Juicy, golden-seared chicken, rich garlic butter, and a luscious three-cheese sauce—this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is everything comfort food should be. Each bite wraps you in the cozy warmth of sharp parmesan, smooth mozzarella, and a touch of creamy asiago. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, yet elegant enough to serve for a special dinner.

Penne pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a pop of sweet intensity. It’s a perfect marriage of flavors: the buttery garlic mingling with tangy cheese and smoky chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or a weekend indulgence, this dish always delivers.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne pasta works best here because the tube shape captures all the creamy cheese and butter sauce in every bite. If you want to switch it up, rigatoni or ziti can also work well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine—they won’t hold the sauce as effectively.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized chunks and seasoned generously. It’s the star protein and adds a savory balance to the richness.

Penne pasta: A sturdy base that cradles the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

Garlic butter: This is where the magic begins—melted butter infused with minced garlic sets the tone for deep, comforting flavor.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a chewy, sweet, and slightly tangy layer that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Mozzarella cheese: For that perfect stretch and melty texture.

Parmesan cheese: Brings salty sharpness that cuts through the cream.

Asiago cheese: Adds a slightly nutty and creamy depth to the sauce.

Heavy cream: The foundation of the cheese sauce, making everything velvety and indulgent.

Fresh parsley: A final sprinkle of color and freshness right before serving.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir in the mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago cheeses until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, use some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked penne to the cheese sauce and toss until well coated. Return the seared chicken to the pan, along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and heat everything through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Serving and Storing Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

This pasta dish is at its peak when served immediately, fresh from the skillet. The cheeses are melted to perfection and the garlic butter aroma is irresistible. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a well-rounded meal.

For leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back the creamy texture. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the dairy content, which may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but boneless thighs can be used for a juicier, slightly richer taste.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne is preferred, rigatoni or ziti are good alternatives. Avoid thinner noodles like spaghetti.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can work in a pinch, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For dairy-free, try full-fat coconut milk.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and cheese sauce separately and store them in the fridge. Combine everything when ready to eat.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can leave them out, or substitute with roasted red peppers or chopped cherry tomatoes for a similar sweet-tangy contrast.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the garlic butter for a gentle heat that balances the richness.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne has you craving more creamy, comforting pasta dishes, here are some of my other favorites from the blog:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a one-skillet family dinner.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you love bold, savory flavors.
Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon for a luxurious seafood twist.
Creamy and Easy Egg Custard Pie for dessert that finishes your meal on a cozy note.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re all about rich flavors with less cleanup.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when you need it most.

And I want to hear how yours turned out! Did you add spinach? Swap the asiago for gouda? Maybe even tossed in some mushrooms?

Let me know in the comments—your spins inspire others. Questions welcome too, we’re all learning together.

Looking for more everyday comfort food? Follow along on my Pinterest board Life with Jam where I share daily recipes just like this one.

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish packed with juicy seared chicken, rich garlic butter, and a velvety three-cheese sauce. With sun-dried tomatoes and fresh parsley for contrast, it’s the kind of recipe that turns any evening into something a little special.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in mozzarella, parmesan, and asiago cheese. Mix until smooth. Add reserved pasta water gradually if needed to thin the sauce.

5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss well. Return the chicken and stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Warm everything through.

6. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot.