Indulgent Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
A comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, rich garlic butter, and a creamy three-cheese sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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.
Notes
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. 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.