Three Cheese Pasta Bake

This pasta meal reminds me of a very fancy mac and cheese!

Love these kind of meals that are fast, easy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 (16-oz.) package ziti pasta
• 2 (10-oz.) containers Alfredo sauce
• 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream 
• 1 (15-oz.) container ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese 

Preparation

Cook ziti according to package directions; drain and return to pot.

Stir together Alfredo sauce and sour cream; toss with ziti until evenly coated. 

Spoon half of ziti mixture into a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Stir together ricotta cheese and next 3 ingredients; spread evenly over pasta mixture. 

Spoon remaining pasta mixture evenly over ricotta cheese layer; sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Note: 

Ziti pasta is shaped in long, thin tubes; penne or rigatoni pasta may be substituted. For testing purposes only, we used refrigerated Buitoni Alfredo Sauce.

Prepare up to 1 day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes, and bake as directed.


Amy Faggart, Concord, NC, Southern Living APRIL 2006
Source

Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

These type of casseroles have become a favorite for us . . . quick, easy, versatile . . . semi-homemade!

The original recipe is from Better Homes and Gardens.

Ingredients

• 4 ounces dried medium noodles
• 2 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken or turkey
• 1 10 ounce package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 10 3/4 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (2 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil, crushed
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Paprika

Directions

Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain well.

In a 2-quart casserole stir together noodles, chicken or turkey, broccoli, and green onions.

In a medium mixing bowl stir together soup, milk, cheese, basil, and pepper. Stir into noodle mixture.

Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until heated through. 

Sprinkle with paprika. 

Makes 6 servings.


Make Ahead Tip
Prepare casserole; cover and chill up to 24 hours. Bake as above.


Nutrition Information
Per Serving: cal. (kcal) 290, Fat, total (g) 11, chol. (mg) 61, carb. (g) 22, pro. (g) 25, sodium (mg) 508, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Source

Bacon Cheeseburger Balls

Wouldn't these Bacon Cheeseburger Balls

be an awesome appetizer for 

your next party?

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons 2% milk
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Coating:

• 1 cup crushed saltines (about 30 crackers)
• 5 tablespoons canola oil
• 2 eggs

Directions

Combine egg and soup mix in a large bowl.

Crumble ground beef or ground turkey over mixture; mix well. 

Divide into 36 portions; set aside. 

Combine flour and milk until smooth in another large bowl. 

Add bacon and cheese; mix well. 

Shape cheese mixture into 36 balls. 

Shape one ground beef or ground turkey portion around each cheese ball. 

Beat eggs in shallow bowl. 

In another bowl, place cracker crumbs. 

Dip meatballs into egg and coat with crumbs. 

Cook meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat in oil for 10-12 minutes or coating is golden brown. 

Drain on paper towels before serving.


Yield: 3 dozen

Source:  Taste of Home

Bacon Cheeseburger Balls Recipe photo by Taste of Home 

Originally published as Bacon Cheeseburger Balls in Country Woman September/October 1999, p29

Lexington Style Grilled Chicken

This marinade is totally different than the usual cuban mojo we regularly use. I can't wait to try something different!  Grilled chicken is one of our favorite meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons dried crushed red pepper
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons pepper
• 2 (2 1/2- to 3-pound) cut-up whole chickens

Directions

Stir and blend first 6 ingredients.

In a large zip-top plastic freezer bag, place half of vinegar mixture and chicken. In another large zip-top plastic freezer bag, repeat procedure.

Refrigerate at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours. Turn occasionally.

Remove chicken from marinade, discarding marinade.

Grill chicken on a covered grill over medium-high heat (350° to 400°) 35 to 40 minutes or until done. Turn occasionally.

SOURCE

Larry Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina, Southern Living MARCH 2005