Three-Cheese Chicken-Penne Pasta Bake
A delicious creamy tomato sauce flavors this baked pasta dish. Your family will think they're eating at an Italian restaurant.
A delicious creamy tomato sauce flavors this baked pasta dish. Your family will think they're eating at an Italian restaurant.
- 1 leaves
- 1-1/2 cups multi-grain penne pasta uncooked
- 1 lb. (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut
- 1 tsp. dried basil leaves
- 1-1/2 cups classico di napoli
- 1-2/3 cups (1/2 of 796-ml can) diced tomatoes drained
- 1/4 cup < i>philadelphia</i> light cream cheese product
- 1 cup < i>cracker barrel</i> shredded part skim mozzarella chee
- 2 tbsp. < i>kraft</i> 100% parmesan light grated cheese
- Carbohydrate 0.10668 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.006965 g
- Fiber 0.070875 g
- Protein 0.0251475 g
- Saturated Fat 0.00042 g
- Serving Size 1 1 servings, 2 cups (500 mL) each (114g)
- Sodium 0.0595 mg
- Sugar 0.035805 g
- Trans Fat 0.00195825 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook pasta as directed on package, adding spinach to the boiling water for the last minute.
- Meanwhile, heat large nonstick skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat. Add chicken and basil; cook 3 min. or until chicken is no longer pink, stirring frequently. Add pasta sauce and tomatoes; bring to boil. Simmer on medium-low heat 3 min. or until chicken is done, stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese product; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until melted.
- Drain pasta mixture. Add to chicken mixture; mix lightly. Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella. Spoon into 2-L casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Bake 20 min. or until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan; bake 3 min. or until mozzarella is melted.
Three-Cheese Chicken-Penne Pasta Bake: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal for my family can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and trying to squeeze in a bit of "me time," the last thing I want to do is spend hours slaving over a hot stove. That’s why I’m constantly on the hunt for recipes that are both quick and impressive, meals that make my family feel loved and nurtured without requiring a culinary degree to execute. This Three-Cheese Chicken-Penne Pasta Bake fits the bill perfectly.
This recipe isn’t just quick; it's also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don't have fresh basil? Dried basil works just fine. Out of Philadelphia cream cheese? Any cream cheese will do. This flexibility makes it a go-to recipe for those busy weeknights when creativity might be in short supply. And the best part? It tastes like something you’d order from a fancy Italian restaurant, not a hastily assembled weeknight meal. The creamy tomato sauce, the tender chicken, and the generous amount of melted cheese create a symphony of flavors that my entire family devours without complaint.
Why This Recipe Works:
One of the things that makes this recipe so brilliant is its simplicity. The instructions are clear, the ingredients are readily available, and the cooking process is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Even better, the flavors are truly impressive. The combination of creamy tomato sauce, savory chicken, and three different types of cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Beyond the Weeknight:
While this Three-Cheese Chicken-Penne Pasta Bake is perfect for a busy weeknight, it's also versatile enough for other occasions. It's a great dish to take to a potluck, a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, or a crowd-pleaser for a casual gathering with friends. You can easily double the recipe to feed a larger group, and it reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers.
Making it Your Own:
This recipe is a fantastic base that you can customize to your family's tastes. Love mushrooms? Add some sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mixture. Prefer a spicier dish? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Have some leftover vegetables? Toss them in for extra nutrients and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
From My Kitchen to Yours:
I developed this recipe out of a need for quick, easy, and delicious meals that didn't compromise on taste. I wanted a dish that would make my family feel loved and appreciated without spending hours in the kitchen. This Three-Cheese Chicken-Penne Pasta Bake has become a staple in our home, a testament to the fact that simple ingredients and a little bit of love can create a truly unforgettable meal. I hope it becomes a staple in yours too!
So, the next time you're short on time but long on the desire for a delicious and satisfying meal, give this Three-Cheese Chicken-Penne Pasta Bake a try. I promise, you won't be disappointed.
