Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne

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Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne combines comfort food staples into one irresistible dish: creamy Alfredo pasta, seasoned grilled chicken, a fresh tomato-basil bruschetta topping, and a blanket of melting cheeses. If you’ve ever savored this classic at Applebee’s and thought about making it at home, you’ll find this step-by-step guide simple, rewarding, and suited to any home kitchen.

What Makes This Dish a Favorite?

There’s a reason this pasta stands out on Applebee’s menu. It starts with tender penne tossed in rich Alfredo sauce. Grilled chicken, marinated for maximum flavor, is sliced and arranged over the pasta. Three different cheeses—each with their own texture and taste—melt on top. A generous spoonful of tomato and basil bruschetta finishes the dish, balancing the richness with freshness and zest. Every forkful blends creamy, cheesy, tangy, and herby notes.

Essential Ingredients

Below is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to replicate this comforting classic. 

• Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, preferably sliced into strips for faster, more even grilling.
• Italian dressing: Works as a marinade to infuse the chicken with robust, herby flavor.
• Penne pasta: Holds sauce inside its tubes, giving you the perfect bite every time.
• Alfredo sauce: Use a quality store-bought option or prepare your own with butter, cream, and parmesan.
• Cheese blend: Mozzarella (smoothness), Parmesan (sharpness), and Provolone (mild creaminess). Feel free to swap in Asiago or white cheddar for variation.
• Bruschetta topping: Diced ripe tomatoes, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh basil bring the final lively touch.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

These ingredients work together to achieve Applebee’s signature balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Three Cheese Chicken Penne at home is straightforward. Organize your ingredients and equipment before starting. 

Marinate and Grill the Chicken

• Place your chicken breast in a bowl or resealable bag. Pour enough Italian dressing over to coat.
• Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Overnight is fine if you want deeper flavor.
• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side, until the juices run clear.
• Let the chicken rest for five minutes, then slice strips.

Tip: If using leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, skip the marinade and simply slice for later assembly.

Prepare the Pasta and Alfredo Sauce

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the penne and cook until al dente—usually about 9–11 minutes. Drain well.
• In a saucepan, heat your Alfredo sauce until just simmering. For homemade sauce, gently cook butter and cream, stir in fresh Parmesan, and season with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg.

Tip: Warming the sauce—not boiling—keeps the texture smooth.

Make the Bruschetta Topping

• Dice ripe tomatoes and drain off excess liquid to avoid watering down the topping.
• Mix with chopped basil, minced garlic, and a splash of olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Optional: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang.

Assemble the Pasta

• Toss the cooked penne with the warmed Alfredo sauce in a large bowl until coated.
• Plate the sauced pasta in shallow bowls or a serving platter.
• Top with slices of grilled chicken.
• Generously sprinkle mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan over the chicken and pasta.
• Place under a broiler for two or three minutes to melt the cheese, if desired.
• Finish with a generous scoop of the tomato bruschetta mixture.

Flavor Variations and Ingredient Swaps

This dish is easy to make your own. Here are a few suggestions:

• Cheese: Try swapping Asiago or white cheddar for provolone or mozzarella for a sharper finish.
• Pasta: Rigatoni or ziti can stand in for penne and provide a similar experience.
• Chicken: Use leftover roast chicken or even pan-seared chicken tenders for a quicker meal.
• Bruschetta: Add roasted red peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a boost of flavor.

Customization is simple and allows you to adapt the recipe to your own taste—or just what you have in the fridge.

Techniques for a Restaurant-Quality Finish

• Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Always add cheese right before serving to maintain that gooey, indulgent texture.
• Use freshly grated cheeses. Pre-shredded varieties often have coatings that prevent smooth melting.
• Drain diced tomatoes for bruschetta to keep the topping fresh, not watery.
• Broil assembled pasta to slightly toast the cheese for more flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Three Cheese Chicken Penne is a full meal, but a few side pairings enhance the experience. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or a simple garlic toast work well. Sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine keeps the meal balanced.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. For best results, cover pasta with extra Alfredo sauce before chilling. Reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until hot, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Common Questions and Troubleshooting

Can I use different meats? Yes, cooked chopped turkey or grilled shrimp both make great substitutes.

What if my Alfredo sauce is too thick or thin? If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of milk or heavy cream. If too thin, simmer gently until reduced.

Can I make it in advance? Cook pasta, chicken, cheese, and bruschetta separately. Assemble and broil just before serving for the freshest results.

Recipe Card

Summary

Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne brings together grilled chicken, tangy tomato, rich cheese, and creamy Alfredo with a dash of Italian comfort. From the first bite, it delivers a blend of flavors and textures impossible to resist. With just a few steps and some attention to detail, you can recreate this crowd-pleaser at home and easily tweak it to suit your cravings. 

This homemade version isn’t just for special occasions. With its familiar flavors and adaptable technique, it’s perfect for any night you’re craving restaurant-style satisfaction right from your own kitchen.