This garlic butter chicken penne with creamy three-cheese sauce is everything comfort food should be. Think juicy, golden-browned chicken nestled in tender pasta, all wrapped in a luscious sauce made with three cheeses. It feels indulgent without being overly complicated, and it’s the kind of dinner you can whip up on a weeknight or serve to guests.

The garlic butter element adds a rich base layer of flavor, giving the chicken a savory punch. Pair that with melty cheese and perfectly cooked penne, and you’ve got a meal that tastes like it came straight from a cozy bistro kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This dish is the epitome of creamy-meets-savory, but it doesn’t stop there. It comes together surprisingly fast, using ingredients you probably already have on hand. The three-cheese blend provides an ultra-smooth and velvety texture, and garlic butter brings depth that makes every bite better than the last. It’s also incredibly adaptable—you can toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling creative.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for the Sauce?

For this recipe, a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese works beautifully. Parmesan gives a salty sharpness, mozzarella offers that dreamy meltiness, and cream cheese adds silkiness and a bit of tang. You can also swap in fontina or provolone for variation, but the trio listed creates a well-balanced, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to each bite of penne.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

To make this rich and comforting pasta dish, you only need a handful of familiar ingredients that work together to create something incredible.

Penne pasta: Its ridges hold the creamy cheese sauce beautifully and keep each bite satisfying.
Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and quick-cooking, this forms the hearty base of the dish.
Garlic cloves: Essential for infusing the butter with rich, aromatic flavor.
Unsalted butter: Forms the base for the garlic butter that seasons both the chicken and sauce.
Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for creaminess and a slight tang.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and melt, giving the sauce its luscious body.
Parmesan cheese: Gives a savory, nutty depth that balances the richness.
Heavy cream: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect silky consistency while adding extra richness.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

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 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add minced garlic, and stir for 30 seconds. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean it—those browned bits add flavor), add more butter if needed, then stir in cream cheese until melted. Pour in heavy cream, then add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy, letting the cheese melt fully. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve warm. You can add extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

This dish is rich and filling, making it a perfect dinner for four hungry people or six lighter servings. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. To reheat, simply add a splash of cream or milk and warm it gently over low heat until the sauce loosens up.

You can also freeze this pasta, although the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly. For best results, reheat from frozen in a covered dish in the oven or slowly on the stove with added moisture.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Chicken Penne?

Garlic Bread

A crusty slice of garlic bread or cheesy breadstick is ideal to scoop up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp side salad with vinaigrette brings freshness and balance to the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

The charred edges of roasted broccoli pair beautifully with the creamy sauce and add a nice contrast in texture.

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a cool, acidic contrast to the warm pasta.

Sauteed Spinach

Lightly wilted spinach with garlic complements the garlic notes in the pasta while adding a nutritious boost.

Lemon Herb Asparagus

Bright, citrusy asparagus offers a fresh bite to counterbalance the creamy chicken and cheese.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Serve the pasta with these flavorful chicken meatballs for a double protein punch, especially for big appetites.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

If you’re hosting, you could also serve a small portion of this dish alongside for a pasta duo experience with contrasting sauces.

Want More Pasta Recipes with a Twist?

If you’re loving this garlic butter chicken penne, don’t miss these other crave-worthy pasta creations:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a vibrant, tangy spin on a classic.
Make a hearty statement with the One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni when you want bold flavors in a single pan.
Brighten things up with Zucchini Lasagna for a low-carb yet satisfying twist.
If you love creamy sauces, don’t skip the Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce that makes everything feel light yet luscious.
Indulge in comfort with the Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese — because more cheese is always a good idea.

Save This Recipe For Later

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Let me know in the comments how your version turned out! Did you use extra garlic? Swap in a different cheese blend? Or maybe you added some crispy bacon bits?

I love hearing how others make these dishes their own. Got a question? Drop it below – we’re in this dinner game together.

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Conclusion

Garlic butter chicken penne with creamy three-cheese sauce is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss. With a balanced trio of cheeses, flavorful chicken, and pasta that hugs every drop of sauce, it’s bound to become a regular in your rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this one delivers every single time.