Creamy Spinach and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Bake
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Creamy Spinach and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Bake. This delightful one-dish meal combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a medley of savory cheeses. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is not only comforting but also an excellent way to sneak in some vegetables. Great for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish serves up to 8 and is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. The blend of creamy cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh Parmesan creates a deliciously gooey texture that pairs harmoniously with the sautéed veggies and perfectly seasoned chicken, making every bite an absolute delight.
N/A
Servings
373
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking dish)
mushrooms
3 cups (thinly sliced)
onion
1 cup (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 cup (chopped)
fresh spinach
3 cups (chopped)
fresh oregano
1 tablespoon (chopped)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (fresh ground)
cottage cheese
1 (16 ounce) carton (2% fat)
penne pasta
4 cups (hot cooked (about 8 ounces uncooked))
cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups (shredded)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded, divided)
fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated, divided)
low-fat milk
1/2 cup (2% low-fat)
cream of chicken soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (reduced-fat reduced-sodium, undiluted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and lightly golden.
3
Stir in the fresh spinach, oregano, and black pepper. Continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and combined with the other vegetables.
4
Transfer the cottage cheese into a food processor and blend until very smooth, creating a creamy base for the dish.
5
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the smooth cottage cheese, hot cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, milk, and the undiluted cream of chicken soup. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6
Grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
7
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top for a delicious cheesy crust.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the dish is bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and creamy Chicken Penne Florentine!
Nutrition Information
9.8
Fat
48.4
Carbs
24.2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this chicken pasta dish?
The dish is called Creamy Spinach and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Bake.
How many servings does this chicken penne bake make?
This recipe serves up to 8 people.
What are the three types of cheese used in this recipe?
The recipe uses cottage cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh Parmesan cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The dish should be baked for 25 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
What vegetables are included in the Creamy Spinach and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Bake?
The vegetables include mushrooms, onion, red bell pepper, and fresh spinach.
How do you prepare the cottage cheese for the sauce?
The cottage cheese is placed in a food processor and blended until very smooth to create a creamy base.
What type of chicken is required for this recipe?
You need 2 cups of shredded, cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What kind of pasta is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of hot cooked penne pasta.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken penne bake?
There are 373 calories per serving.
Is the cream of chicken soup diluted before being added?
No, the cream of chicken soup should be used undiluted.
What size baking dish is recommended for this recipe?
A 2-quart baking dish greased with cooking spray is recommended.
What herbs are used to season the vegetable mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with one tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 9.8 grams of fat.
How much protein is provided in one serving?
One serving provides 24.2 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
The dish contains 48.4 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How long should you sauté the initial vegetable mix?
Sauté the mushrooms, onion, and red bell pepper for about 4 minutes until tender.
When should the spinach be added to the skillet?
Add the spinach after the other vegetables have sautéed for 4 minutes, then cook for another 3 minutes until wilted.
How is the cheesy crust created on top of the casserole?
By sprinkling the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar and 1/4 cup of Parmesan over the top before baking.
What type of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of 2% low-fat milk.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is noted as an excellent dish for meal prep or family gatherings.
What type of cottage cheese is specified?
A 16-ounce carton of 2% fat cottage cheese is used.
How much olive oil is needed for sautéing?
One teaspoon of olive oil is used for the skillet.
How much fresh spinach is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped fresh spinach.
What kind of cheddar cheese is best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for a better flavor profile.
What preparation is needed for the mushrooms?
The 3 cups of mushrooms should be thinly sliced.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the description highlights it as a comforting and hearty meal.
How much black pepper is used?
One quarter teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper is used for seasoning.
What should be done after removing the bake from the oven?
Let it cool slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Can you use different bell peppers?
The recipe specifies red bell pepper for its color and flavor, but other varieties could be substituted.