Main Dish Archives - Busy Moms Helper

Busy Weeknight Dinner Ideas

September 14, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of RAGÚ®. All opinions are my own.

Not to say that summers aren’t also crazy, but once school’s back in session it seems like weeknights get even busier. Between picking up the kids, homework, karate or dance (or whatever activity is that evening), it can be a real challenge to get a delicious, quality meal on the table for the family. That’s why I love keeping a list of tasty, family-friendly Busy Weeknight Dinner Ideas handy – just like this cheesy chicken pasta recipe!

My favorite trick for whipping up a tasty meal that the whole family will love is using New RAGÚ® Simply Pasta Sauces, because not only is it made with 100% Olive Oil and contains no added sugar (so I can feel good about serving it to my family), but it also has an incredible flavor.

For this recipe I used the NEW RAGÚ® Simply Chunky Marinara Pasta Sauce, with plump tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices bringing great flavor to every bit – proving that simple recipes can bring tons of flavor. That means less time in the kitchen, prepping fewer items to add in to your recipes, still with a delicious taste for your family meal.

Ingredients

1 box pasta of choice
1 jar New RAGÚ® Simply Pasta Sauces
1-2 cups Shredded Cheese (I did a Mexican Style blend)
1-2 cups Tomatoes, diced
2-3 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cooked and diced

Directions

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, cook the tomatoes over medium-high heat in a large skillet until softened, then add in the chicken and mix well. Put to lowest heat.
Once the pasta is done, add to the skillet and mix in the New RAGÚ® Simply Pasta Sauces until everything is covered. Add in the cheese and mix until it’s melted and gooey.
Serve with a little more cheese sprinkled on top, and enjoy!

See, it’s just that easy to serve your family an amazing meal with very little time spent in the kitchen! And with New RAGÚ® Simply Pasta Sauces, you can whip up dishes like Quinoa Penne with Savory Tomato-Basil Sauce, or even a Cauliflower Crust Mix & Match Pizza. The possibilities are nearly endless with RAGÚ pasta sauce!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What’s YOUR favorite recipe to use RAGÚ® Sauce in?

Grilled Pork with Tinfoil Fried Rice

July 9, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #RealFlavorRealFast #CollectiveBias

Hubby is absolutely LOVING his grill from father’s day, and will use about any excuse to heat it up for cooking. When I told him I bought a delicious marinated pork loin, there was no doubt in my mind that he’d want to grill it – and I was right! For a little extra fun for our meal, we wanted to do a more unique side dish – fried rice, but on the grill. It turned out amazing, and was super easy to make. So break out your own grill and enjoy this tasty Grilled Pork with Tinfoil Fried Rice!

Several years ago I shared hubby’s favorite marinated pork loin – we all loved the incredible flavor and the ease of cooking (because we’re all about easy meals here!), so when I saw the Smithfield Roasted Garlic & Cracked Black Pepper Fresh Pork Tenderloin while I was placing my Walmart grocery pick-up order, I knew that it would be a hit. I made sure to get enough of the pork loin, then also the ingredients I’d need for the tinfoil fried rice side dish, as well. The next day, I picked up my order quickly – gotta love saving time on errands, right?! If you haven’t tried Walmart’s grocery pick-up service, I highly encourage you to give it a try and see how it works for yourself.

One of the reasons we all (especially hubby) love Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork is because it provides real fresh, real flavor, real fast – providing real solutions for real life. It’s 100% fresh pork, so you can have a delicious, hassle-free meal in no time! It’s perfectly marinated and seasoned, making it great for any night of the week. I love the flexibility – try it grilled, roasted, sauteed or even slow-cooked. Try it YOUR way, and I’m sure you’ll love it!

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup Instant Rice
1/2 cup Water
1/2 cup Vegetable Broth
1 cup Vegetables of Choice, diced
1/4 cup Onion
Garlic Powder, to taste
Black Pepper, to taste
6 Sheets of Tinfoil (roughly 12″ squared)
Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork

Directions

In a bowl, combine the rice, water, broth, vegetables, and onion until well-mixed. Allow to sit just a few minutes to start absorbing the liquid.
Divide the mixture (use a ladle or similar so you also scoop the liquid) between the 6 sheets of tinfoil. Season with garlic powder and pepper to taste.
Fold two sides of foil together twice, making sure it’s secure. Fold over and roll up the other two ends.
Heat grill to medium heat, about 350-400 degrees F. Remove the pork loin from the packaging. Spray or rub your grill with olive oil (to prevent burning and sticking), then place the pork onto the grill and cook carefully – turning often to avoid burning. Cook the pork, covered, about 20-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.
After the pork has been cooking about 5 minutes, place the tinfoil packets on the grill and cook, covered, about 15-20 minutes, or until rice is soft.
After done, CAREFULLY open the tinfoil packets (away from grill) – the steam will be extremely hot, so use caution. Fluff with a fork and transfer to plates.
Cut the pork loin into strips or cubes (your choice!) and serve on top of the fried rice.

That’s all it takes – it’s super quick to make, and the flavor is AMAZING!

The whole family loved the grilled pork – full of flavor and very tender. The rice was super fun, because how often can you say you cooked rice on a grill? Something more unique for your summer BBQs!

Want even more fun? Be sure to check out the Hero of the Grill Contest & Sweepstakes at SmithfieldGetGrilling.com where you can share & nominate who inspired YOU to get grilling for a chance for your hero to win $5,000! Not to mention, you can enjoy great grilling content and enter for a chance to win prizes DAILY.

What would you serve Smithfield Marinated Fresh Pork with?

One Pot Cooking: a Busy Mom’s Best Friend!

April 25, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

Thank you to Craftsy for sponsoring this post. All opinions are mine alone.

We all know that life’s full of to-dos, especially for us parents. Luckily, having a healthy, delicious & EASY meal for our family is possible with One Pot Cooking (it’s a busy mom’s best friend!). And if you’re not quite sure how to get started with this amazing life hack for cooking, be sure to check out Chef Ryan Scott’s 10-part series to get you all set to make one pot cooking a helpful part of your life!

It’s absolutely no secret that I completely LOVE one pot meals – whether it’s my slow cooker, pot or sheet pan – because it’s often the only way my family will get a full meal that’s tasty and healthy with my crazy schedule. As I write this, I can smell the amazing seasoned pork with potatoes I have cooking in my slow cooker right on the counter in our hotel room, and am grateful for such a great invention 🙂

Some of us have been relying on one pot cooking for years and consider ourselves pros (for the record, I’m definitely not a pro yet!), while others aren’t quite sure how to make anything really great without some guidance. If you’re in the latter group, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Craftsy and TODAY Food have launched a new digital cooking series called “One Pot Cooking” featuring Ryan Scott, an Emmy-award winning chef, as well as NBC News weather anchor Dylan Dreyer. This online class is a LIFESAVER for us busy moms!

What is this “One Pot Cooking” series, you ask?

It’s a 10-part series (online, making it super convenient) that offers a fresh perspective to making healthy and delicious one pot meals. That means ONE cooking piece – from slow cooker (my personal fav), to frying pan, to sheet pan and more. This is great, because it means you don’t get stuck with ONE style or way to do things!

Check out the trailer to see some of the tastiness in store:

Don’t you think chef Ryan Scott and Dylan are super fun?! And did you notice – it’s not JUST great dinners like lasagna or salmon, but there was also dessert (pineapple upside-down cake, anyone?) and I even saw what appears to be a french toast with fresh fruit. Yum!

I’m eager to check out “One Pot Cooking” and really take my easy meals to a whole new level! If you’re wanting to get a ‘taste’ for it, too, it’s available on Craftsy for a one-time fee of just $40 (for the whole 10-part series!).

Or if you’re a foodie who wants even more, you can sign up for Craftsy Unlimited, Craftsy’s video subscription service, and get a free trial of “One Pot Cooking” as well as unlimited PREMIUM access to thousands of hours of exclusive video tutorials and classes – and it’s just $14.99/month or $120 for an annual subscription (that comes out to just $10/month – wow!)

You can find more details on Craftsy.com and be sure to enjoy all the deliciousness and fun they have to offer!

Check out these other tips that chef Ryan Scott has for busy moms!

Q: What are your top five tips for moms on-the-go who want to make creative weeknight meals?

Have fun
Be creative!
Know how to use your kitchen staples
Utilize leftovers
Make sauces in batches that are universal and delicious

What are three kitchen must-haves for easy to make recipes?

Slow cookers are great
One pan meals are my favorite you. There are many vessels that can be used as your “one pan” from cast iron skillets, to roasting pans, to sheet pans, they all work for different uses!
A well stocked pantry is essential to making easy recipes. Use ingredients that are versatile and shelf friendly.

What can viewers expect from your “One-Pot Cooking” class on Craftsy?

My crash course on how to make the easiest MEALS. Yes full meals!

Can one-pot cooking also be healthy? If so, how?

Absolutely! I find people only consider one-pot meals as crock pots or slow cookers which is not true. A one pot meal is simply using one vessel to cook your food. Use good nutritional ingredients and don’t go crazy with unhealthy ingredients.

What’s YOUR favorite one pot recipe?

17 Italian Slow Cooker Recipes

March 20, 2018 by Danielle 2 Comments

I absolutely LOVE Italian food – it’s one of my favorites! Being able to whip a great meal in the crockpot is also a love of mine, so this list of 17 Italian Slow Cooker Recipes is the best of all worlds! From cheesy pastas, to creamy soups and more, you’re bound to find the ideal busy weeknight meal to please your whole crew.

I can’t wait to try these, especially the beef sandwiches or the broccoli ranch chicken – they sounds super tasty! Take a look through and pick one of these easy, slow cooker recipes to whip up for your family on those nights when life’s just a little too busy (isn’t that almost EVERY night?) 🙂

1. Italian Chicken with Tomatoes
2. Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
3. Zesty Italian Shredded Chicken
4. Italian Pork Roast
5. Zuppa Toscana
6. Chicken Stroganoff
7. Italian Turkey Stew
8. Italian Beef Sandwiches
9. Italian Chicken and Broccoli Rabe Chili
10. Italian Sausage Wedding Soup
11. Italian Beef
12. Italian Two Bean Chili Soup
13. Broccoli Ranch Chicken
14. Cheesy Crockpot Tortellini
15. Italian-Seasoned Potatoes
16. Italian Swiss Steak
17. Italian Chicken

Which Italian slow cooker recipe do you want to try first?

20 Warm & Comforting Lasagna Recipes

January 12, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

I know that other states are MUCH colder than here in Texas – I mean, I grew up in northern Utah until I was about 27, so I KNOW how freezing it can be! But having now lived in Texas for five years, it feels super cold to me and while I try not to complain, it really sucks. To kind of help make the most of this weather, I’ve been cooking up more hot meals that we all enjoy, like lasagna! If you’re feeling the same way, give one of these 20 Warm & Comforting Lasagna Recipes a try, and hopefully make the colder weather not quite so miserable.

There’s a variety of delicious and easy lasagna recipes to choose from, like roll ups, or in the slow cooker – some with chicken or vegetables, others more classic. Whatever your preference, here’s hoping to a warm and enjoyable family dinner!

Lazy Crock Pot Lasagna (ravioli) from spendwithpennies.com
Easy One Pot Lasagna from damndelicious.net
Quick Lasagna Soup from busymomshelper.com

Easiest Lasagna Ever from damndelicious.net
Pesto Lasagna Roll Ups Recipe from twopeasandtheirpod.com
Creamy Tomato Lasagna Florentine from pinchofyum.com
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna Boats from pinchofyum.com
Extra Cheesy Classic Homemade Lasagna from halfbakedharvest.com
Healthy Recipes: Zucchini Lasagna from thirtyhandmadedays.com
Quick And Simple Springtime Skillet Lasagna With A Mediterranean Kick. from halfbakedharvest.com
Polenta Lasagna from weelicious.com
Mini Lasagna Cups from damndelicious.net
3 Ingredient Slow Cooker Lasagna from slowcookergourmet.net
Rosemary Chicken Lasagna from feastingathome.com
Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Roll Ups from twopeasandtheirpod.com
Caprese Lasagna from busymomshelper.com
4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna from twopeasandtheirpod.com
Creamy Chicken Florentine Lasagna from thecozyapron.com
Chicken Lasagna Alla Bolognese from jocooks.com
Sweet Potato Mexican Lasagna With Tortillas from veggiebalance.com
Naked Spinach Quinoa Lasagna Casserole from fitfoodiefinds.com
Puerto Rican Lasagna (pastelón) from kitchengidget.com

17 Slow Cooker Recipes for Kids

January 4, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

When it’s cold outside, it seems that my desire to cook just goes out the window. That’s why we do a LOT more crock pot meals during the winter months! So if you’re looking for an easy recipe that the whole crew will love, you’ve got to check out these 17 Slow Cooker Recipes for Kids! A tasty meal that’s simple and makes the whole family happy? That’s a definite win-win in my book!

Don’t worry, it’s not all soups here – we’ve got a whole variety from pot pies, to chicken, corn on the cob and mashed potatoes, even steak and nachos! So no matter what your family prefers, this list is almost certain to have a delicious and EASY TO MAKE slow cooker recipe for kids of any age to enjoy.

1. Shredded Beef Tacos
2. Cherry Pie Oatmeal
3. Nacho Bake
4. Steak Bites
5. Cowboy Casserole
6. Lasagna
7. Chicken Pot Pie
8. Pizza Casserole
9. Chicken Quesadillas
10. Mac and Cheese
11. Chicken Alfredo
12. Teriyaki Chicken
13. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
14. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
15. Chili Recipe For Kids
16. Buttered Corn On The Cob
17. Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

Which crock pot recipe would YOUR kids prefer?

Pizza Crepes for Kids

January 2, 2018 by Danielle Leave a Comment

We’re in the last full week of my kids’ almost three week break from school. As fun as it’s been being able to spend more time together, it’s also a bit stressful and hectic, to say the least. One aspect is that they’re getting bored with the same ol’ lunches – so I decided to switch it up and try something new! These tasty Pizza Crepes for Kids are such an easy recipe for busy moms, but sure to please your whole bunch. My kids are already asking when we can have them again!

One thing I love about any pizza recipe is that it’s fun to assemble your own – the kids can pick out (and if they’re old enough, even add the toppings themselves) what they want to go on it so they really feel that it’s what THEY want.

Ingredients

Crepes – you can use our simple crepe recipe HERE
Pizza Sauce
Cheese
Toppings: pepperoni, olives, pineapple, ham, veggies, etc.

Directions

Take each crepe and spread some pizza sauce inside. Sprinkle with cheese, then top with your favorite toppings.
Roll it up, serve and enjoy!

I told you it was easy! The hardest/most time consuming part is just making the crepes, which isn’t really a big deal at all. I love super simple recipes that my kids will enjoy!

The timing for this kid-friendly lunch was perfect, as the weather here in Texas is freezing (at least for us – it’s barely 20 degrees today!) and the kids are mostly stuck inside. We cooked up these pizza crepes, had fun ‘building’ the pizzas together, and even warmed up a pot of hot cocoa. Yum!

Maybe I’m just weird, but I get so excited when I find a good recipe – especially for lunch, since that meal seems to get more monotonous than the others – that ALL of my kiddos like, and even the hubby and I look forward to eating, as well!

I think next time we’ll try a grilled cheese crepe, possibly with some ham in there. THAT sounds like a winner, too!

What toppings would YOUR kiddos like on their pizza crepes?

Gourmet-Style Garlic Jalapeno Burger and Fry Sauce

November 1, 2017 by Danielle 2 Comments

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LeaveBlandBehind #CollectiveBias

Remember when you were a kid, and anytime you got a hamburger or cheeseburger was wonderful – regardless if it was super plain and boring? I loved having burgers for dinner, but now as an adult I sure do expect more FLAVOR and ‘personality’ to it. Gone are the days of bland, typical burgers now that you can whip up this Gourmet-Style Garlic Jalapeno Burger and Fry Sauce easily at home! It’s bursting with incredible flavor, and is a truly special sauce that takes your burger from ‘eh’ to WOW!

Don’t worry, y’all know how much I try to avoid complex dishes or meals that take too long – even though this Garlic Jalapeno Burger may SOUND difficult or time-consuming, it’s not at all! Just grab all of your ingredients during your next Walmart shopping trip – including the ‘secret ingredient’ that makes this sauce finger-licking good….NEW McCormick Garlic Jalapeño Seasoning. It’s one of the NEW McCormick Garlic Seasoning Blends now available at Walmart, and boy does it give such an amazing flavor to so many dishes – I had to stock up on several so we can try it out on more new things.

You can find it in the spice aisle, along with McCormick Garlic Ranch Seasoning. You can use either of these tasty seasonings anywhere you’d normally use Garlic Powder – add it in before, during or after cooking for an extra boost of flavor. They really bring garlic to the next level of flavor, and help take the guesswork out of recipe free cooking – because who wants to stick exactly to a recipe all the time?! I love using McCormick seasonings because they inspire a love of home cooking and help empower all cooks (even those still learning, like us) through flavor!

Seriously, this sauce takes these burgers far away from the regular ‘ol bland stuff and gives them a boost of flavor that really goes well with the burgers and toppings – plus it works amazingly as a fry sauce, so you get two uses from one sauce!

It just so happens that hubby had to work from home the day I made these, meaning he was able to taste-test my creation – and absolutely loved it! He even packed a bit of the leftovers for lunch the next day because it was such a hit 🙂 He was sure glad I bought several of the McCormick Garlic Seasoning Blends, since he’s also brainstorming on more things that it can be added to for some really great flavor.

Just look at that sauce dripping on the burger – so much great taste in every bite! Like I said, don’t worry because it’s really easy to make….

Ingredients – Sauce

3/4 cup Mayo
3 tbsp. Ketchup
2 tbsp. BBQ Sauce
1 tsp. Yellow Mustard
3 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce
2 tsp. McCormick Garlic Jalapeño Seasoning

For the entire meal you’ll need:

Sliced Tomatoes, lettuce, etc.
Sliced/Diced Onions (I sprinkled some seasoning on these and grilled them – delish!)
Hamburger Buns
Ground Beef/Burger Patties
Cheese of Choice, sliced
French Fries!

Directions

In a bowl, whip all of your ingredients until well-combined.
Use as a sauce for your burgers, and a dip for your fries.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Enjoy!

At first I was worried that using the same sauce for the burgers and the fry dip would be ‘too much’ – but goodness no! It was perfect, bringing out great flavor for each thing in a complimentary way. Loved it! Once you fall in love with the taste, you’ll want to sprinkle it on new things to try as well – I even sprinkled some into the actual ground beef patties of our burgers!

You can adjust the amount of seasoning you put in to fit your taste preference – it was still great with just 1 tsp. in the sauce, but for the better flavor we wanted we preferred 2 tsp. in ours.

Mmm….this sauce was almost addictive, it was just so tasty! And yes, it’s so good you’ll be licking your fingers (and maybe even your plate)!

I’m so glad I’m not a kid anymore, happy with a regular, bland burger – I want delicious flavor bursting in every single bite! These gourmet-style Garlic Jalapeno Burgers are just what the doctor ordered, and still were quick to fix up because us busy mommas deserve great taste without spending our valuable time!

What dish would YOU try NEW McCormick Garlic Jalapeño Seasoning in?

Easy Meals with Noodles

October 4, 2017 by Danielle Leave a Comment

This post was sponsored by No Yolks as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. #NoYolks #NoOtherNoodle

You know, I always think that life is crazy and just couldn’t get busier – then it proves me wrong and our schedules get even more insane. Luckily there’s some delicious, go-to foods I can rely on for those nights I don’t have a ton of time (like most nights!). If you’re in a rush for mealtime like me, you can whip up a ton of amazing, Easy Meals with Noodles and have a little more time to tackle that to-do list!

So why noodles, you may ask? I love that they’re so versatile – while people may think only of stroganoff or casseroles, they can be used to whip up so many more varieties of meals. I grabbed a bunch of No Yolks noodles at the store so I’d have plenty on-hand for the busy fall we have ahead, and can’t wait to try them in tasty dishes like Sriracha Cheesy Noodles, or even Noodles with Kale and Walnut Pesto. You can even nab a coupon for $0.50 off when stocking up on our own No Yolks Noodles!

I love that No Yolks is a healthy egg noodle alternative – it’s made from eggs whites so has no cholesterol. They’re low in fat AND sodium, and always cook up smooth, firm and fluffy because they’re high-quality. With all their varieties – like Broad, Extra Broad, Fine, Kluski, Dumplings and even Stir-Fry – you can use them in all sorts of unique, simple and easy-to-make meals. Give them a try in your favorite soup, like Miso or French Onion even!

Want a chance to win one of Five (5) $100 gift Cards?

Enter from October 3rd – November 15th, 2017!

I-C will randomly select 5 winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes.

No Yolks® Sweepstakes

Stock up on your favorite type of No Yolks noodles the next time you’re at the store (don’t forget your coupon for $0.50 off!) and you’ll be all set for those busy nights when you want a delicious, amazing meal to feed your family but don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen. You’ll be surprised at how many different dishes you can whip up with noodles, so don’t be afraid to try something new!

What’s YOUR favorite noodle dish?

Poppy Seed Chicken Pitas

August 25, 2017 by Danielle

If you’re looking for something a little different than your typical sandwich, these Poppy Seed Chicken Pitas are just the ticket. Fresh, flavorful with a perfect texture that’ll leave the whole family asking for more. They’re also easy to make ahead of time, so putting them in lunches for school (or work) make the morning rush a little bit easier!

Note: Makes 8 Pitas

Ingredients

4 Wholegrain Pita Breads, cut into halves (8 pita pockets)
2 heaping cups cooked Chicken (I used 2 (1.5 oz.) cans of Chicken Breasts)
½ cup chopped Celery
¼ cup chopped Red Onion or Scallions
¼ cup chopped Walnuts (you can use pecans, almonds, hazelnuts too)
2 heaped tbsp. chopped dried Apricots (or dried Cranberries)
Torn Lettuce to serve

Dressing

1 tbsp. Poppy Seeds
¼ cup Orange Juice
½ cup Mayonnaise
1 tsp. Grainy Mustard (or use Dijon Mustard)
Salt & freshly cracked Pepper, to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, mayonnaise, mustard, poppy seed, salt and freshly cracked pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Add the chicken, celery, onion, walnuts and apricots into the bowl. Toss it well with the dressing, till everything is well mixed.
Taste and add more salt and pepper, if needed. The chicken salad is ready. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
To serve, toast the pita halves in a toaster oven for 2 to 3 minutes at 400 Degrees F.
Stuff the toasted pitas with torn lettuce and about ¼ cup of the poppy seed chicken salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

The chicken salad can be prepared ahead of time – it actually tastes better the next day& makes great leftovers, too.
Shredded rotisserie chicken, poached or grilled chicken chunks can be used, too.
Instead of dried apricots, dried cranberries or even raisins can be used.
Instead of walnuts, use any nuts of choice like pecans, almonds or hazelnuts.
If allergic to nuts, pepitas/pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds are good alternatives.

What’s your favorite type of chicken salad?

Why Instacart is Perfect for Busy Moms

August 15, 2017 by Danielle

This great, time-saving service and recipe is brought to you today thanks to Skinner® pasta. All opinions are mine alone.

Did you know about National Friendship Day? It’s true – and what better way to celebrate or show appreciation for a friend (or two) than telling them about a great service that can save them plenty of time and even money? To all my busy mom friends out there, here’s my gift to you – Why Instacart is Perfect for Busy Moms!

One of the best gifts us busy moms (and dads!) can receive is the gift of time – and grocery delivery can be the ultimate lifesaver. I don’t know about you, but skipping the hassle of getting all the way dressed, heading to the store, finding the items, checking out, and driving back sounds like a miracle – and it’s easy to get! Skinner® Pasta – the #1 pasta in Texas – is partnering with Instacart to offer FREE grocery delivery (or $5 off your total grocery bill) beginning last week on August 6th in celebration of National Friendship Day. Imagine, all your groceries delivered right to your door, and you can even stay in your pjs!

Not only can you get quick, convenient grocery delivery with Instacart thanks to Skinner Pasta, but they’re also holding the Howdy Skinner Sweepstakes – a Texas-sized getaway and other fun prizes sure to make anyone smile. If you win, you could share the trip with your own best friend! Visit HowdySkinner.com to enter, and you’ll have a chance to win a 3-night stay for you (and a friend, of course) at the Marriot Marquis Houston – that includes airfare and $500 spending money for seeing the sites, hitting up restaurants and attractions or a fun shopping spree!

Other fun prizes include membership to Care.com and $500 – giving you more ‘me’ time by handling dog walking, babysitting and housekeeping services – or you could win FREE PASTA for a year for you and a friend! The sweepstakes kicked off on National Friendship Day (August 6th) and ends 09/06/17 at 11:59:59pm CDT. See details and official rules at HowdySkinner.com.

As part of their partnership with Skinner, Instacart is giving free grocery delivery for customers in Houston, Austin, San Antonio and Dallas. All you have to do is buy ONE package of Skinner Pasta and have a minimum $35 order. Those who don’t qualify for free delivery (if you’re already an Instacart Express Customer or a first time customer) will receive $5 off your order (delivery must be $35 or more to qualify).

No matter what Skinner Pasta you choose to add to your Instacart, it’d taste great with our Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe:

Ingredients

2 tbsp. Butter
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1 tsp. Red Pepper flakes
1 cup Heavy Cream
1 tbsp. All-purpose Flour
1/4 cup Parmesan, grated or shredded

Directions

In a medium saucepan, melt the Butter over medium heat.
Add the Red Pepper Flakes (adjust based on your desired ‘kick’) and minced Garlic, cooking about 1 minute or until fragrant.
Mix in the Flour; cook until light tan in color.
Mix in the Cream, reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Parmesan, stirring until melted in, then remove saucepan from heat.

This goes great as a topping for your favorite Skinner Pasta – whether you use spaghetti like we did here, or their fun Texas shape pasta! Skinner Pasta tastes great and is easy to cook with; it always turns out right. Not only is it gentle on your wallet, but it’s so flexible – allowing you to make all sorts of delish recipes in a hurry for those busy family nights or get-togethers with friends!

Who would YOU share the Houston trip with if you won?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Skinner® pasta.

Fajita Pasta Casserole

August 2, 2017 by Danielle

Thanks to Skinner® pasta for sponsoring this recipe. All opinions are my own.
As a big family of 7, having great go-to dinner recipes that are not only delicious, but also quick are a necessity. One thing we rely on to make our evenings less of a stress are excellent pasta dishes, like this amazing Fajita Pasta Casserole! It’s simple to make, doesn’t take much time, and is so full of flavor that it’s a hit with the whole family.

Why do we make pasta dishes so often for our family? Because it tastes great, is flexible for a TON of great recipes, and it’s great for any budget. That’s probably one of the reasons Skinner pasta is the #1 pasta in Texas – everyone loves it, it’s so easy to cook and has earned Non-GMO Project Verification on their most popular pasta products.

Skinner pasta has a variety of pasta products available, such as spaghetti and fettuccine, elbows and penne (our favorite) and even options like dumplings and super fun Skinner Texas Shape pasta! I couldn’t resist using those to whip up this Fajita Pasta Casserole, since they’re so cute.

Since people have different favorites in which variety of pasta they prefer – for us it’s penne, for some it’s spaghetti – you can switch this recipe up to include whichever Skinner pasta fits your style! If you’re a proud Texan like us, maybe you’ll even choose the same style as we did for this particular recipe.
One of my favorite things about this fajita pasta casserole is that you can also switch up the peppers to fit your preference – my kids like more green peppers, while if it’s just for hubby and me, we like more of the red or orange. Mix it up so it fits YOUR family’s tastes! After all, the best dinners are not only easy and delicious, but make everyone happy 🙂

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
3 Tbsp. taco or fajita seasoning
2 cups yellow onion, diced
2 cups bell peppers, diced
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
5 oz. tomatoes, diced
5 oz. green Chiles, diced
8 oz (about 3 cups) Skinner pasta
Dash salt

Directions

Season the chicken pieces with half the taco seasoning.
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat until very hot. Carefully add the chicken in a single layer and cook WITHOUT STIRRING until one side is seared and browned, about 1-2 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook the other side the same way, until browned.
Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet with the heat still on high and cook until really hot. Add the onions, bell peppers, and last of the taco seasoning.
Cook, now stirring occasionally, until the veggies are starting to blacken a little bit. Turn heat to low and add in the garlic. Stir until well-mixed, about 30 seconds. Place the veggies onto the plate with the chicken.
In the same skillet, mix the broth, cream, tomatoes, UNCOOKED pasta, and salt. Stir until well-combined and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, and cook COVERED for 15 minutes, or until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. Mix the chicken and veggies back into the skillet until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy!

I love serving this dish to my family because everyone loves it, and it doesn’t take me much time or effort – great for a busy weeknight meal! It’ll especially come in handy when we’re back to school in a few weeks and our schedules get even more crazy.

What pasta style/shape would YOU choose?

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Skinner® pasta.