Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine: The Ultimate Easy Leftover Chicken Recipe
In the culinary world, giving new life to leftovers is an art form, and this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine masterfully achieves it. This incredibly satisfying meal takes cooked chicken and transforms it into a vibrant, flavorful dish bursting with fresh vegetables and rich, creamy pasta. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, offering a comforting and wholesome dinner that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to eat.
Imagine tender penne pasta, succulent pieces of chicken, earthy mushrooms, crisp red bell pepper, and nutrient-packed spinach, all coated in a luxurious cream of chicken sauce enhanced by a delightful blend of cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, this dish promises to become a family favorite, proving that convenience doesn’t have to compromise on taste or quality.
The Ultimate Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine Recipe
Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta
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Ingredients
- 8 oz. pkg. penne pasta, cooked al dente and well-drained
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- cooking spray
- 8 oz. mushrooms, fresh, sliced
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 12 oz. bag fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 16 oz. container cottage cheese, small curd recommended
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk, any preferred type
- 10.5 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted for rich flavor
Instructions
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Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures the oven is ready for baking as soon as your pasta mixture is assembled.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables until they are tender and slightly softened, about 5-7 minutes. Once tender, stir in the chopped fresh baby spinach, dried oregano, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has completely wilted down. Remove the skillet from the heat.
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In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk, whisking until smooth and thoroughly blended. Gently fold in the cottage cheese, the sautéed vegetable and spinach mixture, the cooked penne pasta, and the cubed or shredded cooked chicken. Add ¾ cup of the sharp cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything gently until all ingredients are uniformly combined. Transfer this delicious mixture into a baking dish that has been lightly prepared with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Finally, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition per serving
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Why You’ll Love This Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine
This isn’t just another chicken pasta recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Weeknight Meal: With just 10 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time, this dish is perfect for busy schedules. Most of the cooking time is hands-off baking, allowing you to focus on other tasks.
- Smart Use of Leftovers: Say goodbye to food waste! This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked chicken, transforming it into a fresh and exciting meal.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of three cheeses (cottage, cheddar, Parmesan) creates a rich, complex, and incredibly satisfying creamy sauce. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian aroma, while sautéed vegetables provide sweetness and depth.
- Nutrient-Rich: Fresh baby spinach, mushrooms, and red bell pepper add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this a wholesome choice for the whole family.
- Family-Friendly: Pasta and chicken are universal crowd-pleasers. The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender ingredients make it appealing even to picky eaters.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake. This dish delivers that cozy, satisfying feeling every time.
Tips for Perfect Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta
To ensure your Chicken Penne Florentine turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your penne pasta al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly firm pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Sauté Vegetables Properly: Ensure your mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers are tender before mixing. This brings out their natural sweetness and prevents a raw texture in the final dish.
- Chop Spinach Coarsely: Chopping the spinach prevents long strands in the dish and helps it integrate smoothly into the sauce. Baby spinach wilts quickly, adding vibrant color and nutrients.
- Evenly Distribute Ingredients: When mixing everything together, make sure all ingredients are well combined. This ensures every bite has a balanced flavor and texture.
- Use Quality Cheeses: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan will melt beautifully and provide superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Remember that condensed soup and cheeses already contribute to the saltiness.
- Baking Dish Size: Use a baking dish that’s appropriately sized for 6 servings (typically a 9×13 inch casserole dish works well) to allow for even heating and bubbling.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine is highly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Vegetable Swaps:
- Add zucchini or yellow squash, finely diced, to the sauté.
- Include frozen peas or corn (add directly to the mix, no need to sauté).
- Swap red bell pepper for green, yellow, or orange for different flavor notes.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) for a more intense, sweet-tart flavor profile.
- Protein Alternatives:
- Instead of chicken, use cooked turkey (perfect after Thanksgiving!).
- Cooked sausage (Italian sausage, crumbled and browned) adds a different savory element.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra mushrooms, chickpeas, or white beans for protein.
- Cheese Combinations:
- Try adding a bit of mozzarella for an extra stretchy, gooey texture.
- Substitute Monterey Jack for cheddar for a milder, creamier melt.
- A sprinkle of smoked Gouda could add a unique, smoky depth.
- Sauce Enhancements:
- For a lighter sauce, use low-fat milk and cottage cheese.
- Add a spoonful of Dijon mustard for a subtle tangy kick.
- A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can boost the savory notes.
- Stir in a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or basil at the end for fresh herb flavor.
- Spice It Up:
- Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables for a spicy Florentine.
- Include a dash of cayenne pepper in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is substantial enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious creamy sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: Adds more green vegetables and a fresh bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted broccoli or carrots would complement the flavors nicely.
The “Florentine” Connection
The term “Florentine” in cuisine typically refers to dishes that include spinach, often served with a creamy sauce and sometimes cheese. It’s a nod to Florence, Italy, and its regional cooking. In this recipe, the generous amount of fresh baby spinach woven into the creamy, cheesy sauce truly earns its Florentine title, adding both flavor and a beautiful green hue to the dish.
The Magic of Leftover Chicken
One of the unsung heroes of this recipe is its ability to transform humble leftover chicken into something spectacular. Whether you have remnants from a roasted chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or a rotisserie chicken, this recipe is designed to make the most of it. Using pre-cooked chicken not only saves a significant amount of preparation time but also reduces food waste, making it an economical and sustainable choice for dinner. It’s an ideal “set it and forget it” component when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal that feels gourmet without the fuss.
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