Looking for a tasty yet filling meal idea? Try this 1 serving Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake recipe! With 460 calories per serving, it's perfect for those who want a satisfying meal without going overboard on calories.

But it's not just low-calorie – it's also packed with nutrients. Each serving contains 33g of protein, 39g of carbohydrates, and 17g of fat. Plus, it's a good source of calcium and vitamin A.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the ingredients, cooking process, and health benefits of this delicious pasta bake.

Recipe Overview

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser. It's cheesy, creamy, and flavorful, and it's a great way to use up leftover chicken. Here's what you'll need to make it:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

This recipe serves one person, but you can easily double or triple the ingredients to serve more people.

Nutritional Information

This pasta bake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here is the nutritional value per serving:

• calories: 460
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 710mg
• Potassium: 590mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g

As you can see, this pasta bake is a good source of protein and fiber, and it's relatively low in calories and sugar.

Ingredients Required

To make this Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240ml) tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (60ml) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (150g) cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking.

Step-by-step instructions

Here's how to make this Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, shredded chicken, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until well coated.
5. Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and creamy pasta bake!

Serving Suggestions

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is a filling and satisfying meal on its own, but you can also pair it with some simple sides to make it even more delicious. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• A side salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Try different combinations to find your favorite.

Health Benefits

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients:

• Chicken is a good source of protein, vitamin B6, and niacin.
• Pasta is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber.
• The tomato sauce is a good source of vitamin C and lycopene.
• The three cheeses provide calcium and protein.

Overall, this pasta bake is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of macronutrients and micronutrients.

Flavor Profile

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is a cheesy and creamy dish with a rich and savory flavor. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste, while the three cheeses provide a nutty and salty flavor. The chicken adds a meaty and savory note, and the oregano adds an herbal and slightly bitter taste. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Cooking Time

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake takes around 30-35 minutes to prepare, including cooking time. It's a quick and easy meal that you can make any day of the week.

Seasonal Variations

This Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake is a versatile dish that you can adapt to different seasons and tastes. Here are some variations you can try:

• Add some roasted cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a summery twist.
• Use butternut squash or pumpkin puree instead of tomato sauce for a fall-inspired version.
• Add some mushrooms, spinach, or kale for a wintery touch.
• Top with some fresh basil or arugula for a spring-like finish.

Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to make it your own.

Gluten-free alternative

If you're gluten intolerant or simply prefer gluten-free foods, you can still enjoy this Three-Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta Bake by using gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Look for brands that are made with rice, corn, or quinoa. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs if you want to top it with a crispy crust.