Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I have an absolutely delightful recipe to share with you - a scrumptious Ricotta Chicken Pasta Bake! This dish is bursting with authentic Italian flavors and cheesy goodness, courtesy of Galbani Cheese. Get ready to treat your taste buds to a symphony of flavors!
Ricotta Chicken Pasta Bake
Let’s dive right into this heavenly recipe. But first, feast your eyes on this mouthwatering image that will make you weak in the knees!
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- 1 pound of chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of Galbani mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup of Galbani Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces of penne pasta, cooked al dente
Instructions:
Let’s get cooking, my fellow gastronomes!
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.
Step 5: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Step 6: In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of pasta sauce. Top the sauce with half of the cooked penne pasta.
Step 7: Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
Step 8: Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the ricotta layer. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the chicken.
Step 9: Add another layer of pasta sauce and top it with the remaining penne pasta.
Step 10: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the pasta.
Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Preparation Time:
This delectable dish comes together in approximately 45 minutes.
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 hungry souls with generous portions.
Nutrition Facts:
While this indulgent dish is undoubtedly a treat, let’s take a moment to appreciate the divine flavors rather than dwell on the calories. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Tips:
Here are a few tips to elevate your Ricotta Chicken Pasta Bake:
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes, such as fusilli or rigatoni, for a delightful twist.
- For a golden, crispy topping, broil the dish for a couple of minutes after baking.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
A: Absolutely! While ricotta cheese adds a creamy texture, you can swap it out for cottage cheese or even cream cheese if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add more veggies of your choice to create a fantastic vegetarian version.
Q: Can I prepare this dish in advance?
A: Definitely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly!
Well, my friends, there you have it - a heavenly Ricotta Chicken Pasta Bake that will leave everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds. Gather your ingredients, turn on some Italian music, and let the aroma of this cheesy masterpiece fill your kitchen. Buon appetito!
