Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

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There are few things as satisfying as a bowl of creamy pasta that feels indulgent yet familiar. This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the kind of dish you turn to when you need comfort, but with a flavor punch. Juicy golden chicken is coated in a garlicky butter glaze and nestled into tender penne pasta, all wrapped in a dreamy sauce made with parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese.

It feels fancy but is incredibly easy to put together. The magic is in the garlic butter that transforms basic chicken into something crave-worthy, and the cheese sauce that clings to each penne tube for maximum flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or you’re feeding a hungry crowd, this pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This dish is pure comfort in a skillet. The chicken is pan-seared until golden, then finished with butter and minced garlic for that rich, aromatic base. Pair that with pasta and a silky three-cheese sauce, and you have a dinner that checks all the boxes: creamy, savory, and totally satisfying.

Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a reliable option for busy nights. It also reheats well, which means leftovers are never boring. The blend of cheeses gives a balanced richness without feeling too heavy, and the garlic butter ties everything together with bold, familiar warmth.

Can I Use Any Type of Penne or Cheese?

Yes! While classic penne is ideal for soaking up the sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, ziti, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. For the cheese, a blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan creates a smooth, tangy base, but you can swap in fontina, cheddar, or even gouda for a different flavor spin. The key is to balance melty cheese with something salty and something creamy, so your sauce stays rich and luscious.

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

This dish uses everyday ingredients that come together to create a deeply comforting and flavorful pasta experience. Each ingredient plays a role in either adding richness, texture, or depth. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Penne pasta
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Cream cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Freshly grated parmesan
• Whole milk or heavy cream
• Parsley or basil (optional for garnish)

The penne is ideal for catching sauce in its ridges, while the chicken provides the hearty protein that carries the flavors of garlic and butter. The three cheeses melt into a rich sauce, with milk adding just enough fluidity. A touch of fresh herbs brightens everything at the end.

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

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese, allowing it to melt slowly into the garlic butter. Then add the milk or cream, whisking to combine. Stir in mozzarella and parmesan until smooth and melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked penne and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat in the cheese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra parmesan or red pepper flakes for a kick.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is best enjoyed fresh off the stove, when the sauce is silky and the chicken is still juicy. It serves about 4 to 6 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or for guests. Serve it in a large pasta bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra parmesan on top to elevate the presentation.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent separation.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

The obvious but perfect choice. Crispy, buttery garlic bread is ideal for mopping up any leftover cheese sauce.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar with romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta with crispness and tang.

Roasted Broccoli

Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast until crispy. The bitter crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Sauteed Spinach with Lemon

A quick saute with garlic and lemon juice makes spinach bright and slightly acidic — a great contrast to the cheese sauce.

Cherry Tomato Salad

Halved cherry tomatoes tossed with balsamic glaze, olive oil, and basil bring a burst of acidity and sweetness.

Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms

Mushrooms roasted with balsamic vinegar and thyme add earthy, savory notes that complement the garlic butter and cheese.

Lemon Asparagus

Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice is refreshing and keeps the plate from feeling too heavy.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

Pair the meal with a refreshing drink like sparkling water with lemon or lime slices to cleanse the palate between bites.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce, you’ll want to check out these other cozy and flavor-packed pasta dinners:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a smoky and hearty spin.

• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli for a rich, earthy, and elegant vegetarian option.

• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta if you love a little spice with your cream sauce.

• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine with bold herbs and heat.

• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna to try seafood in your cheesy pasta lineup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use parmesan or sneak in some gouda? Did you try rotini instead of penne?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter and better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comfort classics on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite recipe: Luna Meals on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the kind of weeknight winner that feels anything but ordinary. It brings all the best parts of comfort food into one skillet: flavorful protein, cozy pasta, and a sauce so rich and velvety you’ll want to lick the spoon.

Whether you make it exactly as written or use it as a base to riff on with your favorite add-ins, this dish will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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