Applebee's Style 3 Cheese Chicken Penne

Recreate the comforting, restaurant-quality flavors of *Applebee's Style 3 Cheese Chicken Penne* right in your kitchen with this irresistible recipe. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts served over perfectly cooked penne pasta, this dish is wrapped in a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce made with Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar. The addition of marinara sauce adds a tangy, savory depth, while a golden, bubbly cheese topping takes this baked pasta to the next level. Quick to prepare and oven-baked to perfection in just under an hour, this dish is perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and enjoy a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes just like your favorite Applebee's classic!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp Flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups Marinara sauce
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the cheddar. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Add the marinara sauce and mix until well coated.

Step 8

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the sliced chicken, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1884.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3625.0

Total Fat 159.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.0g
Cholesterol 649.7mg	0%
Sodium 5366.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.6g	0%
Total Sugars 33.1g
Protein 240.0g	0%

Vitamin D 242.2IU	0%
Calcium 2747.5mg	0%
Iron 19.1mg	0%
Potassium 2612.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.5%

Protein: 26.5%

Carbs: 34.0%