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

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? 

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	Cooking Time	Total Time
30 Minutes	30 Minutes	1 Hour

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

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. 

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

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. 
• Paleo: I once made this recipe for a friend following a paleo diet. So, I swapped out all the processed ingredients like regular penne with sweet potato noodles or zucchini noodles, cheese with dairy-free paleo-friendly cheese made from nuts like cashew cheese, and all-purpose flour with almond or arrowroot powder. I made my own Italian dressing by mixing extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
  I also made my dairy-free paleo butter by blending two tablespoons of full-fat coconut milk, three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of melted coconut oil, 3 tablespoons of avocado oil, and ½ teaspoon salt. Then, I kept it in the freezer for 30 minutes, and it was ready to be used.
• Low-Calorie: I was trying to cut back on calories, so I also recently made this version. For this, I went for whole wheat penne instead of regular penne and made my own Italian dressing. I also made sure to use only a small amount of olive oil, just enough to saute the veggies, and swapped the regular butter with coconut oil or applesauce.
  Instead of regular flour, I used whole wheat flour with a small amount of cornstarch to keep the sauce light but still thickened. I also substituted whole milk with unsweetened almond milk or skim milk. Both the options are lower in calories and still add creaminess to the sauce. This way I was able to enjoy the deliciousness of the original dish without blowing on my calories budget. 
• Dairy-Free: While serving this to my friend who has a dairy allergy, I swapped Italian shredded cheese for dairy-free version made from almond or cashews. Brands like Daiya or Violife have great options that melt nicely and still give you that cheesy vibe. 
  Then I looked for dairy-free butter like Earth Balance or coconut oil instead of regular butter and used unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. This version allowed my friend to enjoy all the cheesy goodness without any dairy. 
• Low-Sodium: When I needed to whip a low sodium version of Applebee’s 3 cheese chicken penne I knew I needed to get creative with the seasonings and the ingredients. Store bought Italian dressings can be a sodium bomb so I made my own by using extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs and lemon juice.
  Then I looked for Swiss cheese which is actually the lowest sodium cheese. For the regular butter, I opted for the unsalted butter, greek yoghurt or coconut oil. For the salt, I used a pinch of potassium chloride based salts like Nu-Salt or NoSalt and relied completely on herbs, spices and lemon juice to enrich the flavours. 

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 cream 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

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Conclusion 

I hope you enjoyed making this delectable Applebees’s cream 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.