Got some leftover penne pasta sitting in your fridge and wondering what to do with it? Don’t let those delicious carbs go to waste! With a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can turn that plain pasta into a mouthwatering meal in no time. Try these easy recipes for leftover penne pasta that will impress your taste buds and save you time in the kitchen.
**Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Penne Bake**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of leftover penne pasta
– 1 cup of cooked chicken, diced
– 1 cup of broccoli florets
– 1 ½ cups of Alfredo sauce
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover penne pasta, cooked chicken, and broccoli florets.
3. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
**Creamy Tomato Basil Penne Soup**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of leftover penne pasta
– 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes
– 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup of heavy cream
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 1 teaspoon of dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth, bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and dried basil, season with salt and pepper.
5. Add the leftover penne pasta to the soup and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Ladle the creamy tomato basil penne soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
**Cheesy Spinach and Artichoke Penne Casserole**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups of leftover penne pasta
– 1 can (14 oz) of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups of fresh baby spinach
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the leftover penne pasta, chopped artichoke hearts, and baby spinach.
3. Add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
These recipes for leftover penne pasta are not only delicious but also a great way to repurpose your leftovers into something new and exciting. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can turn that plain pasta into a gourmet meal that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family or guests. Enjoy these cozy and comforting dishes that are perfect for any day of the week!
