I thought I would post a couple of our family's favorite dinner recipes. The first recipe, I adapted from one I found on a blog that I have since lost track of. If anyone knows which it came from I would love to find it again. It is quick, it's simple, it's healthy, and (drum roll.....) we ALL like it! It is rare that dinner gets a cheer from every member of the family. Usually there is at least one family member rolling their eyes, moaning, gagging or some combination thereof.
Veggie Sausage Skillet
1lb pasta (we like penne or bowtie)
1 package sausage (we used Hillshire Farms smoked, the oval one)
1 pint grape tomatoes (cut in half)
minced garlic
olive oil
grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
any add ins, we enjoy broccoli, cauliflower, squash, zucchini, mushrooms etc.
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1. Start by cooking pasta according to the directions. I am lazy so I add my veggies about half way through so I only use one pot.
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2. Meanwhile, slice sausage into discs and brown in a large skillet
3. Slice grape tomatoes in half and add them to the skillet with minced garlic.
The second recipe comes from my good friend Alaina. She is an amazing cook that just makes things up as she goes along. As a result she doesn't deal with many exact measurements, so my stuff never turns out quite as good as hers. I think, just maybe, she likes it that way. ;) I want to be like her when I grow up! (Even though I happen to be older than she is).
Veggie Sausage Skillet
1lb pasta (we like penne or bowtie)
1 package sausage (we used Hillshire Farms smoked, the oval one)
1 pint grape tomatoes (cut in half)
minced garlic
olive oil
grated Romano or Parmesan cheese
any add ins, we enjoy broccoli, cauliflower, squash, zucchini, mushrooms etc.
 |
| pasta and veggies |
1. Start by cooking pasta according to the directions. I am lazy so I add my veggies about half way through so I only use one pot.
 |
| sausage, garlic, tomatoes |
2. Meanwhile, slice sausage into discs and brown in a large skillet
3. Slice grape tomatoes in half and add them to the skillet with minced garlic.
4. When pasta is finished cooking, drain and then add to skillet. Pour in some extra virgin olive oil and stir well.
5. Serve with grated cheese on top. This recipe is different everytime I make it depending on the ingredients I have on hand. The only thing that has to be constant is the sausage and some kind of pasta for it to be a hit. Hubby likes to season his with Tony's seasoning to add a little kick.
The second recipe comes from my good friend Alaina. She is an amazing cook that just makes things up as she goes along. As a result she doesn't deal with many exact measurements, so my stuff never turns out quite as good as hers. I think, just maybe, she likes it that way. ;) I want to be like her when I grow up! (Even though I happen to be older than she is).
Chicken Penne Pasta
Penne pasta
Rotelli's Alfredo sauce
1-2 c Italian cheese blend
enough chicken to feed your family
I add veggies as well. Some of our favorites are chopped asparagus, mushrooms, and spinach.
1. Marinate chicken over night or all day (don't cut short, the marinating time really makes it tender and flavorful) in:
virgin olive oil, teriyaki sauce, Italian dressing, black pepper, Cajun seasoning (we use Tony's) and a little meat tenderizer.
2. Cook pasta according to the directions. I add veggies to the pasta for the last half of cooking time.
3. Grill chicken and cube.
4. Drain pasta and veggies. Add chicken and stir in Alfredo sauce and cheese. Warm and serve. You can also add a little chopped cilantro too.
This recipe is also met with "Yummm, we're having that chicken pasta stuff again." As I mentioned before, I much prefer this response to "Ewwww, how much do I HAVE to eat?"
Here's hoping your dinner menu receives rave reviews from your family. I know mine are my most difficult critics.
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