Baked Pasta Shells

Ingredients

Salt 

1 (12oz) box Jumbo pasta shells

2 (15oz) containers ricotta

1 C. fresh basil leaves, finally chopped

1/2 C. grated parm

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 (24oz) jar marinara sauce

1 C. shredded mozzarella 

Directions

1) Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook shells until just tender. Drain and set aside to cool slightly. 

2) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Combine ricotta, basil, parmesan & garlic in a bowl. Season with salt. 

3) Spread half of marinara sauce over bottom of a 9 x13 in. broiler safe baking dish. Spoon ricotta mixture into shells and place open sides up in baking dish. Cover with remaining marinara , sprinkle with mozzarella and bake 10 to 12 minutes. Turn oven to broil until cheese begins brown , 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately. 

Prep: 20 minutes

Cook: 15 minutes 

Serves: 8

Crumb Coated Ranch Chicken

Ingredients

2/3 C. ranch salad dressing

2 C. coarsely crushed corn flakes

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning 

1 tsp. garlic powder

4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6oz ea) 

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place salad dressing in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, mix cornflakes , Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Dip chicken in dressing , then in cornflake mixture, patting to help coating adhere. 

2) Place on a greased baking sheet or in a greased 13 x 9 in. baking dish. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165 degrees. 

Prep: 10 minutes

Bake: 30 minutes.

Serves: 4

Tropical BBQ Chicken

Ingredients 

2 Chicken leg quarters (8oz ea.) , skin removed

3 tbsp. ketchup

2 tbsp. orange juice

1 tbsp. brown sugar 

1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 tsp. minced fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. garlic salt 

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 tsp. cornstarch 

1 tbsp. cold water

Directions

1) With a sharp knife, cut  leg quarters at the joints if desired; place in a 1 1/2 qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, orange juice, brown sugar, vinegar, oil, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, garlic salt, and pepper; pour over chicken. 

2) Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until meat is tender. Remove chicken to a serving platter ; keep warm. 

3) Skim fat from cooking juices; transfer 1/2 C. to a small saucepan. Bring liquid to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with chicken. 

serves: 2

You can use a different type of chicken if you want. I used chicken breast instead and it came out great. 

Ragu No Frying Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves

1 egg, beaten

3/4 C. Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs

1 (26oz) jar Ragu Pasta Sauce (any type you want) 

1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Dip chicken in egg, then bread crumbs. 

2) Arrange chicken in 13 x 9 in. baking dish. Bake 20 minutes. 

3) Pour pasta sauce over chicken; top with cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Serve , if  desired, with hot cooked pasta. 

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 30 minutes

Serves: 4