Tomato or cream sauce? Who says you have to choose? This casserole combines marinara and Alfredo sauces to create a lovely pink sauce. The cream balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while sophisticated ingredients such as prosciutto and capers add an inviting gourmet touch to the meal. This recipe is perfect for Valentine’s Day, first dates, or anniversaries. Not only will there be a pleasing blush to your meal, but perhaps to your sweetie, too!
Recipe information
Yield
makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain well. Return the pasta to the pot and set aside.
Step 2
Coat the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken cool. When it is cool enough to handle, dice the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Step 4
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cooked chicken and the garlic, and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add the prosciutto, green and yellow peppers, capers, and basil. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes or until the peppers just start to soften. Add the chicken mixture to the reserved penne and mix well. Spread half of the mixture in a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish coated with cooking spray.
Step 5
In a medium bowl, combine the marinara and Alfredo sauces. Ta-da! Pink sauce! Top the penne with 1 cup of the pink sauce. Put the remaining penne mixture over the sauce, then add the remaining pink sauce. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned and the casserole is heated through. Remove the pan from the oven and toss the pasta thoroughly
note
Step 6
Crystal found a clever way to make peeling garlic a snap. Zap the garlic cloves in the microwave for 15 seconds and the peels will slide right off.
