Applebee’s Three-Cheese Chicken Penne: Price, Calories & Nutrition (Updated 2026)

Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
Craving something creamy, cheesy, and filling? Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne is one of the most popular pasta dishes on the whole menu. It blends grilled chicken and penne pasta in a rich, three-cheese cream sauce, topped with fresh bruschetta tomatoes.
But how much does it cost? How many calories does it have? And is it really worth ordering?
This guide covers all of that. You’ll find the current price, calories, full nutrition facts, ingredients, taste reviews, and simple ordering tips. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect before you order.
Quick Overview Table
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $16.59 (varies by location) |
| Calories | About 1,340 kcal |
| Category | Pasta |
| Available Sauces | Three-cheese Parmesan cream sauce (signature) |
| Best For | Cheese lovers, comfort food cravings |
| Portion Size | Penne, chicken, cheese sauce, plus a signature breadstick |
What Is Applebee’s Three Cheese Chicken Penne?
This dish mixes Asiago, Parmesan, and white cheddar into a rich Parmesan cream sauce, then tosses it all with penne pasta. Applebee’s tops it with grilled chicken breast and fresh bruschetta tomatoes.
The pasta itself is firm and holds the sauce well. The cheese sauce is thick and cheesy, without feeling overly heavy the way a straight Alfredo sauce can. The bruschetta tomatoes add a fresh, slightly tangy bite that cuts through all that richness.
Applebee’s serves it hot, alongside a signature breadstick brushed with garlic butter and parsley. It’s a full entrée built for anyone who wants real cheesy comfort food.
Customers love this dish because it’s more complex than a basic Alfredo. The mix of three cheeses gives it more depth, and the bruschetta tomatoes keep it from feeling one-note. It’s a favorite for pasta lovers who want something a little different from the standard chicken Alfredo.
Also See : Applebee’s Pasta Menu
Ingredients
The Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Applebee’s is a flavorful dish that has following key ingredients:
- Penne pasta
- Grilled chicken breast
- Asiago cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- White cheddar cheese
- Rich Parmesan cream sauce
- Bruschetta tomatoes (diced tomato, basil, garlic)
- Signature breadstick with garlic butter and parsley
There’s no breading on the chicken here, it’s grilled, not fried. Applebee’s seasons it lightly so the flavor doesn’t fight with all that cheese.
The three-cheese blend is really what sets this dish apart from a basic Alfredo. Asiago brings a nutty, sharp flavor, Parmesan adds saltiness, and white cheddar rounds it out with extra creaminess. The bruschetta tomatoes on top add freshness and a little acidity, which helps balance the richness of the sauce.
Customization Options
| Side Items | Price | Additional Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Breadstick | $0.69 | Subtracts 180 Cal |
| Bruschetta | $0.79 | Subtracts 25 Cal |
| Parmesan Cheese | – | Subtracts 20 Cal |
Nutritional Information Applebee’s Three-Cheese Chicken Penne
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1340 | – |
| Total Fat | 71g | 91% |
| Saturated Fat | 40g | 200% |
| Trans Fat | 2g | – |
| Cholesterol | 315mg | 105% |
| Sodium | 2720mg | 118% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 102g | 37% |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g | 25% |
| Sugars | 12g | – |
| Protein | 77g | – |
Nutrition Summary
Calories
1340
Fat
71g
Carbs
102g
Protein
77g
Calorie Burn Time
A person weighing 150 lbs would need to engage in following specific exercises to burn off1340 calories from one serving of Three-Cheese Chicken Penne from Applebee’s.
Allergens
| Allergen | Contains? |
|---|---|
| Milk | Yes |
| Egg | Yes |
| Wheat | Yes |
| Soy | Yes |
| Fish | No |
| Shellfish | No |
| Sesame | No |
Taste Review: What Does It Actually Taste Like?
- Flavor: Rich, cheesy, and a little tangy, with the bruschetta tomatoes adding a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Texture: Firm pasta, tender chicken, and a smooth, thick cheese sauce that coats every bite.
- Sauce quality: Noticeably more complex than a standard Alfredo, thanks to the three-cheese blend.
- Portion: This is a big meal. Between the pasta and the breadstick, most people will leave full.
- Freshness: Applebee’s cooks the chicken and tosses the pasta to order, so it usually arrives hot, not sitting under a heat lamp.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, filling portion for the price | High in calories and sodium |
| More complex flavor than a basic Alfredo | Very rich, not ideal for lighter appetites |
| Comes with a warm signature breadstick | No sauce variety compared to other Applebee’s items |
| Real grilled chicken and fresh bruschetta tomatoes | Flavor consistency can vary by location |
| Half-size option available at some locations |
Final Verdict
Applebee’s Three-Cheese Chicken Penne is a strong pick if you want rich, cheesy comfort food with a bit more depth than a standard Alfredo. It’s best for cheese lovers and anyone who wants a full, satisfying pasta dinner.
For the best experience, order it as-is and enjoy the bruschetta tomatoes on top. Pair it with a side Caesar salad and an iced tea for a well-rounded meal. If you’re counting calories closely, consider the half-size portion where it’s available. But as a full entrée, this dish delivers real value and standout flavor.
