When it comes to enjoying a delectable plate of pasta, nothing beats the flavor and texture of Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne. The dish is a harmonious blend of juicy grilled chicken and melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, including Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar. Although the exact recipe for Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne remains a trade secret, there's no denying that it has become a fan favorite among foodies all over the world. Here, we delve into what makes the dish so special and why it's worth a try.

The Ingredients

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne comprises several ingredients that work together to create a flavorful dish. The dish has tender cuts of grilled chicken breast, which are savory and mouth-watering. The cheese sauce consists of a blend of three distinct cheeses - Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar - which adds a rich, creamy texture to the dish. The creamy cheese sauce also contains roasted garlic, which enhances the dish's overall flavor. The penne pasta, which is used in the dish, is an Italian classic that serves as the perfect base for the savory chicken and creamy cheese sauce.

The Cooking Process

The cooking process of Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne involves grilling the chicken breast until it's fully cooked. The chicken is then sliced into small pieces and mixed with the cheese sauce, which is prepared separately. The cheese sauce is made by combining Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar cheeses along with a few other ingredients like butter, cream, and roasted garlic. The ingredients are cooked together until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, thick sauce. The penne pasta is boiled separately and mixed with the chicken and the cheese sauce. The dish is garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley before being served.

The Flavor Profile

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne is a dish that's packed with flavor. The tender chicken breast is succulent and juicy, while the three cheeses - Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Cheddar - provide a creamy and tangy flavor profile to the dish. The roasted garlic adds a sweet, caramelized taste to the dish, while the penne pasta serves as a perfect base for the savory chicken and creamy cheese sauce. All these ingredients together create a dish that's a perfect balance of textures, flavors and aromas.

The Popularity

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne has quickly become one of the most popular dishes among Applebee's loyal customers. The entrée has been on the Applebee's menu since 2010 and is still going strong. The combination of tender grilled chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and penne pasta has proven to be a delightful experience for the taste buds, making it a crowd favorite. The dish is often ordered for lunch or dinner, and some Applebee's branches even include it on their catering menu.

The Happiness Factor

There's no doubt that food plays a big role in making people happy, and Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne is no exception. The dish has a comforting texture and flavor that elicits good feelings in almost everyone who tastes it. It's also one of those dishes that can be enjoyed alone or shared with friends and family, making it a perfect meal option for social gatherings. Eating out at Applebee's and indulging in a plate of Three Cheese Chicken Penne has become a treasured ritual for many foodies.

Conclusion

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne is a classic dish that has captivated taste buds everywhere. The combination of tender chicken, savory cheese sauce, and penne pasta creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that's hard to resist. While the recipe remains a secret, the dish's popularity continues to grow, and one thing is for sure - it's a meal that's sure to make almost everyone happy. Whether it's for lunch or dinner or even catering, Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne is a dish that's worth trying.

Valuable tips to consider when making Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne Recipes

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne is a popular menu item that combines grilled chicken, penne pasta, and a blend of three cheeses in a creamy Alfredo sauce. This dish is a favorite among pasta lovers and serves as a great comfort food for any occasion. With the following guidelines, you can cook a perfect plate of Three Cheese Chicken Penne that is both delicious and affordable.

1. Choose quality ingredients

The quality of the ingredients you use will have a significant impact on the end product's taste and texture. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, from the chicken breast to the cheese, to ensure that your meal is flavorful and satisfying.

Chicken breast

If you want to make a perfect chicken penne pasta, you need to start with high-quality chicken breasts. Look for skinless, boneless chicken breasts that are free-range or organic, as they tend to be leaner and have a better flavor. You'll also want to make sure you don't overcook the chicken breast as it will turn out dry and tough.

Pasta

When it comes to pasta, you have a variety of choices. However, penne pasta works best for this recipe as its shape can hold the sauce and cheese well. Choose high-quality pasta made from durum wheat as it is more firm and has a better texture when cooked.

Cheese

The cheese is an integral part of this dish, and it is where the recipe's flavor profile comes from. Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne uses a blend of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheeses. You can use any of these cheeses or any other high-quality cheese of your choice, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

2. Don't overcook the pasta

Overcooking the pasta will make it mushy and lose its texture. Cook the pasta al dente, which means it is still slightly firm to the bite, and drain it immediately. Adding cold water to the cooked pasta will stop the cooking process.

3. Properly cook the chicken

Cook the chicken thoroughly, but don't overcook it as it will become dry and chewy. Here are some tips for cooking perfect chicken breasts:

Tenderize the chicken

To ensure a tender chicken, tenderize the chicken breasts before cooking by pounding them with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet. This helps to break down the fibers in the meat and prevent overcooking.

Marinate the chicken

Marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite marinade will add more flavor and tenderness. You can marinate the chicken breast for at least 30 minutes or overnight for a deeper flavor.

Grill or sear the chicken

The best way to cook chicken breasts is to grill or sear them. Heat a grill or a cast-iron skillet on high heat, add the chicken breasts, and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Make the Alfredo sauce from scratch

While you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce, making it from scratch will give you much better control over the recipe's taste and texture. You can use simple ingredients like butter, heavy cream, garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese to make a simple Alfredo sauce at home.

5. Add the right amount of cheese

Adding the right amount of cheese will give your dish the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. You can use a mix of grated Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago cheese, or any other cheese of your choice. However, don't overdo it as too much cheese will make the dish too greasy and heavy.

6. Mix the pasta, chicken, sauce, and cheese properly

Ensure that the pasta, chicken, Alfredo sauce, and cheese are mixed together properly. Use a large mixing bowl to mix these ingredients or toss them directly in the skillet. This ensures that the cheese blends well with the pasta and sauce, making every bite full of flavor.

7. Experiment with different variations

Once you have mastered the basic recipe, you can try different variations to spice up the dish. Some variations you can explore include:

Adding vegetables

You can add veggies such as broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to the pasta to make it healthier and more enjoyable.

Using different types of pasta

You can use different types of pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, to change up the dish's texture and flavor.

Using different types of cheese

Aside from using Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago, you can explore other cheese types such as mozzarella, provolone or even blue cheese to create a wholly different taste.

Conclusion

Applebee's Three Cheese Chicken Penne is not only an enjoyable dish but is also easy to make. By following the above tips, you can create a unique and flavorful plate that will impress even the most discerning of diners. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients, cook the chicken to the right degree, and experiment with different variations to make the dish your own. With these tips, you are well on your way to serving a hearty meal that is as delicious as it is nutritious.