3 cheese chicken penne recipe
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The Best 3 cheese chicken penne recipe
I love this three cheese chicken penne recipe because it’s one of those meals that just works every time. It’s creamy, filling, and packed with flavor without being overly complicated, which is exactly what I need on busy weeknights. My kids absolutely devour it—even my picky eater asks for seconds—and that’s always a win in my book. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that rich, cheesy sauce is comfort food at its best, but it’s still balanced enough that I don’t feel guilty serving it regularly.
What I appreciate most about this dish is how versatile it is. It’s hearty enough for a cozy family dinner but still feels special enough for a casual get-together with friends. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are never a problem. I also love that it sneaks in some protein and veggies (if you add them) without anyone complaining. The three cheeses give it that indulgent texture, but you can easily lighten it up with whole wheat pasta or a little less cheese if you’re watching calories. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Creamy Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
4.9 from 1206 votes
A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious blend of three cheeses. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 580 kcal
🥘Ingredients
For the Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
👨🍳Directions
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1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
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2 While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3 In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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4 Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
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5 Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
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6 Reduce the heat to low and add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
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7 Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat everything evenly in the cheese sauce.
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8 Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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9 Serve the three-cheese chicken penne hot, garnished with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet or large pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
🔥Calories: 580 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 950mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 38g
📝Notes
Tips: For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for 2% milk and reduce the heavy cream to ¼ cup. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Watch Video Of How Creamy Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Works
This three-cheese chicken penne is one of those recipes I always reach for because it’s simple, satisfying, and always a hit. The creamy sauce and gooey cheese make it feel special enough for company, but it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner when you just need something everyone will actually eat. Whether it’s a potluck, a birthday, or just Tuesday, this dish brings people together without any fuss.
