CHEESY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI BAKE

I was in the mood to make something warm and hearty for my family since it's so cold outside, so tonight we are having chicken spaghetti! I have an 8 year old that eats about 5 things and this had been added to the list making it 6! It's super yummy and easy to make. The recipe calls for items that are already diced or cooked, so you can do this in advance, even the day before to save time.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

Fall is here and it brings cooler temperatures. It also brings the craving for more comfort food! I have probably the pickiest child ever when it comes to food so I decided I'd make something even he would enjoy. I wanted him to be involved, so he picked out the cheese (sharp cheddar) as well as the type of pasta (Mezze Penne). One thing this kid will eat is cheese! He wants it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. So here we go with a cheesy, delicious Macaroni and Cheese that even the adults will love! BTW, he loved it and ate all of his dinner! Enjoy!!

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN PASTA

I've been trying to recreate a pasta dish that my daughter used to have at an Italian Restaurant where we used to live. She loves it and anytime we go back to visit, she has to get some! I've come very, very close. Now to share this delicious recipe so you can have some too! I try to plan ahead on this one and make the pesto the day before and start marinating the chicken the day before also.

FRESH BASIL PESTO

5 simple ingredients is all is takes to make this yummy Pesto. Enjoy it on your favorite pasta. Can be made in advance and frozen if you want to save some for later!

CHEESE RISOTTO WITH CHICKEN APPLE SAUSAGE

I am a lover of pasta and rice and especially love Risotto. I always order it in any restaurant as I never thought I could make it taste as good at home. Well, after years of making and tweaking a basic risotto recipe, this is what I make and it ALWAYS tastes incredible! Most of it is pretty simple, but reserve some time to babysit the risotto when it's time to start adding the stock, it takes some time, but well worth it. This is a family and friend favorite for sure! You could add shrimp, sausage, scallops or just about any type of protein that would pair well with white wine. I've imagined making this with beef and using a Cabernet, but have yet to get that far. Maybe one day...

EASY BAKED MANICOTTI - BEEF OR TURKEY

I have been making this Manicotti since I was a teenager. I won't say how long ago that was, but I've made it MANY times...  It's very easy and tastes yummy. Comes out delicious every time. There are always plenty of leftovers which freeze well. Another thing I like about this Manicotti is that it is  light and not heavy, even though it looks like it would be. If you wanted to make it more rich, I'm sure there are a few other things you could add.

RED WINE TOMATO SAUCE

I love this sauce. It's great with any pasta. I use it when I make Manicotti, which I'm doing tonight (recipe to follow). The red wine gives it a great flavor along with the red bell pepper and onion. It's an easy sauce to make and tastes oh so yummy!