Classic Rosa Maria Recipe

Classic Rosa Maria Recipe: Unforgettable Zesty Fiesta Flavors

Culinary magic blooms when you blend traditional techniques with the classic Rosa Maria recipe that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delightful dish, passing down its rich flavors through careful preparation.

Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of taste that speaks directly to the soul.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and passion, weaving together simple yet profound culinary traditions.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience that connects you with generations of cooking wisdom.

Vibrant and hearty, this dish invites you to savor every moment of its delectable journey.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that celebrates the pure joy of cooking.

Why the Classic Rosa Maria Is Still Loved

  • Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet restaurant-style dish with simple, professional-level techniques that make you feel like a culinary expert.
  • Packed with lean chicken, savory prosciutto, and melted cheese, this recipe delivers a protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
  • Minimize cleanup and maximize taste by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, combining sautéed vegetables, crispy prosciutto, and juicy chicken in one smooth process.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive gatherings, this recipe adapts easily to different preferences and skill levels while maintaining its delicious core flavors.

Ingredients for the Perfect Rosa Maria

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
  • Prosciutto: Delicate Italian cured ham that adds a crispy and salty element to the recipe.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Mushrooms: A flavor-packed trio that creates a rich and savory base for the chicken.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that adds a fresh and tangy dimension to the dish.
  • Fontina Cheese: Creamy and mild Italian cheese that melts beautifully over the chicken.
  • Fresh Basil: Fragrant herb that provides a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and creating a non-stick surface.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Tools Needed to Craft a Rosa Maria

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken, onions, garlic, mushrooms, and prosciutto.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for dicing onions and slicing basil.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise chopping of ingredients.
  • Tongs: Helps flip chicken and handle prosciutto safely.
  • Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring salt and pepper.
  • Cheese grater (optional): Can help slice fontina cheese if needed.

Rosa Maria: How to Mix It Just Right

Step 1: Sizzle the Poultry

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place chicken breasts into the pan and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes on each side.

Season with salt and pepper.

Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in the same skillet and add:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
  • Sliced mushrooms

Cook over medium heat until vegetables become tender and fragrant, approximately 6 minutes total.

Step 3: Crisp the Prosciutto

Toss prosciutto into the skillet and cook until it becomes delightfully crisp and slightly curled at the edges.

Step 4: Reunite the Ingredients

Return chicken breasts to the skillet, gently nestling them among the sautéed vegetables and crispy prosciutto.

Ensure everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Add Bright Citrus Notes

Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken, allowing the tangy liquid to enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Melt and Garnish

Top each chicken breast with a slice of fontina cheese.

Let the cheese melt luxuriously over the warm chicken.

Finish by scattering fresh basil ribbons across the top for a pop of color and herbaceous aroma.

Serve immediately and enjoy this elegant, restaurant-quality meal.

Bartender Tips for a Memorable Rosa Maria

  • Use high-quality salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the chicken's natural flavors during cooking.
  • Cook prosciutto slowly and evenly to achieve a perfect crispy texture without burning, which adds delightful crunch to the dish.
  • Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat that retains its moisture and prevents dryness.
  • Choose room-temperature fontina cheese to help it melt smoothly and evenly over the hot chicken, creating a creamy coating.
  • Slice basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color and release maximum aromatic oils for an extra burst of freshness.

Variations to Make Rosa Maria Your Own

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms, using the same seasoning and cooking method for a hearty plant-based alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap prosciutto with crispy bacon or pancetta for those avoiding gluten, maintaining the same crispy texture and flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute fontina with crumbled feta cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for a Greek-inspired version of the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the onion and mushroom mixture to add a zesty heat to the original dish.

Serving Rosa Maria with Style

  • Gourmet Plate Companions: Creamy risotto creates a luxurious base that soaks up the chicken's delicious juices.
  • Vibrant Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Chilled pinot grigio or chardonnay complement the dish's lemony, savory flavors perfectly.
  • Rustic Bread Delight: Crusty Italian bread slices help soak up the flavorful pan drippings and add textural excitement.

Keeping Rosa Maria Fresh Until It’s Gone

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature halfway through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

  • What makes prosciutto crisp in this recipe?

Cooking prosciutto in a hot pan for a few minutes creates a crispy texture, allowing it to develop a golden brown color and crunchy consistency without adding extra oil.

  • Why use fontina cheese specifically?

Fontina cheese melts beautifully and has a rich, nutty flavor that complements the chicken and prosciutto perfectly, creating a creamy and luxurious topping.

  • How does lemon juice enhance the dish?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter, cheese, and prosciutto, balancing the overall taste of the dish.

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Classic Rosa Maria Recipe

Classic Rosa Maria Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Rosa maria pasta combines Italian culinary tradition with rich, creamy flavors. Simple ingredients create a comforting dish you’ll savor with authentic Mediterranean warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) prosciutto, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) butter
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 12 lemons)

Additional Ingredients:

  • 18 ounces (225 grams) package mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 slices fontina cheese
  • Fresh basil, sliced into ribbons

Instructions

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at 375°F. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, covering with foil to retain warmth.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until mushrooms release their moisture.
  5. Introduce prosciutto to the pan, cooking until edges become crisp and slightly curled.
  6. Return chicken breasts to the skillet, gently nestling them into the sautéed mixture to reheat and integrate flavors.
  7. Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice evenly across the chicken, allowing the citrus to brighten the dish’s overall taste profile.
  8. Place a slice of fontina cheese atop each chicken breast, covering the skillet to help cheese melt smoothly for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Garnish with delicate fresh basil ribbons just before serving, adding a final aromatic touch to the dish.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve better browning and crispy exterior.
  • Slice mushrooms uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Use fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor and vibrant green color garnish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Cocktails
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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