Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine with White Truffle Oil Recipe

Creamy Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine with White Truffle Oil Recipe

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine with White Truffle Oil is a delightful and decadent twist on a classic pasta bake. The creamy, cheesy sauce blends with the earthy notes of white truffle oil, creating a rich, indulgent dish. With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a mix of three cheeses, this meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion where you want to impress guests. The flavors meld beautifully as the pasta bakes, and the crisp golden top is the perfect finishing touch.

Here’s how to make this luxurious dish:

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons Giorgio White Truffle Olive Oil
• Cooking spray
• 3 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 3 cups chopped fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (16-ounce) carton 2% low-fat cottage cheese
• 4 cups hot cooked penne (about 8 ounces uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
• 2 cups shredded roasted skinless, boneless chicken breast
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup 2% reduced-fat milk
• 1 (10 3/4-ounce) can condensed reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, undiluted

How to Make It:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures that your casserole bakes up golden and bubbly on top, while the creamy interior stays rich and comforting.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the Giorgio White Truffle Olive Oil over medium-high heat. Use cooking spray to coat the pan for an extra nonstick layer. Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for about 4 minutes, or until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. The mushrooms will release their moisture and soften, while the onion and bell pepper add a sweet and savory foundation to the dish.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the fresh spinach, oregano, and black pepper. Continue sautéing for another 3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down and reduces in volume. This step infuses the spinach with the truffle oil, giving it a deep, earthy flavor that enhances the entire dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture

While the vegetables are cooking, place the cottage cheese in a food processor. Process it until it becomes completely smooth and creamy, which will add a velvety texture to the dish. This step helps incorporate the cottage cheese into the sauce without any curds, blending it seamlessly into the creamy base.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Once the vegetable mixture is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Add the smooth cottage cheese, cooked penne pasta, shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, milk, and cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together gently, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated and well-mixed. The cream of chicken soup acts as a binder, adding extra richness to the dish, while the cheeses melt into a gooey, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the pasta and vegetable mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. This will create a golden, cheesy crust as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. The top should be lightly browned and bubbly when it’s done. If you like an even crispier top, you can leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overcook the edges.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

After removing the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The white truffle oil’s aromatic notes will linger in the air, making this dish truly irresistible. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family or impress dinner guests.

Tips and Variations:

• Add More Veggies: If you like more vegetables, feel free to add in extras such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts. These additions will only enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.
• Customize the Protein: You can switch out the roasted chicken for other proteins like turkey, shrimp, or even Italian sausage for a different twist. Just be sure to cook your protein beforehand if needed.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
• Make It Creamier: If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a little more milk or using full-fat cottage cheese instead of reduced-fat. For extra indulgence, you can also add a bit of heavy cream to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine with White Truffle Oil is the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory. The Giorgio White Truffle Olive Oil elevates the dish with its unmistakable earthy richness, making it stand out from typical pasta casseroles. The combination of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and the smoothness of cottage cheese creates a comforting, decadent filling that’s both light and satisfying.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, this dish will be a crowd-pleaser. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the creamy texture will make you crave seconds. Plus, the aroma of white truffle oil wafting through your kitchen will set the stage for an unforgettable meal.

Conclusion:

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Florentine with White Truffle Oil recipe is perfect for anyone who loves rich, cheesy pasta dishes with an elevated twist. With the fragrant, luxurious flavor of truffle oil and the savory combination of chicken, vegetables, and cheese, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a comforting yet sophisticated choice for any meal.

Give it a try, and enjoy the decadence of truffle oil in every bite!