Foodie Friday ~ Chicken & Asparagus Pasta

Alrighty girls--you all need to make this pasta dish, pronto!! Before it's too late to get good asparagus!! Asparagus has peeked but it's definitely still possible to get a few good bunches!!

I came up with this recipe with no real direction besides the fact that I know I wanted pasta, I wanted something on the light side and I had just picked up this gorgeous bunch of asparagus at a local farmstand. So I created this dish not know AT ALL how it would turn out and boy, was it a hit!!!

The sauce is light, but the Parmesan makes it creamy and delicious! The touch of lemon you add at the end is just perfect!

Chicken & Asparagus Pasta
** Serves 2-3

1 chicken breast
1 bunch of asparagus, cut into bite sized pieces
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoon flour
1/2 cup milk (i used whole milk, you can also use low fat or half and half)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Juice and zest of one lemon
About 3/4 of a box of "fun shaped pasta" (i used Campanelle)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet cook chicken in a little olive oil about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Set aside to cool, then cut into bite sized pieces.

2. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Whisk

3. In the skillet you used to cook the chicken, add a little more olive oil, then saute garlic for about a minute until fragrant. Add asparagus and cook until still crisp.

4. Whisk together chicken stock, flour and milk. Pour unto skillet, bring to a boil and allow the sauce to thicken a bit. Stir in Parmesan cheese.

5. Add pasta to the skillet, along with the cooked chicken. Stir to combine.

6. Add the lemon juice, zest and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until everything is well combined. Serve immediately with some awesome bread to soak up the sauce..you will not want to waste a drop!


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Recipe Wednesday: Grilled Chicken Quesadillas

This might be one of my favorite dinners...ever! Cheese, veggies, protein and a nice tortilla..it's basically all the food groups on one plate! It works great with leftover grilled chicken and if you have it, this comes together in about 15 minutes.

Grilled Chicken Quesidillas

*makes 3 large quesadillas

6 medium sized tortillas
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 an onion, sliced
1 grilled chicken breast or 1 faux grilled chicken breast (click to see my method)
Taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning
2 cups of your favorite cheeses, grated (i love using sharp cheddar and monterey jack)
Cooking spray/olive oil

1. Slice grilled chicken into strips and set aside (i like to season my chicken with taco seasoning or Cajun seasoning for this recipe). In a large skillet, heat a little oil and add sliced peppers and onions and cook about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are slightly soft; set aside.

3. Heat a griddle, grill pan or large skillet; spray tortillas with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.

4. Top each tortilla with a layer of cheese, chicken, veggies and more cheese (don't make it tooo fat!). Place another tortilla on top and place on the griddle. Repeat until you have 3 quesadillas.

5. Cook each quesadilla until golden brown on each side (about 2-4 minutes on each side).

6. Cut into triangles and serve with sour cream, salsa and avocado!

This tastes like something you would order as an appetizer at a chain restaurant but whole lot healthier!! You can swap out the veggies, use a different meat and mix up the cheeses--customize it to whatever you like. This would also be great as a vegetarian meal. Enjoy!

~XO,
Casey

Recipe Wednesday: Thai Takeout

I loooove Thai food. Unfortunately, there are no great Thai restaurants close to us where I can grab a quick pad thai, curry or noodle dish. I love this recipe because I get my Thai fix, but it's quick and easy. Not to mention, I'm sure it's more healthy than take out. This recipe can be mixed and matched with any veggies you like, and it's great with chicken or shrimp, too!

Thai Vegetable Curry
- 1 can of unsweetened coconut milk (I usually use the "lite" version but I am telling you, the regular kind is MUCH tastier!)
- 3 teaspoons red curry paste (on the "Asian" aisle, see the brand I use below)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (key ingredient, can't skip it!)
- 1-2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 3 cups of veggies: Frozen peas, edamame, snap peas, corn, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, snow peas, sliced onion....sky's the limit!
 - Fresh basil

1. In a medium skillet, slowly warm coconut milk; whisk in red curry paste until dissolved.

2. Add in all other ingredients and stir until heated through.

Serve over white or brown rice, and top with fresh basil!

Does it get much easier than that? I didn't think so :)

Recipe Wednesday: Orzo Salad

I'm a huge fan of mayo-based side dishes like macaroni salad, potato salad and this corn salad--it must be the Midwest in me :) But during the summer, mayo isn't always the best options for outdoor BBQ's and picnics. This orzo salad is the PERFECT summer side dish. It's mayo free, travels well and feeds a crowd. Plus, you can mix and match the ingredients any way you like!

This recipe makes a ton, so feel free to half it :)

Orzo Salad
1 box orzo, cooked to al dente
**1 jar of oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, chopped OR 1 package of non-oil packed sun dried tomatoes (usually in the produce section)
**1 can of artichoke hearts, chopped
** 1 cup of sliced kalamata olives
1/2 cup chopped basil
1/2 cup chopped mint

** These are my go-to add ins for this salad, but add anything you like...cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, white beans, cucumber and bell peppers are all great, too!

Dressing
Juice of one lemon
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

1. Whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside
2. Mix together remaining ingredients, toss with dressing and serve immediately. If packing and taking to a picnic, leave off the herbs and dressing. When you're ready to serve, tear the herbs and toss with the dressing.

Happy Summer!!!!!