Ricotta Chicken Bake

 Such a delicious and easy recipe.   I make my own ricotta cheese and it's so good.  I like to serve this over homemade angel hair pasta.

RICOTTA CHICKEN BAKE

(serves 4)

Ingredients:

*2 chicken breast cut in half and pounded 1/4 inch thick (or use chicken tenders)

*2 tablespoon olive oil

*1 tablespoon butter

*salt & pepper for seasoning

*6 garlic cloves, minced

*1 quart stewed tomatoes (2 cups) (or a 28 ounce can of san marzano tomatoes)

*1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

*1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

*1 1/2 teaspoon salt

*1 teaspoon ground black pepper

*1 cup ricotta cheese 

*1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

*1/8 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

*1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 

*1 tablespoon dried parsley  

Directions:

~Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

~Season both sides of chicken with desired amount of salt and pepper.

~In a large oven-proof skillet, over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.  Stir until butter melts.

~Add chicken and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.

~Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onions, and garlic sauté  for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to deglaze the pan. 

~Add tomatoes and sauté for 5-7 minutes (if using san marzano tomatoes, break them up while they are cooking).

~In a mixing bowl, mix ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese together, oregano and parsley.

~Spread ricotta cheese mixture over top of the chicken.

~Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

~Serve as is or over pasta or with potatoes.