Chicken Piccata Pasta

Chicken Piccata Pasta

adapted from Food & Wine

The Piccata Sauce is a harmonious blend of rich butter, crisp white wine, and aromatic garlic, balanced by a bright splash of fresh lemon juice. Savory capers add a briny pop, while a pinch of crushed red pepper provides a subtle, warming heat. The dish is finished with a generous dusting of nutty Parmesan cheese and fresh, chopped parsley for a vibrant, elegant finish.

Makes 2 servings

4 oz. uncooked cavatappi pasta
1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 tsp.kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
3 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 Tbsp. drained capers, rinsed
2 Tbsp. butter, cubed
2 Tbsp.. fresh lemon juice, plus lemon wedges for serving
1 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 
2. Add pasta, and cook according to package directions for al dente.
3. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid;  set aside.
4. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high; When hot, add chicken, and cook, undisturbed, until browned on 1 side, about 4 minutes. 
6. Flip the chicken pieces and cook until evenly browned, about 3 minutes; Remove from the pan and set aside.
7. Add garlic and crushed red pepper to skillet, and cook until fragrant and starting to brown, about 1 minute. 
8. Add wine and capers. Bring to a boil, and reduce by half, about 1 minute. 
9. Add reserved pasta, chicken,  2 Tbsp. reserved pasta cooking liquid, butter, and lemon juice; Cook over medium, stirring occasionally, until sauce clings to pasta, about 3 minutes. (Add additional cooking liquid as needed.) 
10. Remove from heat, and stir in Parmesan and parsley. 
11. Serve with lemon wedges.

Enjoy!

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

Fall Harvest Pasta Salad

adapted from Bonappeteach

This salad is a vibrant, multi-textured dish that celebrates the best of autumn. It features al dente pasta tossed with earthy roasted sweet potatoes and caramelized Brussels sprouts. Crisp apples, toasted pecans, and nutty pepitas provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. Tart dried cranberries add bursts of sweetness that contrast with the savory roasted vegetables. The maple vinaigrette ties the ingredients together with a warm, tangy finish.

Makes 4 servings

4 oz short cut pasta, (such as rotini, fusilli, cavatappi, or penne), cooked according to package directions and cooled.
2/3 cup sweet potato diced into 1/2 inch pieces
2/3 cup shredded Brussels sprouts
1 tsp olive oil, divided
2/3 Granny Smith apple, cubed
1/3 cup roughly chopped pecans
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. dried cranberries
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. pepitas

1/4 cup olive oil
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. maple syrup
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. dried thyme dried
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1/2 tsp of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper; Transfer to a baking sheet.
3. Roast sweet potatoes for 7 min to start.
4. Toss the shredded sprouts in the remaining 1/2 tsp of olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Add the shredded sprouts to the partially cooked sweet potato and cook both for an additional 5 minutes; The brussels sprouts should be light charred and cooked.
5. Set the potatoes and Brussel sprouts aside to cool.
6. In a large bowl combine the pasta, cooled sweet potato and brussels sprouts, apple, cranberries, pecans, and pepita seeds; Toss to combine.thymesalt
7. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, thyme, salt and pepper.
8. Once the dressing is well mixed, pour HALF over the salad and toss to combine; Reserve the remaining dressing.
9. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge, tossing again before serving. If serving later check the need for additional dressing before serving.

Enjoy!

Japanese Pasta with Shrimp & Asparagus

Japanese Pasta with Shrimp & Asparagus

adapted from Just One Cookbook^©

The pasta is seasoned with dashi broth and soy sauce.

Makes 2 servings                                                               14 WW pts. / serving

6 oz spaghetti 

2 Tbsp. + 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. Freshly ground black pepper

10 pieces large shrimp, peeled deveined and butterflied

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. butter
1/4 red onion, cut into thin slices
2 cloves garlic, cut into thin slices

1 dried small Thai chili pepper, seeds removed
6 oz. asparagus spears, cut into 2 inch pieces, stalks and tips separated
1/2 cup water 

1/2 tsp. hon dashi powder
1 Tbsp. soy sauce 
crushed red pepper flakes, optional

1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; Add 2 Tbsp salt and cook the spaghetti 1 minutes less than package directions.
3. Drain the spaghetti and set aside.
4. Heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; Add the shrimp and cook until the bottom side is nicely browned, about 2–3 minutes. 
5. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes. Once the shrimp are nicely golden brown, transfer to a plate and set aside.
6. Lower the heat to medium low, add the butter and cook the onion and garlic slices and sauté for 1 minute then add the dried red chili pepper. 
7. Increase the heat to medium and add the stalks of asparagus and sauté for about 3 minutes or until tender.
8. Add the asparagus tips and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until tender.
9. Add the dashi powder, water and soy sauce to the pan
10. Increase the heat to medium high and bring mixture to a simmer.
11. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and cook fo the remaining minute of cook time.
12. Add the cook shrimp and toss to combine; Cook until the shrimp are heated through.
13. Adjust seasoning to taste with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
14. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Chicken & Pasta Soup with Parsnips

Chicken & Pasta Soup with Parsnips

My neighbor is having surgery so we hooked them up with some post-op chicken soup. I like to cook and store the pasta separate from the soup if I am not going to be eating it immediately after cooking. This prevents the pasta from soaking up more of the broth and becoming mushy. Cooking the pasta in broth and then using that both to make the soup makes the soup a bit thicker due to the starch from the pasta. Poaching the chicken in stock and using the poaching liquid enhances the chicken flavor of the stock. The chicken is also more tender than boiling the chicken in the soup itself. It takes a bit longer but is worth the effort if you have the time.

Makes about 8 servings                                                    7 WW pts / serving

about 7 cups Homemade chicken stock or canned stock

2 cups small pasta

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp. butter
1 cup chopped carrot + 1/2 carrot whole
1 cup chopped parsnip
1/2 cup chopped celery + 1/2 stalk whole

2 Tbsp. chopped parsley +3 parsley springs

1. Place 2 cups of chicken stock in the freezer while prepping the vegetables and bringing 4 cups of stock to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions; Drain reserving the remaining stock.
3. Rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking and set aside.
4. Transfer the drained stock to the same saucepan, add additional stock to equal about 2 cups along with the 1/2 carrot, 1/2 celery stalk and parsley sprigs; bring to a boil.
5. Add chicken breasts and cook uncovered for 5 minutes; Cover, remove from heat and let poach for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken stock from the freezer and transfer the chicken breasts to the cold stock to prevent further cooking. (The stock is working as an ice bath); Drain and reserve the stock.
7. When cool enough to hand pull the chicken into small pieces. reserving the stock
8. Meanwhile, in the saucepan, sauté the carrots, parsnips and celery in the butter for about 3 minutes.
9. Combine the stock from the poached chicken and the cold stock for the ice bath and add stock to equal about 4 1/2 cups.
10. Add to the stock pot along with the chicken and simmer for 10 minutes; Add the parsley.
11. Place some pasta into a bowl and ladle the soup on top.

Enjoy!

Tiny Pasta and Rainbow Chard Salad

Tiny Pasta and Rainbow Chard Salad

adapted from Bon Appetit

 No rainbow chard, substitute Swiss chard, kale, spinach, beet greens, or collard greens.

Makes 2 servings                                                              16 WW pts. / serving

4 oz. ditalini or other small pasta
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 bunch Rainbow chard
1/3 cup olive oil, divided
1/4 cup coarsely chopped raw pistachios
1 Tbsp. thinly sliced sage
1 garlic cloves, finely grated
2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. sherry vinegar
1 Tbsp. coarsely chopped capers
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 oz. reduced fat feta, crumbled

1. Bring a pot of water to boiling; Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes.
2. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water
3. Meanwhile, remove ribs and stems from chard; Slice very thinly and set aside.
4. Coarsely chop chard leaves; set aside. 
5. Heat the  4 tsp. olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Cook chard ribs and stems, stirring occasionally, until lightly crisped, about 4 minutes. 
7. Add  the remaining olive oil and the pistachios to the pan cook, stirring often, until nuts are golden brown, about 1 minute.
8. Add the sage; cook, stirring, until crisp, about 30 seconds. 
9. Remove the pan from heat, add reserved chard leaves, and stir until wilted and combined.
10. Add the garlic, vinegar, capers, red pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp. salt; Toss to combine. 
11. Allow the salad to come to room temperature or refrigerate until cold.
12. Sprinkle with feta cheese and toss to combine.
13. Season to taste with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepperpriot to serving.

Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza Skillet

Pepperoni Pizza Skillet

adapted from Dinner then Dessert

Think Hamburger Helper on steroids but without all of the sodium and additives. Use any small to medium size pasta that you have on hand.

Finishing pasta in sauce creates a cohesive dish where the pasta absorbs flavor and the starchy water thickens the sauce, making it coat every bite.

Makes 2 servings                                                            10 WW pts / serving

1/4 lb. orecchiette pasta

Cooking spray
1/4 lb. lean ground turkey
1/4 small yellow onion, diced
1/4 small bell pepper, diced
2 oz. turkey pepperoni quartered
1/2 cup Classic Fat Free Marinara or your favorite pasta sauce
1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
1 oz. 6 Cheese Italian blend shredded cheese or mozzarella 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta 1 minute less that the package directions recommend; Drain reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water; Do not rinse.
2. Add the ground turkey to a skillet coated with cooking spray; Brown the turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until cooked through, about 8 minutes.
3. Strain the turkey and set aside; Wipe out the skillet.
4. Coat the skillet with cooking spray; Add the onions and bell peppers and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Return the cooked turkey to the pan and add the marinara sauce, pepperoni, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water; Cook and additional 2 minutes to tighten up the sauce.
6. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and stir until melted.
7. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp

Pasta with Lemon Garlic Shrimp

adapted from Food Network

Garlicky shrimp in a light lemon wine sauce goes well with a lighter pasta like angel hair but use whatever pasta you have on hand.

Makes 2 servings                                                            14 WW pts / serving

4 oz. angel hair pasta or your favorite pasta
2 tsp. olive oil
1 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/4 tsp Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/3 cup dry white wine
1/2 8-ounce bottle clam juice
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, diced
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water, according to package directions; Drain and reserve 1/2 cup cooking water.
2. Heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. 
3. When the garlic just starts to turn golden, add the shrimp and cook until they turn opaque, 2 to 3 minutes. 
4. Stir in the salt, black pepper and the red pepper flakes; Remove the shrimp to a bowl and set aside but keep warm.
5. Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high and add the wine, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. 
6. Cook until the wine has reduced by about half, about 3 minutes. 
7. Add the clam juice and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water and bring to a simmer. 
8. Add the butter a few cubes at a time until combined. 
9. Cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. 
10. Stir in the lemon juice; cook 1 more minute. 
11. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
12. Add the pasta, shrimp and parsley to the sauce; toss until well coated. Add more of the reserved cooking liquid, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the pasta seems dry.
13. Divide among plates and top with more parsley, if desired.

Enjoy!

One Pan Pasta with Basil & Tomatoes

One Pan Pasta with Basil & Tomatoes

adapted from Martha Stewart

A quick and easy one pot meal that comes together quickly and makes its own sauce.

Makes 2 servings                                                         11 WW pts / serving         

6 oz. linguine

6 oz. grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
1/2 onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cups)

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. red-pepper flakes or to taste
1 sprig basil, plus torn leaves for garnish
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 1/2 cups water
2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

2 tsp. garlic oil or olive oil for serving, optional

1. Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, garlic, red-pepper flakes, basil, oil, salt, pepper, and water in a straight-sided skillet. 
2. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Cook stirring and turning pasta frequently with tongs, until pasta is al dente and water has nearly evaporated, about 9 minutes.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper; Garnish with basil. 
5. Serve with oil and Parmesan.

Enjoy!

Pasta with Squash Blossom Butter and Snap Peas

Pasta with Squash Blossom Butter and Snap Peas

adapted from Food & Wine

I had the pleasure of going to the Union Square Green Market and was able to get some beautiful squash blossoms along with other vegetables and herbs that I can not get in south central PA. Unfortunately they shriveled a bit before I could stuff  and fry them but this recipe put them to good use.

Makes 2 servings                                                                  9 WW pts / serving

2 Tbsp.butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup finely, chopped squash blossoms (about 4-5 blossoms), stems and pistils removed and petals 
3 oz. snap peas, stems and strings removed
4 oz. penne, cooked according to pacage instructions, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water
2 Tbsp. snipped chives
1 Tbsp. chopped basil leaves
1 Tbsp. finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 tsp. finely grated lemon zest

1 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
Kosher salt & Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a small bowl, mix the butter with the chopped squash blossom petals; Set aside.
2. Prepare an ice bath. 
3. In a pot of salted boiling water, blanch the snap peas until crisp-tender, about 1-2 minutes. 
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beans to the ice bath to cool completely; Drain and pat dry.
5. In a large skillet, melt the squash blossom butter. 
6. Add the pasta and pasta water and bring to a boil over moderately high heat. 
7. Add the peas; Cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened and the peas are heated through, about 2 minutes. 
8. Add the chives, the basil, cheese, lemon zest and lemon juice.
9. Season with salt and pepper prior to serving and pass additional cheese as desired.

Enjoy!

Hibachi Noodles

Hibachi Noodles

adapted from Grilled Cheese Social

Hibachi Noodles are usually made with yakisoba noodles, which are long, flat wheat noodles. If you can't find yakisoba, you can substitute them with other long noodles, such as ramen, udon, rice noodles, or even gluten-free noodles. The sauce is buttery, salty and full of delicious Asian flavors.

Makes 2 servings                                                            12 WW pts / serving

4 oz. ramen or other long noodle
1 Tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp grated ginger
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 1/2 tsp. Truvia brown sugar blend

1 Tbsp. water

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 scallion, finely chopped

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions. 
2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pot over medium heat and add garlic, ginger paste and a pinch of salt. until the garlic is beginning to soften;  about 1-2 minutes.
3. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and water and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
4. Add cooked noodles and carefully toss.
5. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil, lemon and scallions.

Enjoy!

San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles

San Francisco Style Garlic Noodles

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

I had never heard of San Francisco Garlic Noodles prior to reading the article. According to AI, it originated at the Thanh Long restaurant in San Francisco. It feature chewy, garlicky, and buttery noodles. They are an umami bomb.

Maggi seasoning is a savory element that made from hydrolyzed vegetable protein, which is derived from wheat. Make sure you are using garlic powder not granulated garlic or the sauce will be grainy.

Clarifying the butter(removing the whey) gives it a higher smoke point. If it is not the whey will brown and create a nutty taste which will detract from the garlic.

Makes 2 servings                                                                20 WW pts / serving

4 Tbsp. butter, cut into 4 pieces
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated on the large holes of a box grater
2 1/2 tsp. minced garlic, divided

1 1/2 tsp. water, divided
pinch Kosher salt
1 lb. fresh udon noodles
1 1/2 tsp. Maggi liquid seasoning
1 1/2 scallions, sliced thin
1/8 tsp. sugar substitute
Freshly ground black pepper.

1. To clarify the butter, microwave butter, covered, in a cup at 50 percent power until melted, about 30 seconds; Let sit until whey and yellow butterfat separate, about 3 minutes. 
2. Combine the garlic powder and 3/4 tsp. water in small bowl; Stir until smooth paste forms.
3. Stir in additional 3/4 tsp. water; Set aside.
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil. 
5. Meanwhile, transfer 1 1/2 Tbsp. clarified butter to a skillet.
6. Add 2 tsp. garlic and salt; Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until garlic is pale golden brown, about 5 minutes. 
7. Add remaining 1 tsp. garlic, stir well, and remove skillet from heat.
8. When water comes to boil, add noodles; Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 5 minutes. Transfer the noodles directly from the water to the skillet.
9. Add the Maggi to skillet; Cook over medium-high heat, tossing with tongs, until Maggi is absorbed and any large garlic clumps are broken up, about 30 seconds. 
10. Add the scallions, sugar substitute, remaining 2 1/2 Tbsp. remaining whey and butterfat, and the garlic powder mixture; Toss until well combined, about 30 seconds. 
11. Off heat, season with to taste with freshly ground black pepper.
12. Add 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. 
13. Serve immediately, passing the remaining Parmesan separately.

Enjoy!

Bow Tie Antipasto Bites

Bow Tie Antipasto Bites

adapted from Redhead8

A quaint appetizer which can be served at any type of event from upscale to down home.

Makes 16 servings

16 pieces bow-tie pasta, cooked al dente & dried
1 tsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/3 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/3 block aged white cheddar, cut into 16 3/4 inch squares
8 black olives
2 thick cut dill pickle slices, quartered
16 peppered salami slices

1. Toss the pasta with the oil, garlic salt and Italian seasoning.
2. Assemble each bite by placing a piece of bow-tie pasta, an olive or pickle, a folded slice of salami, and a block of cheese on a food pick.

Enjoy!

Tiny Pasta with Peas and Carrots

Tiny Pasta with Peas and Carrots

adapted from Weeknights with Giada© by Giada De Laurentiis

This is a  great side dish that is also kid friendly.

Makes 1 serving                                                                   4 WW pts / serving

1 oz. small soup shells or other small-shaped pasta, such as pastina or farfallini
Cooking spray
1/8 small onion, finely diced
8 tsp. diced, peeled carrots
2 Tbsp. Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
8 tsp. frozen petite peas, thawed
1 oz, cream cheese, at room temperature
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. chopped fresh basil leaves

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. 
2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente about 7 to 9 minutes. 
3. Drain, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
4. In a small skillet coated with cooking spray, cook the onion, stirring occasionally until soft, about 7 minutes. 
5. Add the carrots and stock and bring to a boil; Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. 
6. Add the peas to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until the peas are warmed through and the carrots are tender. 
7. Stir in the cooked pasta. 
8. Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese. 
9. Stir until the mixture is incorporated and forms a sauce, adjusting the consistency with the reserved pasta liquid 1 Tbsp. at a time.
10. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 
11. Garnish with chopped basil prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Vegetable Sushi Roll with Sesame Miso Sauce

Vegetable Sushi Roll with Sesame Miso Sauce

adapted from Bon Appetit August 1991

Somen are thin, white, Japanese noodles made from wheat flour. They can be found on Amazon or local Asian markets. Feel free to substitute angel hair pasta or soba noodles.

The original recipe cut the rolls into 1- inch pieces. I was not convinced that they were going to hold together so I left them whole.

Makes 2 servings                                                                2 WW pts / serving

2 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. Homemade chicken stock, or canned broth
1 Tbsp miso

1 1/2 tsp. sugar substitute
4 large Napa cabbage leaves
2 1/2 oz. somen noodles
2 cups cold water
8 matchstick size strips red bell pepper
8 matchstick size strips hothouse cucumber
8 matchstick size strips scallions
8 matchstick size strips carrot

1. Prepare the sauce by whisking together the vinegar, stock, miso and sugar substitute in a small bowl; Set aside.
2. Fill a skillet 2/3 full with water; Bring to a boil. 
3. Add 2 cabbage leaves and simmer until leaves are just pliable, about 1 1/2 minute. 
4. Remove from water with a slotted spoon to colander. 
5. Repeat with remaining cabbage leaves; Dry thoroughly.
6. Return water in skillet to boil.
7. Add noodles and bring to boil. 
8. Stir in 1 cup cold water and return to boil. 
9. Stir in other cup of cold water and return to boil. 
10. Drain noodles; Rinse under cold water to cool and drain well.
11. Pat the cabbage dry with a paper towel; Place cabbage on work surface. 
12. Place ¼ of the noodles across width of leaf, 1 inch from stem. 
13. Top the noodles with 2 strips each of pepper, cucumber, scallion and carrots. 
14. Fold stem end in over filling, then continue to roll up tightly. 
15. Repeat with remaining leaves. 
16. Cover and chill 1-4 hours.
17. Serve passing sauce separately.

Enjoy!

Ziti with Pesto Pantesco

Ziti with Pesto Pantesco

adapted from America's Test Kitchen

Pantesco is am island off the coast of Sicily. Pesto Pantesco is their regional version of the country's smashed sauce.

There is a significant difference between capers packed in salt vs. brine. Capers packed in salt have a floral, fruity, flavor with a subtle meaty or umami edge, and less of a one-note vinegary flavor of brined capers. You can get capers pack in salt at Amazon or at an Italian markets.

Do not use Roma tomatoes in this dish as they are not juicy enough for the pesto.

Makes 2 servings + 3/4 cup additional pesto for later use         

10 WW pts / serving    additional pesto is 1 WW pt / Tbsp

1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
10 oz tomatoes, cored and quartered

1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
1 1/2 Tbsp. salted capers, rinsed well
1/2 garlic clove, peeled
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/8 tsp. Flatiron Pepper Company Four Pepper Blend ™ or your favorite red pepper flakes
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 pound ziti

Kosher salt and Freshly ground black pepper

1. Pulse the almonds in a mini food processor until most pieces are no bigger than ¼ inch, 8 to 10 pulses. Add tomatoes, basil, parsley, capers, garlic, salt, and pepper flakes and pulse until cohesive mixture forms, 8 to 10 pulses; Scrape down sides of bowl. 
2. Slowly add oil in steady steam until emulsified, 15 to 20 seconds: Set aside.
3. Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 13-15 minutes. 
4. Drain the pasta reserving 1/4 cup cooking water.
5. Place 1/4 of the pesto into a serving bowl; Add the pasta to the bowl.
6. Top with another 1/4 of the pesto and toss until well combined, 
7. Adjust consistency with reserved cooking water as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time. 
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste
9. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

Marry Me Chicken Soup

Marry Me Chicken Soup

adapted from  Allrecipes

We had Marry Me Chicken and Marry Me Pasta so why not Marry Me Chicken Soup with pasta.

By baking the chicken with the seasoning rather than buying a rotisserie chicken, you get to keep the flavor on the chicken rather than losing it when you remove the skin to shred the chicken; not to mention it is cheaper.

This recipe is not designed for someone who is watching their fat and calories. To lighten it up and to reduce the number of WW points, you can substitute the fat free cream cheese for the cream cheese and half & half (6-5 WW points / serving) or fat-free evaporated milk (4-3 WW points / serving) for the heavy cream.

Serves 2-3                                                            17-11 WW points / serving

1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 tsp. Homemade Rotisserie Chicken Seasoning or store bought

2 2/3 Tbsp. drained julienne-cut sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil with Italian herbs
1 tsp. oil from sun-dried tomato jar, divided
1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 1 1/3 teaspoons)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 2/3 cups Homemade chicken stock or canned broth
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/3 tsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish (optional)
2/3 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/3 tsp. garlic powder
pinch crushed red pepper, plus more for garnish
2 oz. small shell pasta, cooked
1 cup packed fresh baby spinach, chopped
2 oz. cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
1/2 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus more for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 375F
2. Season the chicken with the Homemade Rotisserie Seasoning and place in a baking dish.
3. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until cooked to 155F, about 20 minutes; Set aside to cool.
4. Preheat the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a soup pot; when shimmering add the onions and garlic.
5. Cook until the onions have softened, about 3-4 minutes
6. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes; cook, until tomato paste turns a deeper red, about 2 minutes.
7. Stir in broth, cream, basil, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper; Bring to a simmer over medium, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Meanwhile shred the cooled chicken.
9. Reduce heat to low; Add the spinach, 2/3 cup shredded chicken, cream cheese, and Parmesan.
10. Cook, stirring often, until cream cheese and Parmesan are melted and chicken is heated through, about 5 minutes.
11. To serve place,  divide the pasta between the soup bowls; Ladle the soup over the pasta.
12. Prior to serving, garnish with additional Parmesan, basil, and red pepper, if desired.

Enjoy!

Chicken Soup with Cilantro and Lemon

Chicken Soup with Cilantro and Lemon

adapted from Bon Appetit

I had an abundance of cilantro from my indoor hydroponic planter so I had to find some ways to use it.

Makes 2 servings                                                             3 WW points / serving                                                           

Cooking spray

6 oz chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cups coarsely chopped onions
1 1/2 plum tomatoes, sliced
2 2/3 Tbsp lemongrass paste
2 Tsp. coriander seeds
2/3 tsp. cumin seeds
2/3 tsp. fennel seeds
2 2/3  cups homemade chicken stock or canned broth
2 2/3 Tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped

2 oz. small shell pasta, freshly cooked
1/4 cup grape tomatoes, seeded, chopped
2 2/3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon slices (optional)

1. Preheat a skillet over medium high heat.
2. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Coat the skillet with cooking spray; Sauté the chicken until cooked through, about  3minutes per side. Transfer chicken to plate; Set aside.
4. Coat the skillet again with the cooking spay; Cook the onions, tomato, lemongrass, coriander seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds; Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 
5. Add stock and 1 1/3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro; Simmer 20 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Strain broth into a saucepan.
7. Slice cooked chicken crosswise into bite size pieces; Add to the broth. 
8. Add chopped tomatoes, lemon juice and remaining 1 1/3 Tbsp.  cilantro to soup. 
9. Season to taste with salt and pepper; Return the soup to a simmer.
10. Divide cooked pasta between 2 bowls; Ladle soup into bowls.

Enjoy!

Chicken Bolognese

Chicken Bolognese

adapted from Food Network

Using ground chicken instead pf the traditional beef make the sauce lighter and reduces the calories.

I'm usually a little behind the times when it comes to technology. It's only been the past year that I have begun listening to podcasts. I was listening to some older Sporkful™  and learned that the author, Dan Pashman, developed his own pasta shape - cascatelli ™. So we had to try it and see if it lived up to the hype of providing a good bite, stays on the fork and holds on to sauce. It did not disappoint.

Serves 2 with leftover sauce                                            9 WW points / serving

Cooking spray
1/2 lb. ground chicken

1/2 large carrot, shredded

1/4 onion, finely chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

1 1/2 tsp. chili powder

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 small bay leaf

3 Tbsp. tomato paste

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup fat free evaporated milk

1 8 oz can tomato sauceedsw32

1/4 cup water

3/4 tsp. Kosher salt

1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper

4 oz. Cascatelli ™ pasta or your favorite pasta, cooked according to package directions, reserving the pasta water.

Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil (optional)

1. Heat a 2-3 quart pot over medium heat; When hot coat with cooking spray and cook the ground chicken until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the carrots and onions and cook until tender, about 7 minutes
3. Add the garlic, chili powder, Italian seasoning and bay leaf; all the seasonings to toast for about a minute.
4. Add the tomato paste and let it toast and gets dark, about 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the wine and simmer until it is absorbed
6. Stir in the evaporated milk and continue simmering until it thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
7. Stir in the tomato sauce and water; Cover and cook until the sauce is thick, about 45 minutes.
8. While the sauce is cooking, bring a pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
9. Add the sauce to the pasta and thin with the pasta water to taste.
10. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil if using prior to serving.

Enjoy!

Vegetable Soup with a Beefy Broth

 Vegetable Soup with a Beefy Broth

adapted from Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2000

I very rarely use canned broths. By collecting vegetable scraps in a bag in the freezer you can easily make a home made broth / stock with the stuff that you would otherwise throw away. I then add chicken or beef base to change the flavor but the vegetable stock adds a deepness of flavor and added nutrients.  Don't have the time to make your own stock use the canned vegetable and add beef base or just use beef broth.

Makes 4 servings                                                       1 WW Blue point / serving

Cooking spray

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 medium zucchini, chopped

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1/2 tsp. dried rosemary

3 1/2 cups vegetable or beef broth

1 Tbsp. + 3/4 tsp. beef base (omit if using beef broth)

2 1/4 cups frozen mixed vegetables (I like carrots, corn and green beans)

1/2 can (15 oz.) black beans

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, with juices

1/4 cup orzo pasta

1/4 cup fat free tomato sauce

1 cup shredded green cabbage

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

1. In a soup pot coated with cooking spray, cook the onion and garlic for 2 minutes. 
2. Add the celery, zucchini, basil, oregano, rosemary, broth, soup base if using and beans. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
4. Add the tomatoes, orzo and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil and cook for 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
5. Add the frozen vegetables and the cabbage. Cook about another 5 minutes until the cabbage wilts.
6. Season to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper before serving.

Italian Vegetable Beef Soup

Italian Vegetable Beef Soup

adapted from Taste of Home

Even with the warmer weather I still like my soups. Very lean ground beef keeps this soup low in fat and calories.

Makes 5 servings                                            2 WW Blue point / serving

1/2 lb. 96% lean ground beef

2/3 large onion, chopped

1/4 cup chopped, peeled carrots

1/2 cups chopped cabbage

1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen thawed

1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed

1 cup strained or crushed tomatoes

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

2 2/3 cups homemade beef stock or canned broth

1/3 cup tubettini pasta or other small pasta

Seasoned salt and Freshly ground black pepper

1. In a soup pot cook the beef, onions and carrots until the beef is no longer pink, breaking it up in the process.
2. Add the cabbage, corn, peas, tomatoes, bay leaf, Italian seasoning and broth. Bring to a boil
3. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 10-15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender crisp.
4. Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package directions.
5. Remove bay leaf.
6. Season to taste with seasoned salt and pepper before serving.

Enjoy!