Restaurant Style Pasta

Let me share my favorite restaurant copycat recipe that's become a weeknight staple in my house—this Three Cheese Chicken Penne is pure comfort food magic. After countless attempts to recreate Applebee's version, I think I've finally nailed that perfect balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh bruschetta. The best part? It's actually easier to make than you'd think.

What Makes This So Special

There's something about the combination of that rich alfredo sauce and fresh bruschetta topping that just works. My family loves how the warm, creamy pasta contrasts with the cool, zesty tomatoes. Every bite gives you perfectly seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and that incredible sauce. It's restaurant-quality comfort food right from your own kitchen.

What You'll Need

• Chicken Breast: 2, chopped into bite-sized pieces and grilled for a tender and flavorful protein base.
• Italian Salad Dressing: ½ cup, used as a marinade for juicy, seasoned chicken.
• Bruschetta: A mix of diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, and olive oil for a refreshing topping.
• Penne Pasta: 12 ounces, cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
• Alfredo Sauce: 2 cups, store-bought or homemade, for a creamy foundation.
• Shredded Italian Cheese: 1½ cups, a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for gooey, cheesy goodness.

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Let's Get Cooking

Marinate the Chicken

Place chicken pieces in a bowl with ½ cup Italian salad dressing. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 ounces of penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Bruschetta

Mix diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil in a bowl. Set aside for topping.

Grill the Chicken

Heat a skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Set aside.

Assemble the Dish

Toss cooked pasta with alfredo sauce. Layer with grilled chicken, bruschetta, and shredded cheese in a skillet or baking dish.

Optional Casserole Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake assembled dish for 30 minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.

Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta, ensuring each serving gets a mix of chicken, cheese, and bruschetta. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

My Pro Tips

Here's what I've learned from making this dozens of times: always use fresh tomatoes and basil for the bruschetta—it makes such a difference. Grate your own cheese—it melts so much better than pre-shredded. And on busy nights, I'll grab a rotisserie chicken from the store—it works perfectly and saves tons of time.

Make It Your Own

Don't be afraid to experiment with this recipe. Sometimes I'll throw in different pasta shapes or try new cheese combinations. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick, and my kids love when I add a crispy breadcrumb topping. The basic recipe is so solid you can really play with the variations.

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Perfect Pairings

We love serving this with a simple green salad and warm garlic bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce—trust me, you won't want to waste a drop. A glass of crisp white wine makes it feel extra special for date night at home.

Make Ahead Magic

This dish is perfect for meal prep. I often prepare the components separately—marinate and grill the chicken, cook the pasta, make the bruschetta—then store everything separately. When dinner time comes, just assemble and heat. Leftovers keep beautifully for a few days and might even taste better the next day.

Why You'll Love This

This recipe has saved me so many trips to the restaurant. It's just as good—maybe even better—because you can customize it exactly how you like. Plus, there's something special about recreating a restaurant favorite at home. Once you try it, you'll understand why it's become such a staple in our weekly dinner rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cheese blend works best?

A mix of mozzarella, parmesan and provolone gives the authentic restaurant taste.

→ Can I use pre-made bruschetta?

Fresh is best but store-bought bruschetta topping can work in a pinch.

→ What if I don't have a grill?

Chicken can be cooked in a skillet or under the broiler instead.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Prepare components separately, assemble and heat just before serving.

→ Why marinate the chicken?

Italian dressing adds flavor and helps keep chicken moist during cooking.

Conclusion

A delicious recreation of the Applebee's famous pasta dish, featuring marinated grilled chicken, creamy alfredo sauce, and a trio of cheeses, topped with fresh bruschetta for an authentic restaurant experience.