-free alternative.
- 7 cloves garlic, minced Adjust based on your garlic preference.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper Enhance flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning Replace with dried basil or oregano if desired.
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream Opt for half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Mascarpone can serve as a delightful stand-in.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Freshly grated yields the best results.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano can be used for a twist.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water Use to adjust sauce thickness.
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Lower the heat and mix in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
