Description
Looking for a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner idea that’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy? This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is everything you love about pasta night—juicy garlic butter-seared chicken, a silky three-cheese blend, and perfectly cooked penne that clings to every drop of sauce. It’s the perfect easy dinner, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re meal prepping or serving guests, this recipe is packed with flavor and ready in under 35 minutes. If you’re searching for food ideas that balance comfort and convenience, this one deserves a spot on your regular rotation.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
7 cloves garlic, minced (4 for chicken, 3 for sauce)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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, to thin sauce)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 4–5 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
4. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté briefly.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
7. Stir in the cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
8. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Stir gently to combine.
10. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Soften cream cheese before adding to ensure a lump-free sauce.
Always reserve pasta water—it helps adjust sauce texture without diluting flavor.
Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: easy dinner, pasta recipe, garlic chicken, creamy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, chicken pasta