Easy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine: A Satisfying Leftover Chicken Transformation

Are you looking for a delightful and effortless way to transform your leftover cooked chicken into a culinary masterpiece? Look no further than this incredible Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine! This hearty and flavorful dish combines tender pasta, an abundance of fresh vegetables, and succulent chicken in a rich, creamy sauce, all crowned with a medley of delicious cheeses. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but comes together surprisingly quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy households seeking satisfying comfort food.

This recipe is a true comfort food classic, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine al dente penne pasta, earthy mushrooms, crisp red bell pepper, and vibrant spinach, all coated in a luscious cream of chicken sauce. The addition of three distinct cheeses – sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and creamy cottage cheese – elevates the dish, providing depth and a wonderfully cheesy finish that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s an ideal solution for busy evenings, allowing you to maximize flavor with minimal effort, especially when using pre-cooked chicken from previous meals or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine offers a straightforward approach to creating a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s versatile, adaptable, and a fantastic way to introduce more vegetables into your family’s diet without sacrificing taste. Get ready to turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience that will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Recipe

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta

5 from 1 vote

Fresh vegetables and pasta give leftover cooked chicken new life in this satisfying meal.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 508

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz. pkg. penne pasta, cooked according to package directions until al dente, then drained well
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• cooking spray
• 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced for even cooking
• 1 cup yellow onion, finely chopped for better integration into the sauce
• 1 cup red bell pepper, chopped into small, even pieces
• 12 oz. bag fresh baby spinach, coarsely chopped for easier mixing
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for best flavor
• 16 oz. container small curd cottage cheese, adds a creamy texture and extra protein
• 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded, perfect for using up leftovers
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided for mixing and topping
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided for enhancing flavor throughout
• ½ cup milk, whole or 2% for creaminess
• 10.5 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted, forms the rich base of the sauce

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender and the onion is translucent. Once tender, stir in the chopped fresh baby spinach, dried oregano, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue to heat for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has completely wilted and softened. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
• In a very large mixing bowl, combine the undiluted condensed cream of chicken soup and milk. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Next, add the container of cottage cheese, the sautéed vegetable mixture (mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, and spinach), the cooked and drained penne pasta, and the cubed cooked chicken. Finally, gently fold in ¾ cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir all ingredients together very carefully to ensure everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce without breaking the pasta. Transfer this rich mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture in the baking dish. This creates a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and make for cleaner portions.

Notes

This Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine is a fantastic recipe for utilizing pre-cooked chicken, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. If you follow our bulk cooking the easy way method, this is a perfect dish to use cooked chicken from your freezer. Simply thaw your chicken before cubing and adding it to the mixture for best results. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste or add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 508 calCarbohydrates: 43 gProtein: 38 gFat: 20 gSodium: 963 mgFiber: 4 gSugar: 8 gNet Carbohydrates: 39 g

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Why You’ll Love This Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine

This Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed for convenience without compromising on flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:

• Effortless Leftover Transformation: Say goodbye to boring reheated chicken! This recipe breathes new life into cooked chicken, making it taste like a brand-new meal. It’s perfect for using up rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or chicken prepared from your bulk cooking sessions, saving you time and reducing food waste.
• Rich and Creamy Indulgence: The blend of condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and cottage cheese creates a lusciously smooth sauce that generously coats every piece of pasta and chicken. The three cheeses – sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and the creamy tang of cottage cheese – melt into a comforting, savory symphony that’s incredibly satisfying.
• Packed with Fresh Veggies: “Florentine” implies spinach, and this dish delivers a generous dose! Coupled with savory mushrooms, sweet red bell pepper, and aromatic onion, you’re getting a good serving of essential nutrients and fresh flavors in every bite. It’s a delicious way to sneak in extra greens.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: A hearty pasta bake is almost universally loved. The familiar flavors and comforting texture make it a hit with both kids and adults, even picky eaters who might not usually go for vegetables. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser for any dinner occasion.
• Quick to Prepare: With a minimal prep time of just 10 minutes (assuming you have pre-cooked chicken ready) and a bake time of only 25 minutes, you can have a wholesome, homemade dinner on the table in under an hour. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when time is precious but you crave a delicious home-cooked meal.
• Highly Customizable: While delicious as is, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to adapt to your tastes or what ingredients you have on hand. Want more spice? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer other vegetables? Swap them in! It’s a versatile canvas for your culinary creativity.

Key Ingredients and Their Role in This Delicious Pasta Bake

Each ingredient in our Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine plays a crucial role in creating its signature taste and texture, contributing to a dish that is both comforting and flavorful:

• Penne Pasta: The tubular shape and ridged surface of penne are perfect for holding the thick, creamy sauce and small pieces of vegetables and chicken, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor. Cooking it al dente is paramount for the best texture, preventing it from becoming mushy in the oven.
• Cooked Chicken: The lean protein base of this satisfying meal. Utilizing pre-cooked chicken – whether it’s leftover roasted chicken, a convenient rotisserie chicken, or shredded chicken from your bulk meal prep – significantly cuts down on overall preparation time, making this a truly fast recipe.
• Mushrooms, Onion, and Red Bell Pepper: These vibrant vegetables bring a fantastic depth of flavor and texture to the dish. Sautéing them until tender helps to caramelize the onions and mushrooms, enhancing their natural sweetness and umami, while the red bell pepper adds a touch of crispness and a pop of color.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: The quintessential “Florentine” element, spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a delicate earthiness and a significant boost of nutrients without overpowering the other rich flavors of the casserole.
• Dried Oregano and Black Pepper: Simple yet effective seasonings that provide classic Italian-inspired aroma and a mild peppery kick. These spices beautifully complement the richness of the sauce and enhance the overall savory profile.
• Cottage Cheese: Don’t underestimate this ingredient! Small curd cottage cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding an incredible creamy texture, a slight tangy note, and a significant boost of protein, making the dish heartier and more satisfying.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Grated Parmesan Cheese: These are your “three cheeses” alongside the cottage cheese. Sharp cheddar brings a robust, tangy flavor and excellent melting qualities, creating a gooey interior. Parmesan, with its salty, nutty, and umami-rich profile, provides a sharp contrast and a beautiful, golden-brown crust when sprinkled on top for baking.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup & Milk: This duo forms the creamy, savory foundation of the sauce. The undiluted soup provides a concentrated flavor, while the milk (whole or 2%) helps to achieve the perfect smooth and velvety consistency, ensuring every component of your pasta bake is deliciously coated.

Tips for Perfect Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine

Achieving the best results with this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine is simple with a few helpful tips that ensure a delicious and perfectly cooked casserole every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always cook your penne pasta to al dente, which means it should still be firm to the bite. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly while baking in the oven, so starting with al dente pasta prevents it from becoming mushy and ensures a pleasant texture.
• Sauté Vegetables Until Tender: Make sure your mushrooms, onions, and red bell peppers are sautéed until they are tender and the onion is translucent, but avoid browning them excessively. This process helps to bring out their natural sweetness and allows them to integrate smoothly into the creamy sauce. Wilt the spinach just until it’s soft and vibrant green, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Opt for Quality Cheeses: For superior flavor and melting consistency, use freshly shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly the cheese melts and its overall taste.
• Ensure Even Mixing: When combining all the ingredients in the large bowl, stir gently but thoroughly. The goal is to have every piece of pasta, chicken, and vegetable evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every single bite.
• Properly Prepare Your Baking Dish: Do not skip coating your baking dish with cooking spray. This simple yet crucial step ensures that your delicious pasta bake doesn’t stick to the bottom or sides of the pan, making serving much easier and simplifying cleanup afterward.
• Monitor Baking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature and cooking efficiency, so it’s always wise to keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking. The dish is perfectly ready when the sauce is visibly bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and slightly crispy.
• Allow for Resting Time: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the hot sauce to settle and thicken slightly, preventing a watery consistency and making it much easier to cut and serve clean, appealing portions.

Creative Variations & Customizations

One of the best aspects of this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine is how easily it can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences, dietary needs, or simply what ingredients you happen to have on hand:

• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and introduce more flavors by incorporating other quick-cooking vegetables. Diced zucchini, thawed frozen peas, sweet corn, or even steamed broccoli florets are excellent additions. Simply add them to the sautéed mixture along with the spinach.
• Cheese Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A creamy Monterey Jack, a mild mozzarella for extra stretch, or a sharp provolone could partially replace the cheddar. For a unique flavor profile, a touch of smoked gouda or Swiss cheese could add an intriguing twist.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the vegetables while sautéing, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce mixture for an extra kick.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you adore garlic, mince 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic and add them to the skillet with the onion and bell pepper. Sauté until fragrant for an intensely aromatic and flavorful boost.
• Herb Enhancements: Beyond dried oregano, consider a sprinkle of dried thyme, marjoram, or a pre-mixed Italian seasoning blend for a more complex herb profile. Fresh parsley, chopped and stirred in right before serving, also adds a lovely freshness and bright color.
• Different Protein Options: While excellent with chicken, this recipe works wonderfully with other cooked proteins. Cubed cooked turkey (perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers!), browned ground Italian sausage, or even a couple of cans of drained and flaked tuna could be interesting and delicious substitutes.
• Make it Vegetarian: To transform this into a vegetarian delight, simply omit the chicken. Replace it with a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein, or add a larger variety and quantity of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Be sure to use a cream of mushroom soup or a vegetarian cream soup alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Your Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine

This hearty and satisfying pasta bake is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, pasta, and vegetables. However, it pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments to elevate your dining experience and add balance:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness, cleansing the palate.
• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: No pasta bake is complete without something to soak up every last bit of that delicious cheesy sauce. Warm, crusty garlic bread or soft breadsticks are perfect for this purpose.
• Steamed Vegetables: For an extra boost of freshness and vibrant color, consider a simple side of steamed green beans, tender asparagus, or lightly sautéed broccoli.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the beauties of a baked pasta dish like this Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine is how well it stores and how easily it can be prepared in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or future busy nights:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover portions of the casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before covering and storing to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: To reheat individual portions, simply place them in the microwave until warmed through, stirring halfway. For larger quantities, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until it’s bubbly and heated through, usually around 20-30 minutes. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of milk before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes exceptionally well, whether baked or unbaked, offering incredible convenience for future meals.
  • To freeze unbaked: Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe baking dish (e.g., an aluminum foil pan for easy transfer) but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as directed in the recipe. You might need an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time, or until it’s heated through and bubbly.
  • To freeze baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely to room temperature. You can then cover the entire baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion the casserole into individual airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw individual portions in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave, or reheat larger portions in the oven as described above.

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