Tag Archives: mozzarella

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Put a little Mexican/Italian fusion in your mouth!

1 lb of ground turkey or chicken
1 package of low-sodium taco seasoning
4 ounces Neufchâtel cheese
12 jumbo pasta shells
1 1/2 cups salsa (heat level depends on you)
1 cup taco sauce (again, the heat level depends on you)
1 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese (grated)
1 cup Low-moisture, reduced-fat mozzarella cheese (grated)
Chopped Scallions
Black beans
Optional: Low Fat/Light sour cream

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large skillet, brown ground meat; add taco seasoning and prepare following package directions. Add Neufchâtel cheese, cover and simmer until cheese is melted. Mix until well combined. Allow to cool.

While the meat mixture is cooking, cook the pasta shells according to package directions. (Once the shells are cooked and drained, set them individually on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray to prevent them sticking together!)

Using a 9×13″ baking dish, pour the salsa to coat the bottom. Use a spatula, if needed, to ensure coverage. Stuff each shell with 1-2 tbsp of the meat mixture. Place the filled shells open side up on top of the salsa. Coat the shells with taco sauce. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes.

After cooking, remove foil and add shredded cheese and bake for 5-10 more minutes to allow the cheese to melt.

Top with chopped scallions. Serve with black beans, and if desired, low fat/light sour cream and/or more salsa.

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Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken

CHICKEN:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to season

SPINACH ARTICHOKE FILLING:

  • 8 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 8 oz reduced fat cream cheese at room temp
  • 5 oz (I can) artichoke hearts in brine, drained, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

CREAM SAUCE:

  • Remaining spinach and artichoke filling
  • 1 cup 2% milk

Instructions

Prepare The Chicken:

  1. Season both sides of each breast with the Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Cut a slit in the side of the breast about 3/4 quarter of the way through, being careful not to cut all the way.

Make The Filling:

  1. Squeeze any and all excess liquid out of the spinach, discarding liquid. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the spinach, cream cheese, artichokes, mozzarella, Parmesan and garlic; mix well to combine. (You may use a food processor fitted with the blade for this process as well, making sure to not completely puree the filling.)
  2. Place 1-2 tablespoons of the spinach artichoke filling into each chicken breast, sealing with toothpicks or tie with butcher twine.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast iron skillet (or non stick pan) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and fry until lightly golden. Turn and fry on the other side, covering pan with a lid, until cooked through, (this should be about 10 minutes each side. Transfer chicken to a warm plate.

For The Sauce:

  1. Pour milk into the skillet and bring to a simmer. Add in the remaining filling and stir until sauce is thickened.

To serve: Cut chicken breast in half and place on a dinner plate, spooning sauce overtop.

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Insalata Caprese

Insalata Caprese.

Very easy to make.

Fresh tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella. Slice tomatoes and mozzarella 1/4″ thick, layer in alternate layers on a serving dish. Chiffonade basil (cut into thin strips) and scatter over. True caprese only has olive oil as a dressing. I recommend a nice balsamic to be drizzled over as well, and some cracked black pepper. Serve as an appetizer for lunch or dinner.

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