Creamy 3-Cheese Chicken Penne Fiesta
This Creamy 3-Cheese Chicken Penne Fiesta is inspired by the beloved flavors of Applebee's signature dish but takes a delightful twist for a homemade experience. Utilizing a rich roasted garlic Alfredo sauce for ease, this recipe combines succulent grilled chicken with a savory blend of provolone, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, all enveloped in tender penne pasta. Fresh bruschetta made from diced tomatoes and basil adds a refreshing burst of flavor that complements the creamy richness, creating a beautifully balanced dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, serve this dish alongside warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh basil leaves
1 teaspoon (sliced thin)
Roma tomatoes
2 (small diced)
Garlic clove
1 (pressed)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon
Chicken breast
1 lb
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Italian spices
1/2 teaspoon
Button mushrooms
5 (sliced)
Purple onion
1 tablespoon (very thin sliced (optional))
Roasted garlic Alfredo sauce
1 (16 ounce) jar
Provolone cheese
2 ounces (chopped or shredded)
Grated parmesan cheese
2 ounces
Mozzarella cheese
2 ounces (cut into pieces or shredded)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons
Penne pasta
1/2 lb (cooked according to package directions)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and Italian spices. Coat the chicken breasts with this marinade and seal in a plastic bag or vacuum-sealed container. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to a couple of hours for enhanced flavor.
2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the bruschetta topping by mixing the diced roma tomatoes, sliced fresh basil, pressed garlic, salt, and ½ teaspoon of olive oil in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3
Preheat the grill to medium heat and cook the marinated chicken until thoroughly cooked and juices run clear, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
4
As the chicken grills, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
5
In a heavy skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the sliced mushrooms and purple onion (if using) until tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
6
Pour the jar of roasted garlic Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the sautéed mushrooms and onion, then add the drained cooked penne pasta. Stir to combine.
7
Add the sliced chicken to the skillet mixture and gently mix until everything is well incorporated. Heat the skillet over medium heat until the mixture is bubbly.
8
Sprinkle the provolone, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese into the skillet and stir until the cheeses are thoroughly melted and combined.
9
Serve the creamy pasta in individual dishes, generously topping each serving with the prepared bruschetta mixture. Pair with warm garlic bread or sticks for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy 3-Cheese Chicken Penne Fiesta?
It is a homemade version of Applebee's signature dish featuring grilled chicken, a rich roasted garlic Alfredo sauce, and three types of cheese.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a couple of hours for the best flavor.
What ingredients are in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian spices.
What three cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses provolone cheese, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
How do you prepare the bruschetta topping?
Mix diced roma tomatoes, sliced fresh basil, pressed garlic, salt, and olive oil in a bowl, then refrigerate until serving.
What type of pasta is required for this dish?
This recipe calls for 1/2 lb of penne pasta, cooked according to package directions.
How should the chicken be cooked?
The marinated chicken should be grilled over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side until juices run clear.
What type of Alfredo sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one 16-ounce jar of roasted garlic Alfredo sauce.
Are there any vegetables sautéed in this dish?
Yes, sliced button mushrooms and optional thinly sliced purple onion are sautéed in olive oil.
Is the purple onion mandatory?
No, the thinly sliced purple onion is an optional ingredient.
When should the cheese be added to the pasta?
Add the cheeses to the skillet once the chicken, sauce, and pasta are combined and heated until bubbly.
How is the basil prepared for the topping?
The fresh basil leaves should be sliced thin before being added to the bruschetta mixture.
What side dish pairs well with this recipe?
This dish is best served with warm garlic bread or garlic sticks.
How much chicken is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of chicken breast.
What is the preparation method for the garlic in the bruschetta?
The garlic clove should be pressed before mixing it with the tomatoes and basil.
Should the pasta be drained before adding it to the sauce?
Yes, you should cook the penne according to package directions, drain it, and then set it aside until needed.
How long do the mushrooms and onions need to sauté?
They should be sautéed for approximately 3-4 minutes until they are tender.
How much of each cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of provolone, 2 ounces of parmesan, and 2 ounces of mozzarella.
Is this a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, utilizing a jarred Alfredo sauce makes this a convenient and quick meal for any night of the week.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
The recipe specifies 2 roma tomatoes, small diced, as they provide the best texture for bruschetta.
At what temperature should the skillet be set when adding sauce?
The skillet should be over medium heat to allow the mixture to become bubbly.
How should the chicken be sliced after grilling?
After the chicken has rested, it should be sliced into bite-sized pieces.
Is any salt added to the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included in the bruschetta topping mixture.
How many mushrooms are used in the dish?
The recipe calls for 5 button mushrooms, sliced.
What is the primary flavor profile of this pasta?
The dish is characterized by a creamy, cheesy roasted garlic flavor balanced by fresh, zesty tomato bruschetta.
What is the preparation for the provolone cheese?
The provolone cheese should be either chopped or shredded before being added to the skillet.
Do you add the bruschetta directly into the skillet?
No, the bruschetta is used as a fresh topping for individual servings rather than being mixed into the hot pasta.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
Two teaspoons of olive oil are used in the heavy skillet to sauté the mushrooms and onion.
Is this dish considered Italian cuisine?
Yes, with ingredients like pasta, Alfredo sauce, parmesan, and basil, it is categorized as Italian cuisine.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed in the recipe instructions and details.