Category Spring

Mar 23 2015

Spring Pesto Penne

A savory citrus infused pasta medley

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely diced
  • ½ pound boneless chicken, cut into bite size pieces
  • Squeeze of lemon juice
  • 5 leaves of fresh basil, cut into a chiffonade
  • ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper
  • ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 4 ounces of Classico® Traditional Basil Pesto
  • ¼ pound of penne pasta, cooked al dente and pasta water reserved

Directions

Heat olive oil and butter in a nonstick pan over low heat.  Add bay leaf and garlic to the sauté pan; cook until garlic is fragrant.  Then add chicken to pan, followed by a squeeze of lemon juice, a chiffonade of basil, and a sprinkle of salt; cook until chicken is golden over medium low heat.  Flip chicken over and season with crushed red pepper, garlic powder, and salt to taste; heat through for a couple of minutes. Add pesto, pasta, and 3 tablespoons of pasta water to the pan (or as needed to reach desired consistency).  Heat for another 5 minutes or so until chicken is cooked well.

Discard bay leaf and transfer pasta to a serving plate.  Garnish with fresh lemon slices and sprigs of basil.  Serve warm.

Cook’s note:

  • Be our guest and substitute your favorite pesto.

Copyright © 2015 My Cooking Nirvana.  All rights reserved.

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Ole Salad On The Go
May 5 2013

Olé Salad On The Go

A colorful salad perfect for celebrations

Inspired by Saladworks

Ingredients

  • ~4 oz. chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup drained and rinsed black beans
  • 1/2 cup cooked tricolor pasta
  • 1/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons tortilla strips
  • 1/4 cup Sabra® Santa Barbara salsa
  • 1/4 cup Marzetti® Southwest Ranch Veggie dip

Directions

  1. Add lettuce followed by corn, tomatoes, beans, and pasta to a large salad bowl.
  2. Sprinkle cheese, pumpkin seeds, and tortilla strips on top.
  3. In a small bowl, mix salsa and dip to form a dressing.
  4. Drizzle dressing on top and reserve remainder for serving.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Copyright © 2013 My Cooking Nirvana.  All rights reserved in all media.

Apple Ambrosia
May 14 2012

Apple Ambrosia

An airy and light anytime delight!

Ingredients

  • 2 apples
  • Lemon wedge
  • 6 oz. frozen mango chunks
  • 8 oz. crushed pineapple
  • ½ pint vanilla ice cream
  • 4 oz. Kraft® Cool Whip Lite
  • ¼ cup golden raisins
  • ½ cup Kraft® Jet-Puffed FunMallows
  • Mint sprigs for garnish

Directions

Core and chop the apples; sprinkle with lemon juice to prevent browning.  Cut the mango chunks into smaller pieces, if desired.  In a large bowl, add the apples, mango, and crushed pineapple, followed by vanilla ice cream and cool whip; mix together.  Fold in the raisins and miniature marshmallows.  Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.  Serve with fresh mint as a garnish.

Cook’s note: 

  • Be my guest and substitute your favorite fruit.

Copyright © 2012 My Cooking Nirvana.  All rights reserved in all media.

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