Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

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Golden, juicy chicken smothered in garlic butter, tossed into perfectly cooked penne, and enveloped in a luxurious three-cheese sauce. That’s the magic behind this dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels indulgent but comes together in a snap, making it just as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for guests you want to impress.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce brings layers of flavor in every bite. The garlic butter gives the chicken a savory richness that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the cheeses. And when it all melts into the nooks and crannies of the pasta? Pure joy. It’s a dinner the whole family will love, with enough sophistication for the adults and enough cheesy goodness for the kids.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

You get the best of all worlds here: rich and creamy textures, garlicky goodness, cheesy comfort, and a little golden-brown chicken to top it all off. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from stovetop to plate. This meal is high on flavor but low on fuss, making it a go-to for busy nights and lazy weekends alike.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, it hits every single comfort note.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta is a dream for this kind of creamy, cheesy sauce. Its ridges and hollow centers are designed to soak up all that garlic butter and three-cheese goodness. However, if you don’t have penne on hand, rigatoni or ziti can step in nicely.

Avoid thin pasta like angel hair—it doesn’t hold up as well under a thick and rich sauce. You want something sturdy enough to capture all that flavor and not get lost in the mix.

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

What makes this dish stand out is the rich combination of ingredients that all play their part in building flavor. From the garlic butter seared chicken to the creamy cheese-packed sauce, each component adds something essential.

• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, it cooks quickly and absorbs the garlic butter flavor beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds bold flavor and aroma that is essential for the butter sauce.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives the dish its creamy, luxurious base.
• Penne pasta: Its ridged shape helps catch all the cheesy sauce in every bite.
• Heavy cream: This gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture.
• Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and helps thicken the sauce.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey strands that make each forkful comforting.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and sharp, nutty flavor to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper: Just the basics, but crucial to seasoning both the chicken and sauce.
• Olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant—about one minute. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the garlic is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Three-Cheese Sauce

To the garlic butter, stir in the cream cheese until it begins to melt. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add in mozzarella and Parmesan, and continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Toss in the cooked penne and stir until everything is coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Spoon the pasta onto plates or into bowls, making sure every serving gets a bit of everything: tender chicken, gooey cheese, and garlicky goodness.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

This dish is hearty enough to serve as a full meal on its own, and it generously feeds about 4 to 6 people. Perfect for a family dinner or even meal prepping for the week. Serve it straight from the pan while it’s piping hot and the cheese is at its meltiest.

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it on the stovetop over medium heat to bring the sauce back to its original creaminess.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with warm garlic bread on the side. It soaks up any leftover sauce on the plate like a charm.

Roasted Broccoli

The crisp edges of oven-roasted broccoli add a nice contrast to the creamy pasta and also bring in a bit of green.

Caesar Salad

The tangy, crunchy elements of a Caesar salad balance the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Caprese Salad

Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a refreshing contrast.

Steamed Asparagus

Light and elegant, asparagus complements the garlicky notes without overpowering the dish.

Bruschetta

A tomato-packed bruschetta can act as a colorful appetizer before diving into this cheesy pasta main.

Sautéed Spinach

A simple side of spinach with a little garlic and lemon can help cut through the creamy texture of the main course.

Grilled Zucchini

If you’re grilling already, throw on some zucchini. The smoky char pairs nicely with the buttery sauce.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne made your taste buds dance, you’ll want to check out these equally comforting and flavor-packed dishes:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a quick dinner that feels like home.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta if you want a no-bake version of creamy pasta bliss.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for something hearty with a cheesy twist.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta when you’re in the mood for Alfredo but want to keep it meaty.
• One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta to keep cleanup low but flavor high.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra garlicky? Did you mix in your favorite veggie? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own.

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