Can I make a baked pasta dish without Cheese?

Question

I'm thinking about making a braising chicken breast in red wine, mushroom and tomatoes and serving it with pasta or cous cous...

Now I'm wondering if I could shred the chicken after braising, put it in some pasta and bake it even tho I don't have any cheese to bind the dish together...

Do you think maybe I could mix an egg or two into the dish before baking to bind it all together??

I do have a bag of shredded up mexican cheese mix but I'm trying to avoid adding that to the mix.

If not eggs, any other ideas??

Answer 1

grilled veggie pasta salad

/3 cup Italian dressing

4 cups fresh vegetables, 1-inch pieces

1 package (12 ounces) farfalle (bow-tie) pasta

1. Pour 1/3 cup of the dressing over vegetables. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.

2. Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Drain vegetables, reserving marinade. Thread vegetables on each of eight 10-inch metal skewers. Brush with marinade. Cover and grill vegetables 4 to 6 inches from medium heat 15 to 20 minutes, turning and brushing twice with marinade, until crisp-tender.  

3. While vegetables are grilling, cook and drain pasta as directed on package.

4. Remove vegetables from skewers. Toss vegetables, pasta and remaining 1/3 cup dressing, adding additional dressing if desired.

Answer 2

I don't think you really need the cheese or a binder.. sounds good the way it is... maybe top with a light sprinkle of italian bread crumbs and brown under the broiler

Answer 3

Sure you can

Baked pasta and sauce is not uncommon.  

Throw in vegetables if they interest you- or meat is fine.

The mexican cheese would be nice, if you dont mind using it.

Answer 4

Go ahead and use the egg.  I always add an egg to my baked ziti to help it bind together.  I also use egg in the ricotta of the lasagna to help it firm up a bit.  If you don't want to use real cheese, they sell shredded soy "cheese".  It's not nearly as good as the real thing, but when my husband was lactose intolerant, that's what I used.