Description
If you’re craving a comforting yet easy dinner idea, this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is your dream dish. Juicy garlic-seared chicken meets rich, velvety cheese sauce with penne pasta to create the ultimate satisfying plate. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is simple to make and packed with bold, creamy flavor. Whether you’re after a quick dinner, food ideas for guests, or a new family favorite, this easy recipe is a must-try. It checks all the boxes: quick dinner, cheesy goodness, and a touch of gourmet charm.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast
12 oz penne pasta
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
4 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes per side. Remove and slice.
4. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in cream cheese until melted, then add mozzarella and parmesan. Stir until smooth.
7. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked chicken.
8. Toss in the pasta and stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
9. Simmer 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
10. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcook the chicken—golden and juicy is the goal!
Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce feels too thick after mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic butter chicken, penne recipe, quick pasta, comfort food, food ideas, chicken pasta