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Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe
Maisie Rowan

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Tender seasoned chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy three-cheese sauce topped with fresh tomatoes and basil make this easy Applebee's-style chicken penne a comforting restaurant-inspired dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 820

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
For the Pasta
  • 12 –16 ounces penne pasta
  • Salt for the pasta water
For the Three Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated white cheddar
  • ¾ cup grated Asiago cheese
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Fresh Tomato Topping
  • 1 cup diced cherry or grape tomatoes
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 –2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Prepare the Tomato Topping
  1. Combine the diced tomatoes, chopped basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir gently and set aside.
Cook the Penne
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Season the Chicken
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Toss with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and completely cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a clean plate.
Make the Three Cheese Sauce
  1. Reduce the skillet heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the Asiago, white cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
  2. Add the chicken broth and continue cooking gently until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked penne to the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time.
Add the Chicken
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently fold it into the creamy pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  2. Add the Tomato Topping
  3. Spoon the fresh tomato and basil mixture over the pasta just before serving. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and helps create a creamy sauce.
  • Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than boiling it.
  • Penne can be replaced with rigatoni, ziti, rotini, cavatappi, or another short pasta.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast.
  • Leave out the red pepper flakes for a mild version.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water, chicken broth, or a small splash of cream.
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container and use within 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of cream, milk, broth, or water to loosen the sauce.