Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

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If comfort food had a crown, Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce would wear it proudly. This dish brings together juicy, golden-seared chicken pieces bathed in a rich garlic butter glaze, tossed with tender penne pasta, all wrapped in a luxuriously creamy sauce made from a trio of cheeses. It’s a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner idea that works whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving something indulgent for a cozy night in.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance: the garlic butter infuses the chicken with depth and richness, while the creamy cheese sauce adds just the right amount of indulgence without feeling overly heavy. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors—melty, savory, and a little bit addictive. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples, making it both a quick dinner option and a showstopper for weekend cooking.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

• Ultra-creamy & cheesy – Thanks to the perfect trio of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, each bite is luscious and satisfying.
• Full of flavor – Garlic butter chicken delivers richness and depth that pairs beautifully with the mild pasta and sauce.
• Weeknight-friendly – Ready in about 30 minutes, this is the kind of dinner you can whip up even on your busiest days.
• Family-approved – Kids love it. Adults go back for seconds. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable – You can add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even swap the protein if you’d like.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Before diving into the cooking, a little preparation goes a long way in making this dish seamless and stress-free. Having the right tools on hand not only speeds up the process but also ensures your ingredients cook evenly and the final dish turns out restaurant-quality.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where all the magic happens—cooking the garlic butter chicken and bringing the sauce together. Choose a wide, heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution.
• Medium or Large Pot: For boiling the penne pasta. A big enough pot prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Colander: To quickly and efficiently drain the pasta.
• Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For prepping the chicken and garlic with ease and precision.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the sauce without scratching your non-stick pans.
• Grater: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella melt better and have a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To get the right ratios of cheese, butter, and cream.

Each of these tools plays a vital role—from perfectly browning the chicken to creating a silky smooth cheese sauce.

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Preparation Tips

• Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking. It sears better and cooks more evenly this way.
• Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself. It should taste like the sea.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds its shape and doesn’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.
• Don’t Rinse the Pasta: The starch helps the sauce cling to every piece, giving you a richer final dish.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Skip the jarred stuff for this one—fresh garlic gives a punchy aroma that defines the whole dish.
• Shred Cheese Freshly: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: It can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick, while keeping things creamy.

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

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this rich, satisfying pasta dish. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to prepare any night of the week.

For the Garlic Butter Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning the sauce if needed)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Garlic Butter

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and sauté for 4–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Add 4 cloves minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean—those browned bits add flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add 4 oz cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and incorporated.
Sprinkle in 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

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Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked chicken and penne into the skillet with the cheese sauce.
Stir gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and a fresh kick.
Serve hot—ideally with a side of crusty bread to scoop up that extra sauce.

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Notes

• Cream cheese trick: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the sauce. This helps it melt smoothly without clumping.
• Use fresh cheeses: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella not only melt better but also have a richer, more authentic flavor than pre-packaged shredded varieties.
• Don’t skip the garlic butter base: That layer of flavor from searing the chicken in garlic butter is what sets this dish apart. It builds a savory foundation for the sauce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can dry out fast. Sear it just until golden and cooked through—no more than 4–5 minutes for bite-sized pieces.
• Using cold cream cheese: Adding it straight from the fridge can lead to a lumpy sauce. Soften it first for a silky finish.
• Boiling the sauce: Once the cheese is in, keep the heat on low to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
• Skipping pasta water: That starchy water is gold for loosening and emulsifying the sauce. Don’t forget to save some before draining the pasta.
• Rushing the garlic: Garlic burns quickly. Only sauté it for about 30 seconds—any longer and it becomes bitter.
• Using the wrong pasta shape: Penne is ideal for catching the sauce in its ridges and tubes. Avoid long, smooth noodles like spaghetti.
• Over-salting: Between the Parmesan and salted pasta water, be cautious when seasoning the sauce. Taste as you go.
• Not stirring continuously: While melting the cheeses into the sauce, keep stirring to prevent sticking and promote a creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

This rich and comforting pasta dish deserves the perfect companions to balance and elevate the meal. Whether you’re going for a cozy weeknight dinner or a full spread for guests, these sides bring contrast, freshness, and texture.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Herb Focaccia
   Nothing beats buttery, crispy bread to mop up every drop of that creamy cheese sauce.
2. Simple Arugula Salad
   The peppery bite of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta beautifully.
3. Steamed or Roasted Broccoli
   Add a green boost to the plate with broccoli, lightly seasoned with olive oil and lemon zest.
4. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
   Crunchy and fresh, they offer a light side that won’t overpower the pasta.
5. Caprese Salad
   Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze offer a refreshing and elegant pairing.
6. Grilled Asparagus
   With a bit of char and a squeeze of lemon, asparagus adds brightness to the dish.
7. Creamy Caesar Salad
   A classic Caesar with crisp romaine and shaved Parmesan complements the creamy cheese sauce without clashing.
8. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
   Roasted until golden and finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar—bold and satisfying.

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Storage Instructions

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce stores surprisingly well, making it a great option for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50–70% power. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
• Freezer: Not ideal. Due to the high dairy content (cream and cheeses), the sauce may separate and become grainy when thawed. If you do freeze, wrap tightly and reheat slowly, stirring constantly.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 4 servings)

Please note this is an approximation and can vary based on exact ingredients used.

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne works beautifully for holding the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle will also do a great job. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti or linguine for this creamy, chunky sauce.

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2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Store them separately, and cook the pasta fresh before serving. Combine and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.

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3. Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

To lighten it up, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap full-fat cream cheese for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce may be slightly less rich and thick.

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4. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli all mix in beautifully without overpowering the flavor.

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5. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone for a similarly creamy texture, or a little more heavy cream with extra Parmesan if you prefer to skip it entirely.

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6. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping or becoming grainy?

Keep the heat low when melting the cheeses and stir constantly. Don’t let the sauce boil once the cheese is added—that’s the key to a smooth, silky sauce.

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7. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works well. Just warm it in the garlic butter briefly to infuse the flavor before adding it to the sauce.

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8. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The creamy cheese sauce and mild garlic flavor make it a hit with kids. You can reduce the garlic slightly or skip any spicy seasonings to suit picky eaters.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It’s indulgent yet simple, loaded with comfort, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making it for guests, family, or just to treat yourself, it delivers a satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum taste. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize and quick enough for a weeknight—what more could you ask for?

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