Juicy golden chicken bites. Rich, creamy three-cheese sauce. Tender penne pasta. This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the kind of meal that feels like comfort and indulgence all in one bite. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or need a dish that impresses without the stress, this one-pan favorite delivers every time.

The savory garlic butter sauce clings to the chicken and pasta while the triple-cheese blend melts into a velvety layer of flavor. Finished with a sprinkling of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, this is the dish that makes a weeknight meal feel like a restaurant treat.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

For the creamiest and most flavorful sauce, you’ll want a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta. Mozzarella adds that gooey stretch, parmesan brings salty sharpness, and ricotta makes it luxuriously rich. Don’t skimp on the fresh-grated parmesan for garnish!

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

Chicken breast: Diced into bite-sized pieces, this protein absorbs the garlic butter beautifully and remains juicy.
Penne pasta: The ridges hold onto the creamy sauce and give each bite a perfect balance.
Garlic cloves: Minced and sautéed to form the base of the flavorful butter sauce.
Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the salt level. It coats the chicken and pasta in richness.
Mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible melt and stretch.
Parmesan cheese: Grated for depth and a salty edge that balances the creaminess.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy body to the sauce without overwhelming it.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer little bursts of tangy sweetness.
Parsley or Italian herbs: For a fresh, aromatic finish.
Salt and pepper: To season everything to perfection.

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

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.

Step 3: Infuse the Garlic Butter

Lower the heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Three-Cheese Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and chicken.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

Top with sun-dried tomatoes, the rest of the parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley or Italian herbs. Serve hot!

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

Serve this dish straight from the skillet while it’s hot and creamy. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread if you’re looking to round out the meal.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing as the cheese sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne works great, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will also hold the sauce well.

Is there a substitute for ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese or even cream cheese can be used, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Can I make this dish ahead?

You can cook the components ahead, but it’s best to mix the sauce and pasta fresh for the creamiest results.

How do I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic, or drizzle with chili oil before serving.

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

You can omit them or swap in cherry tomatoes for a fresher flavor. Roasted red peppers are another great alternative.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just sauté it briefly with the garlic butter to warm it up and infuse it with flavor before adding the cheese.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you loved this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne, here are some more pasta favorites to satisfy your cravings:

Looking for even more recipe inspiration? Browse my full collection on Pinterest @LifeWithNinaRecipes to explore my daily dinner ideas!

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? A pinch of chili flakes? Did you go heavy on the mozzarella?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make every dinner a win!

Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and packed with juicy chicken—this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce is the ultimate comfort pasta dish. Ready in under an hour, this recipe makes an indulgent weeknight dinner that feels special enough for guests. It combines bold flavor with a rich texture and satisfying finish.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir in the skillet with the chicken for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Lower the heat to low and stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and half of the parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water.

5. Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the cheesy sauce.

6. Top with sun-dried tomatoes, remaining parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley or Italian herbs. Serve hot and enjoy.