Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or your choice)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta:

   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

2. Sauté Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Allow the liquid to reduce by half, stirring occasionally.
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

4. Combine and Season:

   • Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic butter sauce and chicken until well coated. If the mixture seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
   • Squeeze the lemon juice over the pasta and chicken. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until evenly combined.

5. Serve:

   • Transfer the garlic butter chicken pasta to a serving platter or individual plates.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your delicious and budget-friendly meal!

This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is flavorful and satisfying, but shrimp could be used instead of chicken.

Speedy Pizza Quesadillas

 

Ingredients:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
• 1/4 cup diced onions (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quesadillas:

   • Lay out two flour tortillas on a clean surface.
   • Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges.

2. Add Toppings:

   • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce on each tortilla.
   • If using, add your desired toppings such as sliced pepperoni, black olives, diced bell peppers, and diced onions.

3. Season:

   • Sprinkle dried oregano and dried basil over the cheese and toppings.

4. Assemble the Quesadillas:

   • Place the remaining two flour tortillas on top of the cheese and toppings to create two quesadilla "sandwiches."

5. Cook the Quesadillas:

   • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the skillet with olive oil or cooking spray.
   • Carefully transfer one quesadilla to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
   • Repeat with the remaining quesadilla.

6. Slice and Serve:

   • Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them cool for a minute or two.
   • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice each quesadilla into wedges.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your speedy pizza quesadillas!

These pizza quesadillas are a quick and delicious alternative to traditional pizza and can be customized with your favorite toppings. They make a great meal or snack for busy weeknights or anytime you're craving pizza in a hurry!

Simple Breakfast Toast Variety of Toppings

Variety Toppings Breakfast Toasts

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bread (whole wheat or white)
• 1 tablespoon butter or margarine
• 6 slices of cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or your choice)
• 6 slices of cooked ham or turkey slices
• Optional toppings:
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Avocado slices
  • Spinach leaves
  • Cooked bacon or sausage
  • Fried or scrambled eggs
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Sliced bell peppers
  • Red onion slices
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or cilantro)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Bread:

   • Toast the bread slices until golden brown using a toaster or toaster oven.

2. Prepare the Fillings:

   • While the bread is toasting, heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter or margarine.
   • Once the skillet is hot, add the ham or turkey slices and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly browned and heated through.

3. Assemble the Toasts:

   • Place a slice of cheese on each slice of toasted bread.
   • Top each slice of cheese with a cooked ham or turkey slice.

4. Add Toppings:

   • Now comes the fun part! Customize your breakfast toasts with a variety of toppings:
     • Layer on sliced tomatoes, avocado slices, and spinach leaves for a fresh and nutritious twist.
     • Add cooked bacon or sausage for a savory kick.
     • Top with fried or scrambled eggs for extra protein.
     • Sprinkle sautéed mushrooms, sliced bell peppers, and red onion slices for a flavorful veggie boost.
     • For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños.
     • Garnish with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the prepared breakfast toasts immediately while warm.
   • You can serve them as open-faced sandwiches or top with another slice of bread to make a traditional sandwich.
   • Enjoy your delicious and customizable variety toppings breakfast toasts!

Feel free to mix and match the toppings based on your family's preferences and what ingredients you have on hand. This recipe offers endless possibilities for a satisfying and flavorful breakfast!