~ HAVARTI CHEESY CHICKEN & SHELLS BAKE ~

~ Havarti Cheesy Chicken & Shells Bake ~ image

Provided by Cassie * @1lovetocook1x

Categories Chicken

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounce(s) small shells, cooked a little under al dente - drain
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 tablespoon(s) butter
1 large chicken breast, cubed
4 - 6 slice(s) havarti cheese - each cut in half for easier placement
dry - italian bread crumbs
1/4 cup(s) shredded parmesan cheese
SAUCE
2 cup(s) milk
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon(s) dried sage
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon(s) salt
4 tablespoon(s) each - butter & flour
a few - grinds, fresh black pepper
pinch - nutmeg
1/4 cup(s) shredded parmesan cheese
1/2 cup(s) ricotta cheese

Steps:

Prepare pasta and drain. Rinse with cold water. Salt & pepper chicken. In a small skillet, over medium heat, melt butter into olive oil and brown chicken cubes. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
In a saucepan, heat milk with sage. ( Just warm it. ) In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 1/2 minutes - stirring constantly.
Whisk in the milk slowly to the flour mixture stirring constantly. Cook until bubbly and begins to thicken. Stir in salt, pepper and nutmeg.
Stir in the sauce. Remove from heat and whisk in the ricotta cheese and Parmesan until smooth. Stir in the chicken and pasta.
Spread 1/3 of the pasta into prepared dish. Even lay 2 - 3 slices of Havarti cheese over pasta. Layer 2 more times ending with just the pasta on the 3rd layer.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs and evenly sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 25 - 30 minutes or until browning and bubbling good. Serve immediately. Salt and pepper of desired and I garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!