If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug but also dazzles your taste buds, you’ve got to try this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe. It perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken with the luscious embrace of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, all tossed with al dente penne pasta and brightened up by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This recipe brings together simple ingredients in such a magical way, making every bite rich, cheesy, and utterly crave-worthy—it’s guaranteed to become your go-to weeknight favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play crucial roles in achieving the delightful flavors and textures of this dish. Each one adds a layer, from creamy richness to savory depth and a hint of brightness that keeps every forkful exciting.
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided): The base for rich flavor, helping the chicken brown beautifully and the sauce to become silky smooth.
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced: Juicy and tender, these protein-packed morsels soak up garlic and buttery goodness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma and irresistible savoriness.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce with its ridged, tubular shape.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a subtle creaminess that brings lightness and softness to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty, stringy cheese that creates that classic gooey texture everyone loves.
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided): A sharp, nutty cheese used both inside the sauce and for topping to enhance depth.
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: These provide a sweet-tart punch and a lovely pop of color.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian seasoning: Fresh herbs for a bright finish and a hint of herbal earthiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Splash of pasta water (as needed): Helps loosen the sauce while adding a touch of starchiness for better coating.
How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking the penne until al dente is key—firm to the bite but not mushy. Once cooked, drain and set the pasta aside to be enveloped in that irresistible three-cheese sauce soon.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken in Butter
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through, which will take about 6 to 8 minutes. This step builds the hearty protein foundation of the dish and fills your kitchen with tempting aromas.
Step 3: Infuse Garlic Flavor
Turn the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet alongside the chicken. Stir it around for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic. This simple step lifts the flavor profile, creating that irresistible garlicky warmth we all crave.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce
Lower the heat to low and gently stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix everything patiently until the cheeses melt into a silky, smooth sauce. If you find the sauce thickening too much, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up and help it cling beautifully to the penne.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Next, add the cooked penne directly into the skillet. Toss it carefully to make sure every piece of pasta is generously coated in that dreamy creamy cheese sauce. This is where the magic happens as the pasta absorbs the flavors, uniting all the elements into one dish.
Step 6: Finish with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs
For the final flourish, sprinkle in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the remaining parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley or your chosen Italian herbs. This elevates the dish with wonderful pops of color, flavor bursts, and a fresh herbal aroma that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To truly elevate your dish, consider topping it with extra freshly chopped parsley or basil and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A few cracked black pepper flakes on top deliver a subtle kick. These garnishes provide not just a burst of color but also a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This meal is a fantastic centerpiece, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed garlic broccoli adds a crisp, light balance. Some crusty garlic bread is also a winning choice for mopping up every last bit of that amazing sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this in individual shallow bowls with sprigs of fresh herbs carefully placed on top. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch and nutty flavor. Using bright colored plates will make the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs really pop and bring that vibrant appetizing look to your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for delicious quick lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding fresh herbs and sun-dried tomatoes for optimal texture after thawing. Keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or milk to restore sauciness and prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to cover the dish and pause to stir occasionally for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for catching the creamy sauce, bowtie or rigatoni would work wonderfully as well. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
What cheeses can I substitute in this recipe?
If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese is a good substitute to maintain creaminess. For mozzarella, you can use provolone or fontina for a similar melt, and asiago can replace parmesan for a different but delicious sharpness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You could also use plant-based chicken alternatives for a vegetarian-friendly version without compromising flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all. This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe focuses on rich, savory, and cheesy flavors with a mild garlic kick. You can add red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
How can I add more veggies to this dish?
Consider sautéing bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus along with the chicken. Adding vegetables not only makes the meal heartier but also adds wonderful color and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comfort and joy that Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe brings to your table. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough to impress guests. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become a beloved classic in your recipe collection as it has in mine. So grab your butter, cheese, and chicken, and get ready to enjoy cozy, cheesy bliss!
Print
Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender garlic-infused chicken tossed in a luscious sauce made from ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, accented with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines rich, creamy textures with savory, garlicky notes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 large chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Splash of pasta water (as needed)
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir it with the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Lower heat to low. Stir in 1 cup ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated parmesan cheese (about 3/8 cup). Mix continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the cheese sauce and chicken. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Top the pasta with 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, the remaining parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or Italian seasoning. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a nice tangy sweetness; substitute with cherry tomatoes if unavailable.
- Use fresh parsley for best flavor, though dried Italian seasoning works well as a substitute.
- Ensure not to overcook the garlic to prevent bitterness.
- This dish can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
