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Easy Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe

A super simple and classic dish at Applebees is the Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta. Check out this super popular copycat recipe from Applebee’s restaurant.

What is Chicken Penne Pasta?

The combination of tender chicken, penne pasta and a creamy sauce will have you coming back for more!

What’s in Chicken Penne Pasta?

The classic recipe includes cooked penne pasta tossed with grilled chicken breast, asparagus, red bell pepper and seasoned with garlic, basil and oregano. Topped with Parmesan cheese.

Is Applebee’s Three-Cheese Chicken Penne good?

It’s delicious! My husband is a huge fan and gets it every time we go to the applebee’s restaurant chain. This applebee’s three-cheese chicken penne recipe is made with chop tomatoes and it’s great with a side of garlic bread!

It’s one of those alfredo style pasta dishes with a rich parmesan cream sauce and a layer of chicken over cooked pasta and roma tomatoes. It’s a hearty chicken dish with three kinds of cheese in this applebee’s dish.

How long has Applebees been serving this awesome recipe?

Chicken Penne Pasta dates back to the very first Applebees which opened in across from Krogers on Seneca Parkway in 1983! This secret restaurant recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts, bruschetta tomatoes, fresh basil, italian cheeses for this chicken pasta bake.

If you want a copycat Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe check out this one below! Don’t forget to cook pasta in salted water!

What ingredients do you need for this Chicken Penne Pasta?

Applebees Three Cheese Penne Pasta Ingredients

chicken breasts (You can cut into thin strips or bite size pieces)
Italian salad dressing
penne pasta
alfredo sauce
Italian cheese mix, shredded (Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, Provolone)
tomatoes
basil
cloves
olive oil
salt and black pepper to taste

This awesome pasta is cooked in a casserole dish and it’s so yummy! If you have a craving for this dish and are looking to make it for dinner tonight, grab these simple recipes and let’s get it done!

This cheese chicken penne pasta is one of those quick meals that you keep in your recipe box.

For the calorie breakdown of each serving of Applebee’s Chicken Penne Pasta check out the recipe card below.

How do you store leftovers of this great pasta dish?

Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta into a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave safe lid or plastic wrap and heat until warmed through. Enjoy!

Enjoy this classic Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta tonight!

Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta

Can you freeze this recipe?

You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a saucepan with a little olive oil until warm. Enjoy!

Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta

What are some tips for making this Chicken Penne Pasta?

– Make sure your chicken is cooked through before adding it to the sauce.

– Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.

– If you don’t have Italian salad dressing, use extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

– Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for a stronger flavor.

– Be sure to cook your pasta in salted water for that extra flavor.

– Serve with a side of garlic bread and a green salad for the perfect meal!

Enjoy this classic Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta tonight! This recipe will surely be a hit with your family and friends. In addition, if you want to make it even more special, add some spicy pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage.

With these tips, you can now easily make this delicious Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta at home in just a few simple steps.

The best part is that you get to use fresh ingredients and make this popular dish for your family with a little extra love from the chef.

What are some variations to this recipe?

You can customize this recipe according to your preferences. Add some veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. You could also replace the chicken with cooked Italian sausage if you prefer. For a creamier dish, add a cup of heavy cream to the sauce before simmering. Finally, sprinkle some red chili flakes and oregano on top for an extra kick of flavor.

Enjoy this classic Applebees Chicken Penne Pasta with your family tonight!

Here are some more fun chicken recipes to try:

If you are looking for more amazing delicious pasta recipes be sure to check out this comprehensive list –>  The Best Pasta Recipes For Weeknight Dinners!
Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Copycat Recipe
Yield: 6-8 servings

Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Copycat Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This amazing Applebees copycat three cheese penne pasta is so great and easy to make for dinner without having to order takeout!

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts (You can cut into thin strips or bite size pieces)
  • 1⁄3 cup Italian salad dressing
  • 3 cups penne pasta
  • 15 ounces alfredo sauce
  • 4 ounces Italian cheese mix, shredded (Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan, Provolone)
  • 2 fresh tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon basil
  • 2 -3 garlic cloves
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop Chicken and marinate in Italian dressing for 30 minute.
  2. Chop tomatoes, add oil chopped Garlic and basil to make bruschetta. Set aside.
  3. Boil pasta in heavily salted water for 11-12 mins (don’t over cook since its going in the oven).
  4. Drain pasta, toss in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  5. Grill or broil chicken for 4-5 mins on each side (I used my Ninja foodie grill on 500 degrees)
  6. Over the stove heat up the alfredo sauce (plus ¼ cup water) until boiling. Stir well.
  7. In an 8*8 pan pour in pasta, followed by the sauce. (Stir to coat all the pasta)
  8. Top with bruschetta.
  9. Add chicken and then top with Italian cheeses.
  10. Bake in a 425 degree oven for 6-8 mins until bubbly.
  11. Serve with Garlic bread.

Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 552Total Fat 42gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 20gCholesterol 109mgSodium 854mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 22g

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Drea

Tuesday 22nd of February 2022

Ok, this looks delicious! We love pasta around my way, so I'll def be trying this recipe soon. Thanks for sharing!

Nellie

Saturday 26th of February 2022

You are welcome! Let me know how you love it!

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