Chicken Casserole Nests
Recipe GLPRb1028d1cc5a038
Individual pasta nests filled with seasoned chicken, ricotta, and peas, nestled in a rich tomato sauce and baked until tender. This elegant yet easy casserole features uncooked fettuccine nests that cook directly in the sauce, creating a comforting one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
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Ingredients
½ pound chicken breast tenderloins
8 uncooked fettuccine pasta nests
5 cups store-bought tomato sauce
½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
½ cup shredded reduced-fat provolone cheese
¼ cup frozen peas
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the tomato sauce with the fresh basil and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, then pour it into a large casserole dish and set aside.
Arrange the 8 uncooked pasta nests on top of the hot tomato sauce, spacing them apart so they don't touch. Using a spoon, ladle some of the hot sauce over each nest to partially moisten it.
Pat the chicken breast tenderloins dry with paper towels and cut them into small bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Heat the olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F).
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded provolone cheese, and frozen peas. Mix well to combine, then fold in the cooked chicken pieces.
Spoon the cheese-chicken mixture evenly into each of the 8 pasta nests. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil, lightly coating the underside with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Bake covered for 40-45 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the filling is heated through.
Remove the foil and serve hot, allowing 2 nests per person. Pair with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables if desired.
