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Creamy Pasta Bake

March 20, 2013 by Kelly Dedeaux

My family loves, loves, LOVES pasta. Really, no exaggeration whatsoever! My kids loved pasta before we could get them to eat much else. My hubby and I almost always order pasta dishes when eating out, just to compare differences, get ideas, and to enjoy every bite. So when I come across a pasta dish that’s both quick, cost-effective, AND absolutely yummy, it’s filed in with our favorites!

Creamy Pasta Bake

Ingredients:
1 box Penne pasta (about 2 cups)
1 pkg. Spinach leaves (about 9 oz.)
1 lb. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
1 tsp. Basil
1 jar Spaghetti sauce
1 can Diced tomatoes, drained
4 oz. Cream cheese, cubed
2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 tbsp. Parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 375 F.

Cook pasta as directed. Add spinach to boiling water for last minute.

Combine all ingredients, except ½ cup Mozzarella and all Parmesan, in sprayed baking dish.

Bake 20 minutes. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake another 3-5 minutes, until cheese is melted.

More Easy Pasta Recipes…

Easy Basil Pesto

January 22, 2013 by Kelly Dedeaux

I don’t have a garden. My parents had one at the house we rented from them for years, but now that we’re states away and in our own house, it’s up to me – and I just haven’t had a chance. YET – it’s definitely on the plan, because fresh produce and herbs right in your backyard would be great! Turn those extra herbs in your garden into this easy Basil Pesto recipe.

Okay, this is completely one of the ugliest photos – but I keep forgetting to take a photo of the pesto BEFORE adding it to things. Will be replaced asap!!! For now, though, this is basically what Pesto looks like – it’s green and saucy. It tastes FABULOUS though!

Ingredients
2 cups Basil leaves, packed
2 Garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup Pine nuts, chopped
2/3 cup Olive Oil
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Salt & Pepper, to taste

Directions
Put all of the ingredients into a blender, and blend until smooth and well-mixed. Enjoy!

Notes: If not using right away, reserve 1/3 cup of the oil until ready to serve.

Other Pesto Recipes…

Gorgonzola Pear Pasta

July 11, 2012 by Kelly Dedeaux

Flash and I have a couple that we’re very good friends with. Her and I are so similar, and our hubbies are also like twins. It’s hilarious when we all get together, since it’s like hanging out with a better version of yourself, who gets your humor, interests, everything. Well, she got accepted into medical school, so they had to move away this summer. As happy as I am for her (and a tad jealous), we miss hanging out with them.
Before they left we had one last double date to a local Italian restaurant. Flash ordered a Gorgonzola Pear pasta dish and absolutely fell in love with it. Since we just invested in a HUGE case of pears, I decided to give one a try. I was amazed at how easy it was!

Ingredients:
18 oz. Pasta (we used penne, but I’m sure you could use any)
4 tbsp. Butter, cut up
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
3 oz. Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
1 cup Heavy whipping cream
2 large Pears, peeled and cubed
1 cup Walnuts, chopped

Cook the pasta according to the directions. Drain.

In a separate saucepan, heat the butter, parmesan and gorgonzola until completely melted.

Add the cream and stir.

Mix the pear pieces into the pasta; stir in sauce.

Top with walnuts to serve.

Notes: We added cubed chicken, and it made it even more satisfying.