Applebee’s Is Releasing an All-New Menu Item, and I Tried It First

If you’re staying up to date on casual dining brands, then you know Applebee’s is always doing something cool. From its deals to its date nightsthe chain does a lot to make its restaurants fun and its food as delicious as it is affordable.

Whether you’re going for the All You Can Eat special or taking it a little lighter with the “2 for $25” dealthere’s always a good reason to stop in. And this summer is no different. There are several menu items that are my go-tos at Applebee’s, like the Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, as well as the boneless wings and the Whole Lot of Bacon Burger.

But Applebee’s is coming out with a brand new menu item that might have me changing my order. I got an early taste of this all-new pasta dish—here’s my honest review.

Applebee’s New Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta Review

Applebee’s new Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine features a crispy chicken breast filet covered in marinara sauce and finished with Parmesan cheese atop a bed of fettuccine noodles tossed in Parmesan cream sauce. The final product is a savory and saucy chicken pasta that keeps you coming back for more.

Of course, Applebee’s serves this pasta with its signature buttery garlic breadsticks to round out the meal. For a limited time, you can order the dish off the 2 for $25 menu at locations nationwide, which allows guests to order two full-size entrees and a choice of one appetizer or two side salads all for just $25.

This dish really combines two great recipes: Chicken Parmesan and Fettuccine alfredo. The star of the show is without a doubt the chicken filet with its crispy breading, which gives the dish great texture.

I can hear the Sicilian chef I used to work for—who’s traditional to his core—screaming in my ear: “No chicken on pasta!” But Applebee’s is not an Italian restaurant, and it’s serving those of us that want comfort food you don’t see every day.

The first thing I noticed when this plate hit the table was the rich smell of cheese and pasta. The chicken looks massive plated on top of the pasta. The marinara sauce oozes off the sides of the chicken onto the noodles. The sauce is a great complement to the chicken, and the dish as a whole. While it may not be as common to plate red sauce with white sauce, it works here. The bright acidic flavor of the marinara helps cut through the richness of the cream sauce for a perfect pairing.

As for pasta in this dish, the creamy Parmesan sauce tastes like a classic white sauce you’d get at your local Italian restaurant. It’s creamy, cheesy, rich, and something I could scarf down any time.

The portion of this dish is large—one I could never finish in one sitting, which is not a negative in my book. You get great value for the price, and the leftovers reheat well for a quick lunch the next day.

“Whether you’re looking to channel an ‘Italian summer’ or relax with a backyard cookout, we’ve got you covered with our new Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine and Big Bangin’ Burger,” says Reid Leslie, Vice President of Marketing, Applebee’s. “This chicken pasta pairs perfectly with some of our most popular appetizers, like Boneless Wings,” says Leslie.

More Items on Applebee’s New Menu

As Leslie teased, the Chicken Parmesan Fettucine isn’t the only new item coming to Applebee’s. A new burger, along with a few summer-inspired drinks, are now available—and yes, you need to try them all.

• BIG Bangin’ Burger – Another new option featured on Applebee’s “2 for $25” menu, this burger features an all-beef patty topped with two slices of American cheese and a new sweet and spicy secret sauce made with jalapeños and bacon, all served on a brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles.
• Perfect Watermelon Margarita – For a summery libation, try the new margarita made with 1800 Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, watermelon, and lime.
• Watermelon Lime Rush – If you’re looking for a fun, non-alcoholic beverage, opt for this fusion of Red Bull, strawberry, and lemon lime soda.
• Strawberry Lemon Sunshine – A 50 cent donation from each in-restaurant sale of this strawberry lemonade will go directly to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.