Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food that will make your dinner guests beg for seconds! Our Three Cheese Chicken Penne is not just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed explosion that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that combines the rich, melty goodness of three different cheeses with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to become your new go-to weeknight dinner that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Once the penne pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the drained pasta to the mixing bowl with the chicken and cheese mixture, and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta and chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the dish set a bit.
- Serve the Three Cheese Chicken Penne hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. The texture and melting quality will be superior.
- If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to speed up the preparation process.
- Make sure to salt your pasta water generously - this is your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking if you want extra golden-brown cheese.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking - perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 521kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 104mg
