CHICKEN SORRENTINO FUSILLI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Sprinkle the chicken breast halves with salt, pepper, drizzle with olive oil and turn to coast with the crushed garlic. Let rest while you prepare the sauce and eggplant.
• In a small saucepot, heat the tomato sauce and warm through.
• Peel the eggplant and slice across the width into 1/4 inch rounds. You will only need four pieces for this recipe. I used the larger, center slices. Place the breadcrumbs and the flour each in two shallow plates.
• Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat. Dip each piece of eggplant first into the flour, tapping off excess, then into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then lastly, coat in breadcrumbs.
• Heat a large (12") skillet over medium-high heat and add 1/4 cup oil. When oil is shimmering gently lay in the eggplant and fry until golden brown on each side. Place on a plate lined with a paper towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside while finishing the chicken.
• Heat a cast iron grill pan (or other grilling device) over medium high heat. Grill the chicken breasts on each side until nicely marked but not cooked through; set aside.
• In a bowl, toss the fusilli with 1/2 of the marinara sauce, enough to coat well and sprinkle with a little grated parmesan. Place in the bottom of a small, lightly oiled baking dish. Place the chicken pieces side by side on top of the pasta. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of prosciutto, two pieces of eggplant and the sliced mozzarella.
• Bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through, approx 10 minutes. You can brown the cheese with a quick run under the broiler, if desired. Top with remaining sauce and fresh basil.