Description
Gourmet Caesar Chicken elevates classic comfort with a zesty twist, combining juicy roasted chicken and rich, creamy dressing. Crisp parmesan crumbs and tangy sauce create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 1 lb frozen meatballs
- 12 ounces (340 grams) uncooked pasta (penne or ziti)
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious baking vessel and preheat the oven to a precise 375°F, ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- Layer the frozen protein spheres across the base of the dish, carefully distributing the uncooked pasta alongside them to create an even foundation.
- Generously drench the ingredients with robust marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage and flavor penetration throughout the casserole.
- Scatter Italian herb blend, complemented by delicate salt and pepper, thoroughly mixing to distribute seasonings evenly and infuse each component with aromatic essence.
- Seal the baking dish meticulously with aluminum foil, creating a protective barrier that traps moisture and promotes uniform heating during the initial cooking phase.
- Allow the casserole to transform in the heated oven for approximately 30 minutes, permitting the pasta to soften and meatballs to become tender.
- Remove the protective foil and crown the dish with a luxurious blanket of shredded mozzarella, ensuring complete and even cheese distribution.
- Return the uncovered casserole to the oven, allowing the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbling landscape that signals culinary perfection.
- After 15-20 minutes, when the cheese reaches a tempting golden hue, extract the dish from the oven.
- Optional: Dust the surface with a delicate sprinkle of aged Parmesan for an additional layer of sophisticated flavor.
- Serve immediately, presenting a comforting meal that promises to delight family and guests alike.
Notes
- Choose pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne or rigatoni to better hold the sauce and capture more flavor.
- Allow cheese to cool slightly after baking to prevent burning your mouth and help it set properly for a perfect texture.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce with rich tomato flavor to elevate the overall taste of the casserole.
- Transform this dish by adding protein like cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra nutrition and variety.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg