Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich, creamy Three Cheese Chicken Penne at Applebee’s, you know it’s a dish worth craving. This comfort meal combines grilled chicken, penne pasta, and a blend of three cheeses all tossed in a delicious Alfredo sauce. Now, you can recreate this popular dish at home with a few simple ingredients and techniques. Let’s dive into this homemade Applebee’s-inspired Three Cheese Chicken Penne recipe for an indulgent meal that’s bound to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy Sauce: The Alfredo sauce, blended with three different cheeses, is luxuriously creamy and loaded with flavor.
2. Restaurant Quality at Home: Skip the takeout and enjoy this restaurant favorite right in your kitchen.
3. Versatile Dish: This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or extra seasonings.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
3. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 8-10 minutes).
2. Drain and Set Aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking if needed.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add Garlic: Sauté the minced garlic in the melted butter for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
3. Add Cream and Milk: Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly. Let the mixture come to a simmer, but do not let it boil.
4. Add Cheeses: Gradually add the Parmesan, mozzarella, and Asiago cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce, tossing until well-coated.
2. Add Chicken: Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta and gently mix it in.
3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and chicken.

Step 5: Bake (Optional)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake Until Cheese Melts: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden topping, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and added flavor.
• Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables to balance the rich pasta.

Tips for Perfect Three Cheese Chicken Penne

1. Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded for a smoother sauce.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it al dente, as it will continue to soften if you bake it.
3. Adjust Cheese Ratios: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Vegetables: Try adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
2. Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta for a delicious gluten-free version.

Storage and Reheating

1. Store Leftovers: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat Gently: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
3. Freeze for Later: You can freeze the baked pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   • Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Fettuccine, rigatoni, or rotini all work well with Alfredo sauce.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   • Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
3. How can I make the sauce lighter?
   • Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use milk and thicken the sauce with a little cornstarch slurry.
4. What other cheeses can I use?
   • Gouda, provolone, or fontina make excellent substitutes for any of the three cheeses listed.
5. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
   • Yes, omit the chicken and add more veggies or even some chickpeas for a protein boost.

Conclusion

With its creamy Alfredo sauce, tender grilled chicken, and cheesy goodness, this homemade Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne is just as satisfying as the restaurant version. It’s a rich, hearty, and comforting meal that’s perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy creating this restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen, and get ready for rave reviews from family and friends!

Yield: 4

Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

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If you’ve ever enjoyed the rich, creamy Three Cheese Chicken Penne at Applebee's, you know it’s a dish worth craving. This comfort meal combines grilled chicken, penne pasta, and a blend of three cheeses all tossed in a delicious Alfredo sauce. Now, you can recreate this popular dish at home with a few simple ingredients and techniques. Let’s dive into this homemade Applebee’s-inspired Three Cheese Chicken Penne recipe for an indulgent meal that’s bound to impress.

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Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta:
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
   
2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
   In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Gradually add the mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
   
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
   
5. Assemble the Dish:
   Transfer the pasta and sauce to a serving dish or individual bowls. Top with sliced chicken and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the pasta warm, with garlic bread or a side salad if desired.

Notes

• For a little extra flavor, you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• To make it even more like Applebee’s, broil the assembled pasta with chicken and cheese for 2-3 minutes before serving for a bubbly, golden cheese finish.