Name: Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that stays juicy and tender when properly marinated.; 1 cup Italian salad dressing – Works as a flavorful marinade and helps lock in moisture.; 3 cups penne pasta – The ridged shape holds creamy sauce in every bite.; 15 ounces Alfredo sauce – Creates the rich (smooth base of the dish.); 8 ounces shredded Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, parmesan, provolone – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.); 4 Roma tomatoes (seeded and chopped – Adds freshness and balances the creamy texture.); 4 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped – Brings a bright, aromatic flavor to the dish.); 2 garlic cloves (minced – Enhances savory depth and overall flavor.); 6 tablespoons olive oil – Helps bind the tomato topping and adds richness.

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Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne | Easy & Creamy Dinner

When I made this Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe at home, I honestly felt like I was eating at a restaurant. I love rich, creamy pasta dishes, and this one completely delivered on flavor and comfort. The tender grilled chicken, cheesy sauce, and fresh tomato topping came together beautifully.

I was surprised by how easy it was to recreate this classic favorite. After one bite, I knew this recipe would become a regular in my kitchen. You can also enjoy similar vibrant flavors in the Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon Recipe for a quick seafood option.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Lean protein that stays juicy and tender when properly marinated.
• 1 cup Italian salad dressing – Works as a flavorful marinade and helps lock in moisture.
• 3 cups penne pasta – The ridged shape holds creamy sauce in every bite.
• 15 ounces Alfredo sauce – Creates the rich, smooth base of the dish.
• 8 ounces shredded Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, parmesan, provolone) – Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer.
• 4 Roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped – Adds freshness and balances the creamy texture.
• 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped – Brings a bright, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Enhances savory depth and overall flavor.
• 6 tablespoons olive oil – Helps bind the tomato topping and adds richness.

Note: Several servings – This recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings. You could also pair this dish with a fun appetizer like the Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Breadsticks Recipe for a festive meal spread.

Variations

This recipe is easy to customize depending on your taste or dietary needs.

Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free Alfredo sauce and plant-based cheese alternatives.
Lower-fat version: Choose light Alfredo sauce and reduce the cheese slightly.
Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Vegetable boost: Fresh spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers work beautifully.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long everything takes from start to finish:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Having the right tools makes cooking smoother and faster.

• Large pot – For boiling pasta evenly
• Grill or grill pan – Adds flavor and texture to the chicken
• Mixing bowls – For marinating chicken and mixing toppings
• 9×13 baking dish – Holds the pasta while baking
• Knife and cutting board – For prep work
• Oven or broiler – Melts cheese to perfection

How to Make Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe?

This recipe comes together easily when broken into simple steps.

Marinate the Chicken

I started by placing the chicken breasts in a bowl and coating them with Italian dressing. After covering, I refrigerated them for at least two hours. This step made the chicken incredibly flavorful and tender.

Prepare the Bruschetta Topping

While the chicken marinated, I mixed chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil in a bowl. This fresh topping adds brightness and contrast to the creamy pasta.

Cook the Penne

I boiled the penne in salted water until al dente, then drained it thoroughly. Keeping the pasta firm helps it hold up under the creamy sauce.

Grill the Chicken

The marinated chicken was grilled over medium-high heat until fully cooked. After resting briefly, I sliced it into strips for easy serving.

Assemble and Bake

I combined the cooked pasta, Alfredo sauce, and chicken in a greased baking dish. After topping it with shredded cheese, I baked it until bubbly and lightly golden.

Finish and Serve

Just before serving, I spooned the fresh tomato basil mixture over the hot pasta. This final step adds color, freshness, and extra flavor.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this dish a few times, these tips really helped improve the results:

• I always use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
• Letting the chicken marinate longer adds deeper flavor.
• I season the Alfredo sauce lightly with black pepper for balance.
• Allowing the pasta to rest after baking helps it set nicely.

How to Serve Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe?

This dish is best served hot and fresh from the oven. I like garnishing it with extra basil for a pop of color. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta. Serving it in shallow bowls makes the presentation more appealing.

Nutritional Information

This dish is hearty and satisfying. Approximate values per serving include:

• Calories: High and filling
• Protein: Rich due to grilled chicken
• Carbohydrates: Comes mainly from pasta
• Fat: From cheese and Alfredo sauce

Make Ahead and Storage

Refrigerating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked pasta without the tomato topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven or microwave. Adding a splash of milk or sauce helps restore creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is a favorite for many reasons:

• Comfort food perfection – Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
• Simple to prepare – Easy steps and common ingredients.
• Customizable – Adjust flavors and add-ins easily.
• Great for families – Makes enough to feed everyone.
• Restaurant-style flavor at home – No dining out required.

Ben Carraoli