Quick Easy Tomato Basil Pasta

Hello everyone!!! So i super apologize for not blogging last week. I was extremely busy and just spaced it! So i hope you have all had a great couple of weeks and a great mothers day!! My husband brought home flowers because i am a mom to our dogs! :) He is cute!
So on Saturday the 12th I was in a cooking competition called the Fud Fued and made Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps. I will give you all the recipe sometime. I entered in the appetizer category and received third place!!! A couple of the judges were The Food Nanny from BYUtv and Judge Jaxon who owns a cooking school in Park City. So it is kind of fun who they get. Last year I made chicken egg rolls and got third place as well. I received some fun prizes that i am excited to use :) All in all it was a fun experience that my husband. mom, step dad, aunt and a couple of friends were able to enjoy with me!
On the weight loss I have lost 6-7 pounds. I need to kick it in gear!!! Yesterday I started noticing where i might be losing weight...... ITS THE LAST PLACE I WANNA LOSE WEIGHT!!...... but oh well.

Anyway on to the recipe for today.... I have made a bunch of recipes in the past few weeks that i am so excited to share with you and some horrible ones i will share so you know not to try them!! But last nights dinner was sooooooo good I couldnt wait till today to blog about it......

Super Quick Tomato Basil Cream Pasta
Serves Two (i always cook way to much pasta so i got enough for 3-4)
1 Large, ripe tomato (2 cups roughly chopped, 1 1/2 cups blended)
1/2 Cup Raw Cashews
1 Tbs Tomato Paste ( i did two TBSP)
1/4 Cup Water

2 Tbs Olive Oil
2-4 Cloves Garlic, minced, optional

6 Ounces (ish) Whole Wheat Spaghetti

1 tsp Salt
2-3 Tbs Wine or Water, optional
1-2 tsp Freshly Cracked, Coarse Black Pepper
1 Large Handful Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped

Put a large pot of salted water on to boil. Once boiling add pasta.
Core the tomato, then roughly chop it. Add it to your blender, seeds, skin and all. Add cashews, tomato paste, and water. Blend until very smooth. (seriously blend for awhile)
Add olive oil to a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, being careful not to burn.
Pour sauce from the blender into the saute pan and bring to a simmer.
Add salt and let cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If desired add wine/water to thin out the sauce. ( i did 3 Tbsp of wine, it cooks out)
Taste and season more if necessary.
Let simmer until pasta is finished cooking. (my pasta was done way before, so i drained it and let it sit)
Once pasta is cooked, drain.
Add pasta to the saute pan with black pepper and freshly chopped basil leaves. Toss to coat. Serve immediately, garnishing with more pepper and basil.
(i added a handful of parmesan cheese :/......)

So i was really nervous with this because my mom and i tried making a tomato basil soup with chopped on almonds and it was just soo chunky we couldnt handle it. So this sauce being made with cashews i was nervous... because even after i blended awhile it was still slightly chunky. WELL, the cooking it 4-5 minutes makes it soft and it was DELICIOUS!! My husband and I both ate it so fast!! 

Just ate the leftovers for lunch and it was soooo delicious!! Im so excited about this recipe!!  

We had ours with chicken that was marinated in a Lawreys Tuscan Dried Tomato Herbs and some Asparagus :)

Chicken and Black Bean Tacos

I almost considered putting "messy" somewhere in the title of this recipe but was a little worried it would scare people away from trying it. ;) They are messy but man are they worth it! These little tacos are deceptively simple and surprisingly delicious. I had tried experimenting with something else and when that didn't really work, I modified it for this recipe instead. So yummy!

Just a note: for this recipe, I used canned Parmesan cheese. Normally I believe in using only freshly grated Parmesan cheese. While that would work for this recipe, there is something about the canned variety that gives it a nice flavor.



Chicken and Black Bean Tacos
Recipe from Cucina di Harwood

2-3 chicken breasts
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained
1 can diced tomatoes {the sweet onion variety is really yummy!}
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Canned Parmesan cheese
Shredded cheese
Shredded lettuce
Corn tortillas

Directions:
Cook your chicken breasts, using the skillet method, in 2-3 cloves garlic. When cooked through, shred. Add the beans, tomatoes, cumin and Worcestershire sauce; cook for 5 minutes, uncovered. When ready to serve, sprinkle with canned, grated Parmesan cheese, per your preference. Serve on warmed corn tortillas with shredded cheese and lettuce. Fold in half and eat up!

How To: Cook Chicken

A lot of people out there aren't going to need to read this post. If you are one of the people in this world who already has a killer chicken cooking method, please just look through the archives for some other deliciousness or come back tomorrow because I do have a yummy recipe for you then.

Cooking chicken is really a simple thing. However, I have known a lot of people {including myself} who get a little scared with cooking chicken. It is one of those things that you definitely want to be cooked through and in an effort to be sure it's entirely done, it often becomes dry and over-cooked. So I'll share here three methods for cooking chicken that always work for me. Please note that these chicken cooking methods are meant for when you need precooked chicken for a recipe {like the one I'll share tomorrow}. 

The Skillet Method {my personal favorite}:
This is my favorite method because it's fast, it works for me every single time, and it makes the most delicious, moist chicken. Yum! I love it. 
Choose as many chicken breasts {or thighs} as you'll need and that will fit in the skillet you will use. If you use frozen chicken, be sure it is thawed before beginning this method.

You'll need:
Chicken
1 Tbsp oil
1 garlic clove for every chicken breast you are cooking, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Skillet
Lid to fit said skillet

Pour your oil into the pan and let it get hot {have your temperature set to about medium-low}. If you're not sure the oil is hot, add a small bit of garlic. If it begins to sizzle, the oil is hot. If it just sits there, it needs to be heated a little more. Add the garlic and allow it to sizzle and cook for a few moments - just be careful not to let it burn. Add the chicken and cook it for exactly two minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook the other side for exactly two minutes. {I'm not lying here, people - this works! Exactly two minutes.} At this point, add the salt and pepper to your preference. Now put a lid on that chicken, turn on a timer for  6-8 minutes {the length of time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. A thicker breast usually takes closer to 8 minutes. I've also had rather thin fillets finish cooking in 5 minutes, though it has to be pretty thin.} and allow it to cook - no peeking until your timer goes off! When the timer goes off, you can check your chicken to see if it needs more time {I usually just slice open the thickest part of the meat - I'll just be cutting or shredding it anyway so I don't mind if it has a slice through it}. If the juices run clear - as in, they aren't pink at all - your chicken is done. If there is still a little pinkness to the meat or juice, cook it for another minute or two. Voila! Quick, delicious chicken.



Crock Pot Method:
What you'll need:
Chicken
Chicken broth or stock
Seasonings to fit your preference

Place the chicken into your crock pot. Pour chicken broth over the top. It doesn't have to be completely covered in broth but it will need to cover a fair amount of it. Season according to your preference. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.

Boiling Method:
I like this method when I need something a little faster than the crock pot method and I still want to cook a lot of chicken {usually with less effort than the skillet method}. 
What you'll need:
Chicken
Water
Chicken Bouillon
Seasonings to fit your preference

Place the chicken in a large stock pot. Add water until the chicken is covered. Add chicken bouillon according to the measurements on the package. {You could also just use chicken broth or stock or plain water. I like the flavor from the broth or bouillon better than just water.} Add the seasonings according to your preference. Heat the water to medium-high and boil slowly for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Note: my brother-in-law uses the boiling method when he wants to have barbeque grilled chicken. He gets the chicken cooked up by boiling it and then marinates it in barbeque sauce in the refrigerator, often overnight. Then he puts it on the grill and lets it heat up and get some of the grilled flavor. It's so much faster than barbequing raw chicken and you don't have to worry about whether or not it's cooked. And it still tastes really good!

For each of these methods, you can easily cook the chicken up, shred it and place it in the freezer for quick meals.


I hope these methods are helpful for someone. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Malibu Chicken Sandwiches

These sandwiches are so incredibly tasty! Oh boy, we really like them. When we had them this last time I asked myself why I don't cook them more often? It's really pretty easy and they are so yummy! If you're not sure you want to go to the trouble of making these, I'll solve the dilemma for you. The answer is yes, you do. :D

I'll share what I do, which is just a little different from the original recipe. This might drive some people crazy but I'm not going to give a lot of exact measurements. The reason is because this recipe is easily adaptable for however ever many chicken sandwiches you want to make. {If you need exact measurements, please check out the original recipe.}

Malibu Chicken Sandwiches
Recipe from Favorite Family Recipes

Chicken breasts {however many you need to feed your clan}
Egg whites {you'll need about one egg white for every two chicken breasts}
Milk {you need 1/2 Tbsp. milk for every egg white}
Italian bread crumbs {you could use unseasoned but Italian is sooooo tasty!}
Ham slices {you need the same number of slices as you have chicken breasts}
Provolone or mozzarella cheese slices {you'll want twice the number of slices as you have chicken breasts}
Equal parts light mayo, mustard and honey - I used 2 Tbsp of each for four sandwiches {if a sweet sauce is just too weird to you, you could leave out the honey - but I'm telling you that you'll be missing something heavenly if you do}

salt and pepper to taste
Rolls, toasted if desired {equal to the number of sandwiches you'll be making}
Lettuce leaves

Avocado slices, optional

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Line a baking dish {the size will depend on how many chicken breasts you are making} with tin foil and then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a shallow dish, whisk together egg whites and milk. Dip each chicken breast in the mixture, then press into the bread crumbs. Heat a little oil in a fry pan and fry each chicken breast just for about 15 seconds on each side.
Place the chicken into your foil lined pan and bake chicken for about 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. 

Remove the chicken from the oven and place one cheese slice on each piece, cover with ham, then top with another cheese slice. Place back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven. 

While the cheese is melting on the chicken breasts, mix together mayo, mustard, honey and salt and pepper. Just use portions that taste good to you. I did equal amounts of each. {Here's a little tip: use the same measuring device for the mayo, mustard and honey. For example, I used a tablespoon. I used the spoon to just dish out the mayo, then squirted the mustard into it and tapped the spoon on my bowl a few times to get as much of the mustard off as possible. Then I squeezed out some honey onto the same spoon and since it was still coated with a little bit of mustard the honey slid right off. Perfect.} Slice open each roll and spread a little of that delicious mixture on each side of the bread. Add chicken, lettuce and avocado. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Note: leftovers aren't as good as the day you make these. They still taste okay but certainly aren't as good.

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This soup is really, really delicious. It actually tastes so similar to chicken pot pie {just in soup form}. And I since I really love me some chicken pot pie, I really love this soup.


It's perfect for the cold winter weather we've been having.



Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Recipe from Cooking During Stolen Moments

1 tsp oil
1 onion, diced
3-4 carrots, diced
3-4 stalks celery, diced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste 4 cups chicken stock or broth
2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2 cups diced chicken
1/2 tsp dried dill or fresh dill, optional
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
3 Tbsp. flour
1 1/2 cups milk
Pie crust

Heat oil in a large stockpot. Add onions, carrots and celery. Cook for 2 minutes. Add garlic, season to taste with salt and pepper. Cook an additional 3 minutes. Stir in chicken stock. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer as long as desired, but at least 5 minutes.
Add potatoes and bring soup back to a boil. Reduce heat and boil gently until potatoes are tender. {If using fresh dill, add a few sprigs in with the potatoes and then remove when the potatoes are done.} Stir in chicken.
In a separate pot, melt butter or margarine. Stir in flour and cook 2 minutes. Whisk in milk, bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened. {You want to create a roux. Go to this link to learn more about creating a roux.} Slowly stir into soup, bring to a boil and simmer until soup is thickened to desired consistency. Stir in optional dill and season again with salt and pepper to taste.

While the soup simmers, roll out pie crust and cut it out into desired shapes. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes, just until lightly browned.
To serve, place shapes of pie crust in each bowl and add soup; top with more pie crust shapes. Enjoy!

As you can see, I was too lazy to cut my pie crust into fun shapes. I just baked it up and broke it into pieces.

Angel Chicken

So, did I chase you all away after my last post? Sometimes I'm not in the best mindset for blogging. I think I was in a rambling mood that day. Surprising you even got a recipe out of that! Anyway, I'm back {sort of} and trying to figure out how to make my computer time more effective so that I can share recipes more often. 

I found this recipe in a Kraft recipes magazine I got ages ago. I think it was a 2009 magazine. But I only just recently got around to trying it out. So so tasty! And the best part is this recipe is perfect for doing in the crock pot so it can be a make-ahead, too. I love those!

Angel Chicken
Recipe from Kraft

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese, very soft
1 can  cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup Italian Dressing
1/4 cup  chicken broth
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
1/2 lb.  angel hair pasta, uncooked
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley OR 2 tsp dried parsley

Directions:
Put your chicken pieces into a frying pan with a small bit of oil. Cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is done. Turn heat down to low and cover while completing next part.

Beat first 4 ingredients with whisk until well blended; pour over chicken in pan. Simmer on medium/low for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors blend. {Alternate cooking method: put the chicken in a crock pot; cover with the cream cheese mixture. Cook on low 4 to 5 hours or on high 2 to 3 hours.}

Cook pasta as directed on package; drain. Serve topped with chicken mixture and parsley. {Note: if using the dried parsley, mix it into the chicken mixture just before serving.}

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Have you ever had Taquitos? Ah, Taquitos, how I love thee. Thou art beautiful and lovely and DE-LI-CIOUS! And oh, so so bad for me. My taste buds love you but my hips hate you. And my heart hates you, too. And my hubby's heart. Actually, all hearts must have love-hate relationships with you because you are so good but so bad. I suppose I'll just only get you on special occasions when I think my heart is up to a bit more artery clogging.
But wait! Our Best Bites is come to my Taquito dilemma rescue! They have discovered a way to bake you in the oven so you are so much healthier and still tasty! Our Best Bites, I think you are my new favorite friend. Well, actually, you aren't new and neither is my love of your deliciousness. So just suffice it to say you are my favorite friend. Next to Taquitos, of course. ;)

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos
Recipe from Our Best Bites

Ingredients:
1/3 C (3 oz) cream cheese
1/4 C green salsa
1T fresh lime juice
1/2 t cumin
 1/4 t chili powder {the recipe originally calls for a teaspoon but I'm a spicy wimp}
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t granulated garlic, or garlic powder
3 T chopped cilantro
2 T sliced green onions
2 C shredded cooked chicken
1 C grated cheese {I actually used a mozzarella/cheddar combo because that's what I had}
small corn tortillas (and actually, flour ones are really good as well)
kosher salt
cooking spray

Directions:

Heat oven to 425. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it’s soft and easy to stir. Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and granulated garlic. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.
You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.
Work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or are coming unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.
Place 2-3 T of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.
Then roll it up as tight as you can.

Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.
Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.
Ooh, so creamy and tasty and delicious and not fried! :)

Parmesan Crusted Chicken

Isn't it fun to pretend like you are a chef in an Italian restaurant? Especially when everyone {aka - your hubby} raves about your food as if it actually came from an Italian restaurant?  I love it when I cook something that makes me feel like a regular chef. This recipe will hit the spot exactly. It is so so tasty and surprisingly easy. I found it in an old Taste of Home's Cooking magazine I used to have laying around and I am super stoked that I decided to make it. Because now, whenever I feel like being an Italian chef, I have the perfect recipe up my sleeve.
And you know what? This would taste delicious with Tierra's Alfredo Pasta. Mmm, maybe we'll have Italian for dinner tonight. :)

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Recipe from Taste Home’s Cooking for 2 (Spring 2006), Submitted by: Laura Babberl
Prep: 25 min. Bake: 15 min + cooling
Servings: 2

Ingredients:
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. garlic powder
1 egg
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 tsp. lemon juice

Directions:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt and garlic poweder. In another bowl, beat the egg. Place the Parmesan cheese in a third bowl. Coat chicken in flour mixture, then dip in egg and roll in cheese.
In a skillet, brown chicken in oil on both sides. Transfer to a shallow 1-at. Baking dish coated with nonstick cooking; drizzle with lemon juice. Bake, uncovered, at 350 for 18-20 minutes or until juices run clear.


And because this is Taste of Home and they are awesome, I even have nutrition facts for you. I know, I'm your new best friend. Or maybe not since now you know. Oops.
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast=394 calories, 18g fat (6g saturated), 173 mg cholesterol, 830 mg sodium, 11 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 45 g protein

Mexican Chicken Skillet

In honor of Cinco de Mayo today, I decided I would post a Mexican recipe. Or a kind of Mexican recipe. Maybe we should call it TexMex. Or American Mexican. Or the "dish-that-wishes-it-were-Mexican". But no matter it's official title is, we can definitely call it good.  This was the meal I craved like nothing else when I was pregnant. And the wonderful thing is that it wasn't "ruined" for me like some of my other pregnancy foods {for example, I have a hard time finding a desire for oranges or Popsicles anymore - both for drastically different reasons, but that's a story for another day}. I can still eat this meal as if it were brand new to me. And I could eat it multiple times a week. Now that is saying something. I am a variety kind of gal. Give me variety or I get queasy. No joke. I must have something different. Leftovers are always kind of an issue around here. My hubby is awesome about eating leftovers - he doesn't care if we just ate it yesterday and the day before but I do. A couple times a week - and never two days in a row - is about all I can handle of the same meal. Except for this one. I have eaten this multiple times in one week and have never gotten sick of it. It is just that amazing! And there are other fantastic things about it, too! Let's list all the pros of this recipe, shall we?

1. It tastes soooo good. :)
2. It is super, duper easy. Really, even my sister who doesn't like to cook likes to cook this recipe.
3. It freezes well.
4. It makes a ton of food. It usually makes enough for my family to eat for at least three meals. Wowza.
5. It looks yummy. 
6. Anything that goes with tortilla chips and has lime in it is simply wonderful. The end.

Now we will list the cons. . . . . . . . . . . Wait. There aren't any!


Mexican Chicken Skillet
Time: about 30-40 minutes

Recipe adapted from $5 Dinners

Ingredients

1 can black beans, mostly drained {meaning, don't worry about squeezing every last drop out of the can - a little liquid will make it tasty}
1 can corn, mostly drained or one cup of frozen corn
1 can diced tomatoes {I really love the ones that have roasted garlic and onions in them, but for a more authentic flavor, choose one with green chilies}
1/2 cup chopped onion {can use green onions, which lend a pretty tasty flavor}
1 1/3 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/3 tsp. garlic powder, heaping, or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 tsp. cumin, heaping
1/4 cup lime juice {or more if you're like me and can't get enough lime}
Salt and pepper to taste {I actually never put salt and pepper in mine - it's one of those things that's good enough without it}
1 cup shredded cheese
Tortilla chips
Rice

Directions
In large skillet, put all ingredients except lime juice. Cook on medium low heat for about 15 minutes.
Add lime juice and cook for another 5 minutes or so.
Just before serving, top with cheese.
Serve with tortilla chips and rice.
Yum!

Note: We usually eat this meal as is with chips and possibly serve rice on the side. If you want this meal to go further, mix it with the rice and serve as a casserole. I prefer it not mixed with the rice, but do whatever your taste preference demands!

Chicken Salad

I really love chicken salad. It is one of my favorite summer recipes. The combo of sauces, grapes and chicken is magical, I'm tellin' ya! This particular recipe is probably my favorite.

Chicken Salad
Recipe from Budget Bites

2 1/2 cups diced, cooked chicken meat, chilled or 2 12 oz cans of chicken
1 cup chopped celery (optional - I haven't ever used the celery - it's not my fav in this salad)

2 green onions finely diced, use the white and green parts

1 cup sliced, seedless grapes (or apples)
1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 tsp dried parsley
1 teaspoon salt
2/3 to 3/4 cup cup mayonnaise {note: original recipe calls for 1 cup of mayonnaise but it makes it much too heavy for my taste}
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions:
In a medium bowl, whip cream to soft peaks. Combine meat, celery, green onion, grapes/apples, almonds, parsley, salt, and mayonnaise with whipped cream. Chill and serve in Pita Pockets or on a croissant roll.

Even though this photo stinks, the salad is really yummy in these Pita Pockets.

White Sauce Enchiladas

I am a pretty big fan of enchiladas. I really love green sauce enchiladas. So I decided to try a new idea and go with some white sauce. Mmm, I'm so glad I did! This recipe is sooo yummy! Seriously, you won't regret making these.

White Sauce Enchiladas

Recipe slightly adapted from $5 Dinners

Ingredients:

4 oz cream cheese

1 1/2 cups sour cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup shredded, cooked chicken

1/2 cup green onion, chopped

1/2 can green chilies {I liked the slightly more subtle flavor I got by only using half the can but if you like more spice, you can use the whole thing}

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1 can whole kernel corn, drained

Tomatoes, sliced

5-6 whole wheat tortillas

Directions:

In a large skillet, melt the cream cheese with the sour cream over medium-low heat. Once all melted and mixed together, add the green chilies and the chicken broth. Stir together until well incorporated. You can add more chicken broth if you want a thinner consistency. Add garlic powder.

Reserve about 1/2-1 cup of the cream cheese mixture; set aside. Add the chicken to the remaining sauce. Stir in the chicken and let simmer about 10 minutes so the flavors can begin to infuse. When there is about a minute left, add the can of corn and stir.

Spoon the cream cheese chicken mixture into warmed tortillas. Roll and place into an 8x8 baking dish. You'll get between 5-6 enchiladas in the dish.

Spread the reserved cream cheese mixture over the top. Top with sliced tomatoes and sprinkle shredded cheese over that. Bake for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

The tomatoes give it a really nice light flavor and help round out the white sauce. You could reserve the corn and serve it on the side instead of inside the enchiladas, whichever your preference is.

Scrumptious!

Bean Chicken Wraps

This past weekend I saw my younger brother and he commented about this lil' ole cooking blog. It made me happy to know that someone out there actually looks at these recipes and enjoys them. He told me that he really likes my cooking site and thinks it's pretty good. However, he also said, "But you need more real food. You've got a lot of treats, but you need more main dishes, like Italian and meat dishes." I told him I'd work on that. :) So I came home and looked in my food photo folder and discovered that I've got lots of main dish recipes I haven't shared. So over the next couple of weeks I'll share a few that I've got saved up. Of course, they don't all fall under the meat or Italian categories, but they are main dishes! ;)

This recipe was inspired by one of those e-mail recipe exchange things. I'm sure most people have had them. But you know, they don't usually turn out as they should in theory. I'm lucky if I get one recipe back. Sad, sad. Anyway, I participated in one once and I got a recipe back that inspired this one. It is really yummy and so easy to put together. I think it's a perfect lunch recipe.

Bean Chicken Wraps

Recipe from Cucina di Harwood

Servings: 6-8

Prep time: 10 minutes -- Cooke time: 15 minutes

1 large chicken breast, cooked in garlic and cut into bite size cubes

1 12 oz or so can white beans, mostly drained {any kind of white bean works well}

1/2 yellow or green pepper, chopped

1/2 cup green onion, chopped - use green and white parts of the onion

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1-2 Tbsp lemon juice

1/2 cup shredded 

1 cup cooked rice

Tortillas

Directions:

Mix together the beans and chicken. Put into an oven safe casserole dish. Top with onions, peppers, seasonings and juice and lightly fold into the beans mixture. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350 for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. 

Warm tortillas in microwave for a few seconds so they are pliable and soft.

Top tortilla with a scoop of rice and bean chicken mixture. For some extra flavor, squeeze a bit more lemon juice on top. Wrap up and eat up! 

Variation:

You can use a 12 oz can of chicken instead of cooking your own chicken breast.

You can also cook this up in the microwave if you didn't want to fire up your oven.

Chicken Corn Chowder

I love this soup! It is definitely one of my favorites. I can't even begin to tell you how delicious this soup is. One of the things I love about it is that there is no pasta and no potatoes. Don't get me wrong - I love pasta and potatoes but if you are trying to watch carb intake, those are not exactly great things to have in your kitchen! So if you want a super easy and absolutely delicious soup, this is the one for you! Serve this soup with the Holiday Crescent Rolls for a really yummy combo.

Chicken Corn Chowder

Slightly adapted from The Sister's Cafe
Time: approx 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Makes: approx. 9-10 good-sized servings

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 stalks of celery, finely chopped
1 medium bell pepper, finely chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, finely shredded
1 jalapeno, finely chopped, seeds and membrane removed (do not omit)
1/4 Cup thinly sliced or chopped ham or canadian bacon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 14 oz cans or 1 28 oz carton chicken stock
3 Tablespoons flour
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1/2 cup sour cream
1 Cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

Place olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Saute celery, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno until softened {if you are like me and are scared of jalapeno peppers, use disposable latex gloves to cut, remove the seeds and membrane (which is the white part on the inside of the pepper that the seeds are attached to), and chop. I promise this works really well for keeping all the spice off your hands and out of the soup but still keeping that indispensable flavor the pepper gives}.
Stir in garlic and ham; cook for another 3 minutes.
Whisk the broth with the flour in a large bowl then stir into soup.
Stir in corn and chicken. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat. {If you get the soup to this point but don't want to serve it for a while, you can transfer the soup to a crock pot and cook it on low until you are closer to being ready to serve. Then, about 5 minutes before serving, complete the last step so everything is warm.}
Whisk together the sour cream and milk in a large bowl until smooth. Stir into soup along with the salt, pepper and cheddar cheese.
Simmer until ready to serve.

Hot Hoagies

When I was pregnant, I had a hard time with sandwiches. I'm not a big fan of peanut butter {and it was even more unbearable when I was pregnant} so I usually eat meat sandwiches for lunches. But when you're pregnant you're supposed to stay away from deli meats. Unless you heat them up. But then you have a funny tasting sandwich - hot meat, cool mayo and mustard and pickles and tomato . . . too weird. So I just didn't really eat many sandwiches. And I was sad about that. Because I actually do love a good meat sandwich. Mmm. Anyway, then this recipe fairly fell in my lap and I was a happy camper once again. At least, this was the closest I was going to get to a meat sandwich that wasn't weird for a while.
And you know what? It isn't weird.
It's so tasty that I still keep making it even though I can eat meat sandwiches again.

Now that's saying somethin'.

Hot Hoagies
Recipe from Mel's Kitchen Cafe

1 loaf french bread, cut lengthwise

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (in a pinch, you can use two large cans chicken breast)

1/2 cup light mayo

1/2 cup reduced fat sour cream

2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried)

2 cups shredded cheese

Olives, chopped (0ptional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place french bread on large baking sheet. Mix all topping ingredients together in a bowl. Spread topping evenly on top of both lengths of french bread. Bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and edges are lightly browned. Slice into pieces and serve immediately. Mmm, mmm, tasty!

Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad

As promised, here is the recipe to use that delicious Marinated Chicken in. I think this is probably my favorite salad and a perfect summer option {yes, I'm aware that it is no longer summer, but salads can taste good in the fall too!}. 

Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad
Favorite Family Recipes

1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
Caesar salad dressing (about 1/4 c., but really it's to taste - I often put in a little more because of the lettuce amount)
Bowtie pasta (cooked to al dente, drained and cooled)
Marinated chicken, cooled and cubed (see link)
Cherry tomatoes (I have used regular tomatoes, diced, and they taste great)
Mushrooms, sliced (I usually just put in a small can if I don't have fresh ones. I actually love the salad without them too)
Olives, sliced (honestly, I've never used these - I don't really think the salad needs them)
Sunflower seeds (optional - never used these either)
Croutons
Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded, of course!)

Directions:
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. Top with additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

{Note: I think this salad would also be delicious with other additions: sliced bell peppers, chopped cucumbers, sliced grapes, mandarine oranges}

Marinated Chicken

Since discovering this marinated chicken recipe, I just can't get enough of it! The flavors are a perfect combination and the chicken is left so juicy and delicious - it's really impossible to get enough of it! One of these days, I'd really love to taste it grilled, but since we just got our grill and we've only used it once, we haven't tried it grilled yet. It is certainly our favorite marinated chicken recipe and if you'll come back tomorrow, I'll tell you the recipe for my favorite salad recipe to use this chicken with!

Marinated Chicken

Favorite Family Recipes

4 chicken breasts

1 pkg Good Seasons Italian dressing

1/2 c. olive oil

1/4 c. balsamic vinegar

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a Ziploc bag. Marinate overnight. Grill or bake at 425 degrees for 20-25 min.

Ranch Chicken Crock Pot

I honestly don't remember where this recipe came from. I wish I did - or that I would have taken better notes, as I should have. But, alas! there is no note as to the origins of this recipe. If you are the composer of this delicious goodness, please know that I would love to give you credit for it if only I could remember who you are!
My lack of bad record keeping aside, this recipe is a favorite. My husband and I love it and we recently made it when we had company over and our company loved it too! They all asked for the recipe and since I've been meaning to get back into the habit of sharing recipes here, I decided this would be where I would start again. This is an easy-peasy recipe. You pretty much can't go wrong with it. I hope you enjoy!

Ranch Chicken Crock Pot

4-6 chicken breasts

½ cup water

1 packet dry ranch dressing mix

1 (8oz) container cream cheese, softened (1/3 reduced fat works just as well as regular)

2 cans cream of chicken soup

Optional:

Mozzarella Cheese

Breadcrumbs

Directions:

Pour water into crock pot. Add chicken; sprinkle with ranch dressing mix. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through. When chicken is completely cooked, take it out and shred it. Do not discard juices from crock pot.

Mix cream cheese and cream of chicken soup together so they are well mixed. Add cream cheese mixture to juices in the crock pot and heat through. Add shredded chicken.

Serving suggestions:

1) Mix completed chicken mixture with some cooked pasta and place in a casserole dish. Cover with mozzarella cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until warm through and cheese is bubbly.

This photo is with the pasta. I don't have any photos of the chicken mixture served over rice {as per suggestion number 2}. But I'm sure you can figure it out!

2) Leaving chicken mixture in crock pot, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and allow to melt. Serve over rice. {This one is my favorite, though the first one is also good.}

Crock Pot Sunday Chicken

This is a recipe my old roommate used to make for us {we all took turns cooking for each other - less to cook and spend that way!} and we always loved it! It never disappoints - not only is it really yummy but it is so easy to make! Perfect those Sundays {or any other day for that matter} when you just want dinner ready when you come home without going to a lot of effort. Enjoy!

Crock Pot Sunday Chicken
Amy Barrus

2-3 chicken breasts, cubed
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 pkg. dry onion soup mix
1 small can mushrooms
1-2 cups sour cream or 8oz cream cheese

Directions:
Put all ingredients except sour cream in crock pot. Stir. Cook on high 3 hours, stirring once. Add sour cream; cook for 1 more hour. Serve over rice.

Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

This is a very yummy dinner. We really loved it. I didn’t have any coriander so I didn’t use it; I used flour tortillas because that’s what I had and I just used cheddar cheese; and I mixed everything together, including the sour cream, because I’m not a big fan of plain sour cream taste.

I made mine in a round cake pan because the two of us don’t need much.

Really, though, it is super yummy! I think this would also taste really good made like enchiladas instead of a casserole {and it might help prevent the tortillas from going soggy – I’m pretty sure that’s why you use corn tortillas but we just always buy flour}.

Layered Chicken and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

Ingredients:
2 cups diced chicken breast meat
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
2 Tb chopped fresh cilantro
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4.5 oz) can diced green chili peppers, drained
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce – MILD
8 (6 inch) corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 (8 oz) container low fat sour cream

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and spray with vegetable cooking spray. Sauté chicken with cumin and coriander until chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in the cilantro, black beans, and green chili peppers.
Spread half of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of an 11x7 inch baking dish. Place 4 tortillas over the sauce, overlapping if necessary. Spoon half of the chicken mixture over the tortillas, and sprinkle with half of the cheese and half of the sour cream.
Spoon the remaining enchilada sauce over the cheese, and make another layer of tortillas. Layer the remaining chicken mixture over the tortillas.
Cover dish with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
Remove the cover, and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and dot with sour cream. Continue cooking, uncovered, for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until cheese melts.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Number of Servings: 8 - Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Chicken Piccata

A friend of mine requested this recipe. I made it when we invited her and her husband over for dinner one night. I didn’t think it turned out as good as I would have liked but that’s because I think there was too much pepper {I have a really difficult time with spicy foods}. I will cut it way down when I make it again. Other than that, this recipe is really delicious. You won’t be sorry you made this!

Chicken Piccata
Taste of Home’s Quick Cooking
Prep/total time: 25 minutes
Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (4 oz. each)
¼ cup butter, cubed
¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
1 Tbsp. lemon juice




Directions:
In a large reseal-able plastic bag, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Flatten chicken to ½ inch thickness; place in bag, one piece at a time and shake to coat.
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown chicken in butter. Stir in wine or broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 12-15 minutes, or until chicken juices run clear. Drizzle with lemon juice.

Next week I'll post the recipe I always make when we have this chicken. You won't be disappointed!