Raise your hand if you are always looking for easy weeknight dinners. Especially, now that I'm back at work in the office full time, the easier the better for us. Now I must admit, I have some help. We get meal services delivered to our house once a week that contains two meals for the week. We typically will get take out once a week and on the weekends will do leftovers, frozen appetizers or get take out or go to a restaurant to eat.
Olive Garden Inspired Chicken Pasta (Crockpot)
*feeds 6-8 people
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs chicken breasts
16 oz bottle Italian dressing
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp ground pepper
8oz cream cheese
16 oz penne
1/4 c. additional Parm. cheese to top.
Directions:
Add chicken breasts to crock pot. Pour over italian dressing & sprinkle 1/4 c. Parm cheese & pepper. Place cream cheese on top. Cover crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 5-6 hours. When done, shred chicken. Cook penne over stovetop. Add to the chicken and sauce and stir well to coat pasta. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 c. Parm. cheese and serve.
Chicken and Waffle Sliders
Ingredients:
Frozen chicken patties (we use Tyson or Perdue)
Waffle mix
Waffle Maker
Syrup and powder sugar (optional)
Directions:
Make your waffle batter according to package. Make your waffles in your maker. While waffles are being made, warm your chicken according to package. I don't like syrup on mine- I like to eat like a sandwich. Joe likes to cut his and put syrup on it sprinkled with powder sugar.
Mexican Lasagna
*serves 6 people
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 cup salsa
1 package taco seasoning
6 flour tortillas (large) 12 flour tortillas (small)
1 can pinto beans, rinsed
2 cups shredded Mexican 4 cheese
Directions:
Heat over to 400 degrees. Brown the beef and drain. Stir in the salsa and taco seasoning. Let simmer for 10 minutes on low. Spray the baking dish. Spread about 1/2 cup of ground beef on the bottom of pan. Cover with 2 large or 4 small tortillas. Add another layer of beef and half the beans, 1/2 cup of cheese and two or four more tortillas. Repeat the layers and then top with cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let stand for 5 more minutes in the oven. After covering with foil you can put in the fridge and made ahead. This is my go to for meals for new parents!
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
*2 sandwiches
Ingredients:
4 slices bread of your choice
1/4 cup pesto
2 slices mozzarella (we use fresh, but you can use store bought!)
2 slices provolone
1/2 cup spinach
1 avocado- sliced
1 tbsp butter
*we like to add ham or turkey with ours
Directions:
Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread. Spread pesto over other side of each slice of bread. Layer with a slice of mozzarella, provolone, spinach, avocado and meat if you want to add it. Top with the remaining slice of bread and press to seal. Grill over medium heat until cheese is melted - approx 4-5 minutes! Slice and serve!
