Copycat Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne. This delectable dish is a harmony of flavors, blending succulent grilled chicken with al dente penne pasta, all coated in a luxurious three-cheese sauce that’s simply irresistible.

If you’ve ever found yourself craving this dish and wondering if you could recreate it at home, you’re in luck!

In this blog post, we’ll unveil a copycat recipe that allows you to indulge in the magic of Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne from the comfort of your own kitchen.

How to Grill the Chicken for Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

What You Need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Preparing the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs.
• Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, set aside to rest.

Making the Sauce for Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Three Cheese Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour and whisk constantly to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
• Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and shredded Cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking the Pasta

What You’ll Need:

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 10 Cups of Boiling Water
• Salt for pasta water

Cook the Penne Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain the pasta and set aside.

Note: If you don’t have penne pasta you can use any kind of pasta for this recipe.

Final Touches for Copycat Applebees Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipe

What You’ll Need:

• Cooked Pasta
• Sauce
• Grilled Chicken
• Added Veggies: I like to add sliced tomatoes, pieces of broccoli, or a handful of chopped spinach.

Combine and Serve:

• Slice the grilled chicken into strips.
• Toss the cooked penne pasta with the three cheese sauce until well coated.
• Arrange the pasta on serving plates and top with the sliced grilled chicken.

Printable Recipe for Copycat Applebees 3 Cheese Chicken Penne

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