Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

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If there’s one pasta dish that always wins hearts, it’s this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce. This isn’t just your average weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor-packed comfort meal that turns even a regular Tuesday into something memorable. Imagine golden chicken bites seared in garlic butter, tossed with tender penne and cloaked in a velvety cheese sauce that’s savory, indulgent, and perfectly rich.

The magic of this dish lies in its balance. The sharpness of parmesan, the creamy melt of mozzarella, and the tang of cream cheese swirl together into a sauce that coats every bite with decadent flavor. Add to that the garlic butter that soaks into the chicken and noodles, and you’ve got a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This recipe combines the comforting nostalgia of a baked pasta dish with the ease of a one-pan dinner. It’s rich, satisfying, and ready in under an hour, making it ideal for both family meals and impressing guests. The cheese sauce doesn’t require a roux, which keeps things simple and quick while still delivering on indulgence. And if you’re a garlic lover, this one’s for you: it’s layered with savory depth.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is ideal here because its tube-like shape traps all that cheesy, garlicky goodness inside and out. But don’t feel restricted—rigatoni or even rotini will also work well, especially if you’re looking to use what you already have in your pantry. Just aim for a sturdy pasta that can hold its own with the creamy sauce and chunks of chicken.

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

This pasta dish relies on a few powerful ingredients to create its bold, creamy flavor. Each one plays a unique role in delivering that perfect bite of cheesy, buttery, garlicky goodness.

• Chicken breasts
• Penne pasta
• Garlic
• Butter
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning

The chicken breasts are the protein backbone of this dish, adding hearty bites that soak up the sauce. Penne pasta is the ideal shape to hold onto that creamy sauce. Garlic and butter build a rich, fragrant foundation. The trio of cheeses—cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan—create the ultra-creamy, slightly tangy sauce. Heavy cream ensures silkiness, while salt and pepper season every layer. A bit of olive oil helps cook the chicken evenly, and Italian seasoning brings that extra aromatic punch.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic. Let it cook just until fragrant—about a minute.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Add cream cheese to the garlic butter and stir until it begins to melt. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth base. Once it starts to simmer, stir in mozzarella and parmesan until fully melted and silky.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly, using a bit of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Spoon the creamy, cheesy chicken penne onto plates and top with an extra sprinkle of parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

A few common pitfalls can throw off this otherwise simple dish. Overcooking the chicken is a top one—dry chicken can really take away from the creamy richness of the sauce. Make sure to sear it until just cooked and juicy. Another frequent mistake is rushing the cheese sauce. Letting the cream cheese melt slowly and stirring in the other cheeses gradually ensures a velvety texture without clumps.

Don’t skip the pasta water either. That starchy liquid is perfect for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick. And finally, use fresh garlic. It truly makes a difference in flavor compared to pre-minced or jarred versions.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This dish feeds about four hearty portions, or six if you’re serving with sides. It’s best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the cheese sauce is at its creamiest. That said, leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

If you plan to freeze it, know that cream-based sauces can separate a bit when thawed. It will still taste good, but the texture might be less smooth. For best results, consume within one month if freezing.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

The classic pairing that never fails. Buttery, crunchy, and perfect for mopping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of parmesan make a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Broccoli

A bit of roasted char balances the richness of the dish nicely.

Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella lighten the plate and bring a summery touch.

Sauteed Green Beans

Simple and quick, they add a fresh pop of green and texture.

Lemon Herb Asparagus

The zesty brightness of lemon makes a great flavor contrast.

Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

They echo the garlic theme and bring an earthy, savory bite.

Crusty Artisan Bread

If you’re skipping garlic bread, go with a rustic loaf to tear and dip.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you can’t get enough of cheesy, creamy comfort food, here are a few more pasta recipes you’ll love:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce is a cozy dinner classic with a silky garlic kick.
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for a hearty, rustic flavor.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just the ticket when you want something to impress without the fuss.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta & Spinach combines seafood richness with creamy indulgence.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use all three cheeses or mix it up? Did you go heavy on the garlic? I always love hearing how you personalize these dishes to suit your tastes.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is more than a recipe—it’s a comfort dish you’ll want to keep in regular rotation. It hits all the right notes: juicy chicken, melt-in-your-mouth pasta, and a cheese sauce that delivers on richness and flavor without being complicated. Whether it’s a quiet weeknight or you’re hosting friends, this meal fits the moment effortlessly.

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