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Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce 1

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce


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  • Author: Zoe Adelson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings

Description

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dinner recipe featuring penne tossed in a silky garlic butter sauce with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. This easy chicken pasta dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.


Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta

1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons butter

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 ounces cream cheese

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Lower the heat, add cream cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.

5. Stir in the heavy cream, then add mozzarella and Parmesan, whisking until fully melted into a creamy sauce.

6. Return chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss well. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley.

Notes

The reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.

Use thighs for juicier chicken, or breasts for a leaner option.

Don’t overcook the garlic—just sauté until fragrant to avoid bitterness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 19g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg