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Homemade Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine photo

Three Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine

A creamy, cheesy chicken penne baked with spinach and mushrooms for a quick family meal.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 3 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup chopped sweet onion
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 16 ounce carton nonfat cottage cheese
  • 4 cups hot cooked penne (about 8 ounces uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast
  • 1 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese 4 ounces, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese 2 ounces, divided
  • 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
  • 10.75 ounce can condensed reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of mushroom soup

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped red bell pepper; sauté about 4 minutes until tender.
  • Add the chopped spinach, chopped oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; sauté 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
  • Place the 16-ounce carton cottage cheese in a food processor and process until very smooth.
  • In a large bowl combine the sautéed vegetable-spinach mixture, smooth cottage cheese, 4 cups hot cooked penne, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 cup milk, and the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup; stir until evenly mixed.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  • Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheddar and remaining 1/4 cup grated Parmesan.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the casserole is lightly browned and bubbly; remove and let sit a few minutes before serving.

Equipment

  • large nonstick skillet
  • Food Processor
  • Large Bowl
  • 2-quart baking dish
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula or spoon

Notes

  • Full-fat cheeses may be substituted for reduced-fat versions.
  • Ricotta can replace cottage cheese if desired.