Golden seared chicken bites glazed in garlic butter, nestled on a bed of tender penne pasta, all draped in a dreamy, creamy three-cheese sauce. Every forkful of this dish is rich with bold flavor, from the caramelized garlic to the sun-dried tomatoes sprinkled over top. It’s a dinner that feels like it came straight from a cozy Italian bistro.

This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce isn’t just hearty, it’s comfort food done right. The combination of juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and al dente pasta makes it a weeknight favorite and a weekend indulgence. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself to a flavor-packed meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Chicken Penne with Creamy Three-Cheese Sauce

This dish hits the sweet spot between luxurious and simple. It offers the richness of a restaurant-style pasta dish without complicated steps. The garlic butter adds depth, while the trio of cheeses ensures every bite is smooth, savory, and a little indulgent.

What makes this even better is its versatility. You can use leftover chicken, swap in different cheeses, or even make it vegetarian. It’s that flexible and flavorful.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Garlic Butter Chicken Penne shine, you don’t need fancy tools—just a few kitchen staples:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For searing chicken and melting garlic butter. It helps create golden, flavorful bits.
Medium Saucepan: Ideal for melting the cheeses and building a smooth, creamy sauce.
Large Pot: Used to boil the penne pasta to al dente perfection.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and herbs.
Whisk: Essential to keep your cheese sauce lump-free.

Each tool plays a crucial role in achieving the final result: tender chicken, perfectly coated pasta, and a sauce that hugs every piece.

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

Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless): The main protein, juicy and seasoned perfectly to carry the garlic butter flavor.
Penne Pasta: Its tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter (unsalted): Forms the base for the garlic butter glaze.
Garlic (freshly minced): Infuses the butter and chicken with rich, savory depth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a tangy, slightly sweet note and a pop of color.
Heavy Cream: Provides a thick, creamy base for the cheese sauce.
Mozzarella Cheese: Offers melty texture and mild flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings sharpness and nutty undertones.
Fontina Cheese: Smooth melting with buttery richness.
Parsley (chopped): For a fresh finish.
Salt & Black Pepper: To enhance all the layers of flavor.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken breast cubes with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt butter and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt more butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and whisk in mozzarella, Parmesan, and Fontina until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked penne to the garlic butter pan. Pour in the cheese sauce and toss until evenly coated. Top with seared chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Chicken Penne

To Serve: This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, hot off the stove. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, or even a pinch of chili flakes for heat. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

To Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its creamy texture. Freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy in the sauce.