I recently tried makingApplebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe Penne at home, and let me tell you—it was a total game-changer. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta felt like a restaurant meal right in my own kitchen.

I love how the flavors come together without being too complicated to make. If you enjoy hearty, comforting dishes, you might also like the Texas Tamale Pie Recipe, which has a similarly rich and satisfying flavor. This recipe is comforting, rich, and surprisingly easy. After a few tweaks, I’ve got the perfect version that I can whip up anytime.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, cheesy pasta dish at home. I’ve added tips based on my experience for the best results.

2 cups penne pasta – Cook al dente for the perfect texture; I always salt the water generously.
2 tablespoons butter – Adds richness to the sauce; unsalted works best so you can control saltiness.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce without lumps; whisk well while cooking.
2 cups half-and-half – Makes the sauce creamy; avoid skim milk for a thinner consistency.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Grate fresh cheese for better melt and flavor.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a sharp, nutty flavor; fresh parmesan is ideal.
½ cup shredded fontina cheese – Gives the sauce a mild, buttery richness.
2 cups cooked chicken, diced – I use rotisserie chicken for quick prep; grilled works beautifully too. You can also try chicken variations from recipes like the Maple Bourbon Pecan Chicken Recipe for a sweet-savory twist.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances flavor without overpowering the cheese.
½ teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and adds depth.
Salt and black pepper to taste – Adjust carefully; the cheese already adds saltiness.
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated parmesan – Brightens up the plate visually and flavor-wise.

Note: several servings

Variations

Making this recipe your own is easy. Here are some ways I’ve experimented:

Swap half-and-half with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Use gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.
Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
Try smoked chicken for a deeper, smoky flavor.

Cooking Time

Here’s a quick overview of how long this dish takes:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
Skillet or saucepan – To cook the cheese sauce.
Whisk – Helps prevent lumps in the sauce.
Knife and cutting board – For chopping the chicken.
Cheese grater – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes amazing.
Colander – For draining the pasta.

How to Make Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe?

Here’s my step-by-step guide to recreate this creamy dish at home.

Cook the Pasta

I start by boiling water with a pinch of salt and cooking the penne until just al dente. Draining it well ensures the sauce clings to the pasta perfectly.

Prepare the Sauce

Next, I melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute. Gradually adding half-and-half while whisking creates a smooth base for the cheesy sauce.

Add the Cheese

I lower the heat and stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and fontina until fully melted. The sauce should be creamy, thick, and velvety.

Incorporate the Chicken

Adding cooked, diced chicken at this stage ensures every bite is packed with protein. I let it heat gently in the sauce for 2–3 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

I toss the cooked penne in the cheese sauce until everything is coated evenly. A little extra pasta water helps if the sauce is too thick.

Season and Garnish

Finally, I season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. A sprinkle of chopped parsley makes the dish visually appealing.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my kitchen experiments, these tweaks make a huge difference:

I always grate cheese fresh—it melts smoother and tastes more vibrant.
Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with sauce.
For extra creaminess, I sometimes add a splash of heavy cream.
I toast the garlic powder lightly in butter before adding flour—it boosts the flavor.
Letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving helps the sauce thicken beautifully.

How to Serve Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe?

Serving this dish is half the fun. I like to:

Plate the pasta in a wide, shallow bowl for a restaurant-style look.
Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan.
Pair with a slice of garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil or balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving:

Calories: 550–600 kcal – Perfectly satisfying without being overly heavy.
Protein: 30 g – The chicken provides a good protein boost.
Carbohydrates: 45 g – Mainly from the pasta for energy.
Fat: 28 g – Comes from the cheese and butter, creating that creamy texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning ahead? Here’s how I handle leftovers:

Storing

I store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I place it in a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Microwaving works too, but I prefer the stovetop for better texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has become a favorite in my house for several reasons:

Quick and easy – Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Comfort food classic – Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying.
Versatile – Easy to modify with vegetables, spices, or dairy alternatives.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults alike love it.
Restaurant-style at home – You get that Applebee’s flavor without leaving your kitchen.

Ash Tyrrell