Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

Aloha, dear readers! Let me ask you a question. Are you bored of your regular pasta recipes? Do you want to elevate your pasta experience to a whole new level? 

Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

So, listen up. I’m sharing a delicious Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne recipe that will surely satisfy all your pasta cravings. It all started when I was at my friend’s birthday party. 

I was casually chit-chatting and nibbling on appetizers when somebody brought this Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne. Suddenly, my appetizers felt inadequate. I profoundly realized I had missed such an amazing cheesy delight. 

After returning, I searched for recipes online and found the exact copycat recipe. The next thing I knew, I was on a quest to recreate this dish, driven by an obsession that only a real cheese lover could have. 

This recipe called in for tender chicken, penne pasta, and a decadent medley of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan cheese. I knew I was on the verge of making something spectacular when the irresistible aroma of the simmering sauce filled my kitchen. 

The result? A dish so creamy and rich that it almost felt like a gourmet celebration. Each bite was a velvety delight with a creamy sauce that was rich yet somehow light. The mozzarella added a luscious meltiness, the provolone gave a sharp, tangy twist, and the parmesan added a nutty depth. 

This cheesy trio enveloped perfectly cooked pasta, allowing every piece to capture the creamy goodness. The tender chicken integrated seamlessly into the dish, absorbing all the flavors and adding a savory richness. The penne was smothered in a creamy sauce so rich that you’ll question why you settled for anything less.

The best part? Sharing the final product with my friends and seeing their faces light up with every mouthful. So, here’s the guide for you to make Applebee’s three-cheese chicken penne from the comfort of your kitchen.

Equipment Required 

  • Large Pot: I use a large pot to boil the pasta.
  • Colander: A colander is essential to drain the pasta once it is al dente.
  • Non-Stick Pan: You will need a non-stick pan to cook the chicken and make the cheese sauce.
  • Bowl: I suggest using a bowl to keep the chopped ingredients.
  • Wooden Spatula: This comes in handy to stir everything well.
  • Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is needed to combine cheeses into a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Measuring Cups And Spoons: Lastly, I used measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure the ingredients.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time Resting Time Cooking Time Total Time
30 Minutes 30 Minutes35 Minutes1 Hour 35 Minutes

How To Make Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne At Home

Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 1
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 2
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 3
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 4
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 5
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 6
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 7
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 8
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 9
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 10
Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Is Ready
Top Tips

Expert Tips That I Recommend

  • For a richer sauce, I blend heavy cream with milk. The cream adds creaminess, while the milk balances it out and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
  • Do not over cook the pasta, as it becomes mushy when mixed with the sauce. Once your pasta is al-dente, remove it from the heat immediately.
  • Instead of plain water, I cook my chicken in flavourful broth. This infuses additional taste and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

FAQs About Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne

Nutritional Information Per Serving

This delicious Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne is not preferably healthy, as it is packed with cheese, cream, pasta, and butter. While it provides protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese, it is definitely high in calories, fats, carbs, and sodium. 

I have mentioned the nutritional information below for your reference. 

Calories 1805 kcal
Carbohydrates 62 g
Protein 108 g
Fat 124 g
Saturated fat 31 g
Polyunsaturated fat12 g
Monounsaturated fat 72 g
Trans fat 1 g
Cholesterol 364 mg
Sodium 3085 mg
Potassium 2170 mg
Fibre 4 g
Sugar 9 g
Vitamin A 1741 IU
Vitamin C 18 mg
Calcium 231 mg
Iron 6 mg

This recipe is ideal for people who follow a high-protein diet. 

Recipe Variations For Different Diets 

  • Gluten-Free: Making a gluten-free version of this recipe is easy. I swap regular penne for gluten-free penne and use certified gluten-free Italian dressing. Along with these alterations, I ditched the regular flour and went with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It worked just fine for thickening the sauce without the gluten. 
  • Keto-Friendly: When I decided to make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, I swapped the regular penne pasta with shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles. I made my own keto-friendly Italian dressing by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs. Moreover, in place of regular flour, I used almond or coconut flour and replaced regular milk with heavy cream or unsweetened almond milk. 

Storing And Reheating This Recipe 

Storing 

  • Refrigerator: When I wish to store my cheese chicken penne in the refrigerator, I first let it cool down to room temperature to help prevent condensation in the container. Then, I transfer it into an airtight container. This ensures that my pasta is prevented from drying out or absorbing odours from the other foods kept in the fridge. Then, I keep the container inside the refrigerator to store my pasta for up to 3-4 days. 
  • Freezing: Whenever I wish to consume the dish later and store it for a longer period of time, I store the pasta sauce in the freezer. For that, I first portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. I make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Then, I keep the sauce in the freezer, where it can be preserved for up to 2-3 months. 

Reheating 

  • Microwave: I first place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Then, I add a splash of water, broth, or milk to keep the dish from drying out and carefully cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Finally, I microwave it on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. I heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is evenly cooked. 
  • Stovetop: For this, I place the pasta in a non-stick skillet or frying pan, add a splash of water or milk, and heat it over a medium flame. I stir the pasta occasionally to prevent burning. While heating, if your sauce thickens, you can add more broth or milk to help thicken it. Once it is reheated thoroughly, I have it immediately to get the most of the creaminess from this reheated version. 
  • Oven: This technique is the easiest. You just have to transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish with a bit of water, broth, or milk and cover it with aluminium foil. Then bake it for at least 15-20 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating. Then carefully remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking and have it crisp

What To Serve With This Recipe 

When it comes to serving Applebee’s Cheese Chicken Penne, the options are practically endless. I love to pair it with crisp, refreshing Caesar Salad for a well-rounded meal. It adds a fresh crunch that complements the creamy pasta.

If I am in the mood for something light, I have it alongside lemon Garlic Shrimp. It pairs beautifully with the penne, adding a burst of flavors that works well with the richness.

A light and fruity Berry Sorbet can be incredibly refreshing for the dessert. Alternatively, a classic Apple Crumble also offers a comforting end to the meal without being overly heavy. 

Printable Version

Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

Author : Anjali Singh
Serving : 4 people
Calories : 1805 kcal
Total time : 1 hour 35 minutes
This Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne enveloped perfectly cooked pasta, allowing every piece to capture the creamy goodness. The tender chicken integrated seamlessly into the dish, absorbing all the flavors and adding a savory richness. The penne was smothered in a creamy sauce so rich that you'll question why you settled for anything less.
4 from 17 votes
LEAVE REVIEW »

Ingredients

  • 2 Boneless And Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 Packet Penne Pasta
  • Italian Salad Dressing
  • 8 Ounces Italian Shredded Cheeses
  • 6-8 Basil Leaves
  • 4 Tomatoes
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 6 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil

For Alfredo Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt
  • ½ Cup Milk
  • 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 Nutmeg

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Non-Stick Pan
  • Bowl
  • Wooden Spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring Cups And Spoons

Instructions
 

  • Chop off the chicken and place it in a bowl
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 1
  • Then drizzle Italian dressing over it and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 2
  • Now, take a pan and add butter and flour to make a roux. Pour in some milk and whisk until there are no lumps.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 3
  • Season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Let it simmer until it reaches a desired consistency.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 4
  • Now, chop the tomatoes and place them in a bowl. Add oil, basil and garlic to the tomato bowl to make bruschetta.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 5
  • Now, take a large pot and boil water in it. Put penne pasta and let it cook al dente. Drain the water using a colander.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 6
  • Now cook the chicken in a pan.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 7
  • Now take two microwave bowls. Divide the pasta in two equal halves and keep them separately in those bowls.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 8
  • Pour the cooked alfredo sauce over the pasta. Now add layers of chicken and Italian cheese, mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 9
  • Microwave both dishes for 3 minutes until the cheese completely melts.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Step 10
  • Your creamy cheesy Applebee’s 3 Cheese Chicken Penne is ready to be served.
    Applebee's 3 Cheese Chicken Penne Is Ready

Video

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, I blend heavy cream with milk. The cream adds creaminess, while the milk balances it out and keeps the sauce from becoming too heavy.
  • Do not over cook the pasta, as it becomes mushy when mixed with the sauce. Once your pasta is al-dente, remove it from the heat immediately.
  • Instead of plain water, I cook my chicken in flavourful broth. This infuses additional taste and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Prep Time : 30 minutes
Cook Time : 35 minutes
Total Time : 1 hour 35 minutes
Cuisine : American
Course : copycat

Nutrition

Calories : 1805kcal  |  Carbohydrates : 62g  |  Protein : 108g  |  Fat : 124g  |  Saturated Fat : 31g  |  Polyunsaturated Fat : 12g  |  Monounsaturated Fat : 72g  |  Trans Fat : 1g  |  Cholesterol : 364mg  |  Sodium : 3085mg  |  Potassium : 2170mg  |  Fiber : 4g  |  Sugar : 9g  |  Vitamin A : 1741IU  |  Vitamin C : 18mg  |  Calcium : 231mg  |  Iron : 6mg

More Pasta Recipes That You Can Try

Conclusion 

I hope you enjoyed making this delectable Applebees’s Cheese Chicken Penne in your kitchen. This dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a star among your family gatherings. 

If you found this recipe interesting, be sure to come back and visit our website for more mouthwatering recipes. You will find something exciting every time you visit us. So, until next time, see you soon.

3.71 from 17 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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