Tag: weeknight dinner

Recipes and Cooking

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe

Brandi C

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe

Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Recipe is something I came up with because I had a bunch of random things in my freezer and pantry. It was quick and easy. I served with with Caesar salad and garlic bread.

Ingredients

Bag of Tyson grilled chicken strips cut up into bite sized pieces.

Bag of frozen (or fresh) ravioli (whatever stuffing you want on the inside. I just had cheese stuffed)

Dan-O’s Cheesoning (if you have not bought this RUN NOW and get (order) some. Good grief)

Seasoning Mix

Shaved Parmesan

2 jars of Alfredo Sauce (homemade is always better)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13×9 dish. Boil your ravioli noodles. Pop your frozen chicken in the microwave and when it is is done, cut that up into bite sized pieces. Place a thin layer of alfredo sauce on the bottom, then do a layer of your cooked ravioli, next add your seasoning, chicken, and shaved parmesan. Continue to repeat layers ending with sauce and cheese (this isn’t rocket science).

Bake, covered for about 30 minutes and then take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. Let it rest before serving.

Additions

So, for the next time, I want to sauté up some portobello mushrooms, onions, garlic, and maybe even some broccoli. My husband is not a fan of broccoli and chicken dishes but I think it is great, so he may have to suffer.

 

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Recipes and Cooking

Spaghetti Carbonara

Brandi C

Spaghetti Carbonara

Easy Spaghetti Carbonara – A Shelf-Cooking Favorite

Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple, satisfying dish that comes together with just a handful of ingredients. It’s the perfect shelf-cooking pasta recipe, using staples I always keep on hand. To round out the meal, I like to serve it with garlic cheese bread and a Caesar salad—quick, easy, and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. pasta (I used linguine)
  • Seasoning mix (your favorite blend)
  • 3 room-temperature eggs
  • Bacon (reserve 3 Tbsp. of bacon grease)
  • Fresh mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Parmesan cheese (a generous amount)
  • Reserved pasta water (about 2 ladles)

(Want to mix things up? Try adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor!)

Directions

Cook the Bacon & Veggies

  • Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and crumble.
  • In the same pan, sauté garlic, mushrooms, and onions in the reserved bacon grease until soft. (Spinach would also be a great addition here!) Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Egg Mixture

  • Crack 3 room-temperature eggs into a bowl and lightly beat them.
  • Ladle about 2 scoops of hot, starchy pasta water into the eggs, whisking constantly. This helps temper the eggs, so they don’t scramble when added to the pasta.

Cook the Pasta

  • Boil linguine (or your pasta of choice) in salted water until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot while it’s still hot.

Bring It All Together

  • Add 3 Tbsp. of reserved bacon grease and the sautéed vegetables to the pasta.
  • Use tongs to toss everything together, evenly coating the noodles.
  • Slowly pour in the egg mixture, continuously tossing the pasta to create a silky sauce.
  • Add lots of Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
  • Finally, mix in the crumbled bacon and serve immediately!

Final Thoughts

This meal was so freaking good and ridiculously easy to make. My family loved it. If you want a vegetarian option, just skip the bacon (though in my house, that’s not happening). I may experiment with turkey bacon next time for a slightly lighter version.

After 30 years of cooking, I’ll admit—some nights, I am just over it. The inspiration runs dry, and I find myself staring at the fridge with zero motivation. That’s why I’ve started writing down my favorite recipes and tweaking them to fit my family’s tastes.

Originally, I found this dish in a Rachael Ray cookbook back when I was obsessed with collecting cookbooks. Now? They just sit on my shelf collecting dust. Maybe it’s time to dust them off and find some new inspiration!

The beauty of cooking is making a recipe your own—adjusting flavors, swapping ingredients, and creating something that works for your family. So, grab your pantry staples and give this one a try! You won’t regret it. 🍝

Recipes and Cooking

Pizza Spaghetti Bake

Brandi C

Pizza Spaghetti Bake

Pizza Spaghetti Bake

I will write down what I did in this Pizza Spaghetti Bake because it was good! Yet, I will also write what I will add/do differently. I feel like all recipes need to be tweaked in some form or fashion, so this is pretty typical.

Ingredients

Beef

Onion

Minced Garlic

Pepperoni, chopped (and some whole for the top)

Next time, do a pound of beef and a pound of sausage.

Seasoning

Italian Seasoning

Rosemary

2 packets of spaghetti mix

1 jar of spaghetti sauce

Next time, I will add a jar of pizza sauce.

2 cans of mushrooms, drained

Chopped spinach

Panko

Parmesan

Cottage Cheese

1 egg

Mozzarella

Penne Noodles

Directions

Boil noodles and drain according to directions.

Cook beef, chopped pepperoni, onion, garlic, and seasoning (sausage if used) and drain. Put back in the pot. Next, add mushrooms and chopped spinach. Then, add the Italian seasoning, Rosemary, and spaghetti packets. Mix well.

Next up, add the spaghetti sauce (and about a quarter of that same jar, put some water to add). If you are also using pizza sauce, add it. Mix well. Add in some panko, parmesan, a couple of handfuls of mozzarella, cottage cheese, and the egg. Stir and keep warm until your noodles are done.

Finally, mix the meat mixture with the noodles and spread it in a greased 13×9 dish. Top with mozzarella and whole pepperoni—Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes.

 

 

Recipes and Cooking

Chicken Alfredo Soup

Brandi C

Chicken Alfredo Soup

Chicken Alfredo Soup

Just go ahead and slap your mama. Dang, it. This Chicken Alfredo Soup is now tied for first place for Big Daddy. The other two are Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese and Pizza Soup Recipe. Frankly, I am impressed with myself.

Ingredients

3 cans of chicken, drained (feel free to use chicken breasts because you can use the broth)

Seasoning

Onion

Garlic

3/4 c. butter

3/4 c. flour

1 c. heavy cream

Sour Cream

Chicken bouillon

Water

Parmesan

Mozzarella

Pasta

Directions

Saute up the cut-up onion and garlic in butter. Once sauteed, add in your flour and cook that down a bit. Get your whisk out and add 2 c. water. Whisk that all in really well. Now, I wish I could tell you how much chicken bouillon I used, but I used that paste. I think I did about 2 Tbsps. Sprinkle with your seasoning.

Once that is incorporated, add more water and keep stirring. I did this in my Instant Pot on saute mode, by the way. You will notice your “roux” is getting thicker. I think I did about 5 c. water. You can adjust accordingly. Add your chicken and parmesan.

Moving On

Let’s talk pasta real quick. I used bowtie pasta. I brought my water to a boil in my pot (not the instant pot). Once it came to a boil, I seasoned it and added my pasta. Drain and then add to your roux.

Next time, I might use a couple of boxes of Ditalini pasta or maybe cut up fettucini. The bowties were fine and good, but I think I want a smaller type, like a small rigatoni. Ugh, I need to go and look at all the types or make my own. Do you know what would be good? Putting in cheese tortellini. Cause, yum!

Anyway

Once I got all that in the pot, I added the heavy and sour cream. If you cook this in an instant pot, you must keep stirring because it will start to burn on the bottom. Baby it! In the end, I added about 2 cups (I know, I know) of mozzarella. Keep tasting to adjust the seasoning. Remember, you can always add seasoning, but you can’t take it out if you put too much in there. Start small and add as you like!

Dang, this was good. Had my Oak been here, I would’ve slapped her face 🙂 Then, she would have slapped me back, LOL.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

Brandi C

Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese

I tried something out of my wheelhouse with this Easy White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese. It was a HIT! Big Daddy loved it and didn’t want me to change a thing, which is huge. I did this in my Instant Pot, but you can do it on the stovetop.

Ingredients

3 cans of chicken, drained (you can boil and chop chicken breasts)

1 onion

Garlic

Seasoning

Oregano

Cayenne

Paprika

Cumin

Oil

**Coriander (I didn’t have this)

**Cilantro (I did not have this, so I didn’t use it. I don’t like Cilantro anyway)

1 can of green chiles

2 cans of white beans, drained

Chicken bouillon

Water

Cream Cheese

Monterey Jack

Directions

I added just a bit of oil to the instant pot to keep it from sticking. Then, I added the 3 cans of chicken, garlic, and onion. I sauteed until the onion was tender. Next, I added the spices, green chiles, white beans, and chicken bouillon (I used the powder and mixed it with the water. You can use chicken stock). I mixed it well while it was still in saute mode. Next up, I mixed the cream cheese and let it melt—lastly, about 6 c. water.

I put the lid on and put on “soup” mode for about 15 minutes. Once that beeps, I do a quick release. That’s when I add the Monterey jack cheese. Just stir that up until it is melted.

Now, For the Tricky Part

So, you can put 1 c. of white beans in a food processor, with a bit of the broth to puree it. Add that to your soup to thicken it up. Some people may like it more broth-y and just let it be. I put both cans of beans in and added some instant potato flakes to thicken the soup. You can also put some cornstarch in cold water, bring the soup to a boil, add the cornstarch mixture and mix till it thickens.

Lots of options. It was good!

 

 

Recipes and Cooking

Spin-on Tortellini Soup

Brandi C

Spin-on Tortellini SoupSpin-on Tortellini Soup

I love Tortellini Soup. Love it. So, today, as I was getting the stuff out of my pantry, I thought I would create a Spin-on Tortellini Soup. The broth is excellent! I did this in my instant pot, but it can be done on the stove.

Caution of warning, do not put your milk-based items in the soup before you seal the soup. You put that in AFTER it is done cooking, releasing the pressure. I made that mistake once, and I will never make it again.

Ingredients

Kielbasa quartered

Onion, chopped

Fresh garlic, chopped

Spinach, chopped (or kale)

Seasoning

Italian Seasoning

1 can cream of mushroom

6 tsp chicken bouillon paste

1/2 c. sour cream

2 cans of tomato sauce

1 Tbsp sugar

Water

Directions

In Instant Pot, saute the garlic, onion, kielbasa, and seasoning mix. Add a bit of water if it starts sticking to the pan. Once that is done, add in cream of mushroom soup; I think I did about 6 tsp of chicken bouillon paste. I will say, at this point, I added the sour cream and mixed it well. It did not explode, so that is a good thing. Then, I added the tomato sauce and the sugar. Next, add chopped spinach and Italian seasoning. I added enough water to thin it out just a little bit. You can always add more water towards the end.

Place on the lid, and move the lever to the “seal” position. I hit the soup function and adjusted it to 10 minutes. Once that is done, I did a quick release. I stirred everything well and tasted the broth to ensure the seasonings were good. A good rule of thumb is to start small. You can always add more, but you can’t ever take the salt out of something.

Bechamel Sauce

3 T. butter

Flour, 3 T.

Melt together while whisking.

Add a cup of heavy cream, and continue to whisk while on medium heat. The flour will thicken up. Once it was thick, I added in about 2 c. of cheddar. Stir well until it is all combined.

From this point, I added some broth to the bechamel pan. I did this to thin it out and make it to that it would incorporate easier into the soup.

Once incorporated and stirred, I added it to the soup.

Cue the angels, singing.

Tortellini

I cook these in a separate pot. I feel the tortellini get too mushy if I do the tortellini in the instant pot. Doing this serves a dual purpose. I boil the water, season it, and scoop out my tortellini. You can keep the starchy pasta in water. I add them to my Instant pot, and if I need additional water, I use the hot starchy water I cooked my tortellini in.

It’s good, people.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Brandi C

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

I started making just a cheesy type of lasagna, and then my brain started thinking. This quarantine has forced me to do more shelf cooking, which I do. It has also got me thinking outside of the box. So, I came up with a Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. It was good!

Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

2 packages of no-boil lasagna noodles (you can use the kind you boil, I don’t enjoy that)

2 packets of Ranch Mix

3 cans of evaporated milk

2 cans of canned chicken, drained and broken up with a fork. (I might use a 3rd can the next time)

1 jar of Alfredo sauce (you can make this homemade though)

Seasoning

Nutritional yeast (optional)

Fresh Spinach, cut up

Cheddar

Mozzarella

Parmesan

Directions

Combine your evaporated milk, ranch, seasoning, and nutritional yeast in a saucepan. I stirred that well and brought it up to a boil. Then, I added the alfredo sauce. I stirred until that was good and combined. It allowed it to thicken a bit. Once combined, I added the canned chicken.

In a greased 13×9 dish, place a bit of sauce on the bottom. Then, I layered the no-boil noodles—next, more of the sauce, mozzarella, and cheddar. Then sprinkle with parmesan and add a layer of fresh Spinach. Continue layering until you end with the sauce and cheeses.

Baking

Bake, uncovered, at 350 for about 30 minutes. Then take out and take a knife around the edge of the pan to make sure the noodles are soaked. I put mine back in for another 10 minutes. You could cover it at this time if you want to keep it from burning. This is done to ensure that the noodles are cooked through.

Pull out and sit for about 10 minutes before cutting to help the lasagna set up correctly.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Simple Ham Pockets Recipe

Brandi C

Simple Ham Pockets Recipe

This Simple Ham Pockets Recipe is so easy for a busy night.  Sadly, the week I made this was jam-packed with doctors’ appointments and busyness.  I struggle to keep my eyes above the waves on a week like this.  In my moments of stillness, I sent off 5 cards to people to tell them I loved them.  Also, I whipped this up because I did not have the energy to do anything else.

Simple Ham Pockets Recipe

~ Ham (I used about 1/2 of a pre-sliced KY Legend ham)

~Minced Onions

~Seasoning mix

~Cream cheese

~Cheddar Cheese

~4 Buttery Crescent rolls

Directions:

I put in all ingredients except the crescent rolls in a food processor.  I blended that well until Ham, and the cream cheese was mixed.

Transfer all of that to a bowl.  Add more cheddar if you want.  I did cause I like cheddar.

Roll out your crescent roll dough.  Place your mixture at the larger end of the dough and roll.

It made 24 stuffed crescent rolls.  There was 2 rolls leftover that I just cooked with the stuffed ones.

Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 350 for 12 minutes.

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Recipes and Cooking

Chicken and Orzo Recipe

Brandi C

Chicken and Orzo Recipe

This Chicken and Orzo Recipe made more than I had anticipated. I made one 13×9 pan for tonight and a smaller pan to freeze for later.

Chicken and Orzo Recipe

  • 3 chicken breasts
  • Seasoning
  • 30 ozs chicken broth (can be broth or water/chicken bouillon)
  • 2 c. spinach, chopped
  • Cauliflower rice, 2 c. (I buy it frozen and thaw it)
  • 28 oz. diced tomatoes
  • 2 c. orzo, uncooked
  • Minced onion
  • 2 c. cheddar (reserve some for the top)
  • 1 can cream of chicken
  • 2 packets of Italian dressing mix

Directions

Cook the chicken and then cut it up. Mix everything in a giant bowl. Place in a 13×9 greased dish. This amount made that 13×9 and an 11×8 pan. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top. Bake at 350, uncovered, for about 40 minutes.

I didn’t have many children here; only 5 kids ate here. We were able to eat the entire smaller dish. The 13×9 dish I wrapped and froze for next week!

Substitutions

You can substitute Ranch packets instead of Italian packets. Also, taco seasoning can be used as a substitute, and maybe add a can of corn to that and make it Mexican-flavored. This chicken and orzo recipe was delicious. It is one I will make again because I can sneak so much goodness into it without my family thinking I’m killing them.

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Recipes and Cooking

Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole

Brandi C

Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole

Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole

This Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole is something you can slip in SO many good things. You can mix regular rice with cauliflower rice. Also, add some spinach or kale to the mix. Chop up some fresh mushrooms. Use your imagination! I have started sprinkling a bit of nutritional yeast on top, along with some cheddar cheese. Also, cashew cheese would be good, although it would totally screw with my brain. I’m not sure I could use cauliflower rice and cashew cheese. That may be too much for my little heart to manage.

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Sausage (1 lb)
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Seasoning
  • Green Pepper (optional)
  • Fresh mushrooms (optional)
  • Fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
  • Cauliflower rice (optional)
  • 2 c. rice
  • Cream of Chicken, 2 cans
  • 2 cans Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Cheddar
Easy Brunzi Baseball Casserole Directions

Fry sausage, beef, onion, garlic, seasoning, chopped-up peppers, and chopped-up mushrooms.  Drain.

In a large bowl, add meat and veggies, thawed out cauliflower, spinach, UNCOOKED rice, soups, and a handful of cheddar.

Pour into a greased 13×9 dish.  Sprinkle with a bit more cheese.

Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Beef Stroganoff Instant Pot

Brandi C

Beef Stroganoff Instant Pot

Beef Stroganoff Instant Pot is not something I make often.  I don’t make it often because I do not think about it.  Pasta is my favorite thing, but it is not Big Daddy’s.  Sad, I know.  However, I have found something that involves pasta that he LOVED.

The roast was done in the crockpot.  When I do a roast, I make 2 and put potatoes in both.  I do this because A) we are a large family, B) my children believe they are starving 98% of the time C) I use the leftover roast to make soups or some Chinese food.  This day was no different.

Roast

1 roast

Seasoning Recipe Mix

Worcestershire Sauce

Onion

2 c. water

Put in the crockpot with potatoes and cook on high for 10-12 hrs.  I say this because I always put my roast in the crockpot frozen.  Always.  I reckon if it is thawed, it would need to be in there for 5-6 hrs.

Once I realized that we were not going to eat it (they ate the other one), I just dumped it all in a bowl with a lid and waited until I could figure out what I wanted to cook.  My ah-ha moment was pretty epic, only because Big Daddy loved it!

Beef Stroganoff

I separated all the potatoes from the roast/juice.  The roast was cut up into bite-sized pieces.  That and all the liquid were poured into my instant pot.  Also added was minced garlic and one whole onion, chopped.

Beef bouillon granules were added (I’d say about 4 teaspoons), more seasoning, Thyme, 2 T flour, mushrooms (canned or fresh), 2 T butter, and about 2 c water.  I sauteed this down and then added another cup of water.  The Instant Pot lid was placed and sealed.  I set it on manual for 10 minutes (the meat was already done).

While that was doing its thing, I put my egg noodles in a pot of boiling, seasoned water.  I do not do egg noodles in the IP because they turn into mush after one minute of being in there.  Once they were done, I drained them.

In the meantime, I’m quickly releasing the IP and adding 2 heaping tablespoons of sour cream and some parsley.  Once that was all mixed in and melted, I added my noodles.

It is ready to serve!

You can use the recipe’s ground beef, steak tips, beef stew, or deer meat.

Recipes and Cooking

Lasagna Soup

Brandi C

Lasagna Soup

 

Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is a great twist on a classic comfort food, and it’s so easy to make in the Instant Pot! With its rich tomato flavor, tender noodles, and creamy cheese, it feels like you’re enjoying a warm, cheesy lasagna but in soup form. The ground beef, kale, and green peppers add a savory, hearty base, and the addition of cream of mushroom soup and chicken bouillon really enhances the flavor. Top it off with sour cream and a sprinkle of parmesan, and you’ve got a delicious, filling meal that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy nights!

2 pounds of ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 c. kale, chopped

2 green peppers, chopped

In an instant pot, brown these all together with seasoning and drain.

Mix beef mixture, basil, oregano, and Italian Seasoning in the same pot. Then add in 2 cans of diced tomatoes (I pureed these up because Big Daddy does “not like chunks”), the equivalent of one can of cream of mushroom (can either use canned or make your own GF version). Next, add 4 chicken bouillon cubes, 32 oz—of water, and lasagna noodles (I used about 6) that are broken up.
Turn on the manual for 15 minutes.
Quick-release.
Check noodles and put them back on manual, if needed.
Add 1 c. milk, 2 c. cheddar cheese, and 1/2 c. sour cream.
Stir well and serve with parmesan.

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Recipes and Cooking

Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Brandi C

Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole

Oh, this Gluten-Free Beef Scalloped Potato Casserole is so good! I have also used a roast that I had cut up and marinated. It was equally as good!

2 pounds ground beef cooked with chopped-up onion and some seasoning.

Once that is cooked up, drain. Add in 1 c. beef broth or vegetable broth. Sprinkle over 2 Tablespoons gluten-free flour. Stir until it is thick.

Place this in a greased 13×9 dish.

Cut up some fresh mushrooms and sprinkle them over top of beef.

Next, cut some kale (can use spinach) and sprinkle it over mushrooms. Add a bit of seasoning.

Grate up some smoked gouda cheese (you can use any cheese, this is just what I had on hand).

Scalloped Potatoes

Take 8 small-medium-sized potatoes. Peel and Wash. Use a mandolin to slice them up very thin. In an instant pot, put potatoes and add enough water to cover the top of the potatoes. I also added 3 tsp. Gluten-free chicken bouillon cubes. Manual for 2 minutes. Quick pressure release and drain.

Layer on top of kale. Add some seasoning and thyme. Place 1 c. milk, 1/2 stick of butter, and the rest of your gouda cheese in a pot. Allow to melt, and then pour over your potatoes.

Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, then place under the broiler for about 5 minutes to crisp up the cheese.

It was yummy!

Side Note:

I will say that I have made this several times. I have substituted the ground beef for chicken, as well as ham. The recipe was delicious, no matter the meat used. You can also substitute homemade scalloped potatoes for the boxed kind, though that doesn’t do much for me. I try to stay away from processed food as much as possible. You could also sneak in shred-up zucchini or squash for even more nutrients. These items take on the taste of whatever you are cooking.

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Recipes and Cooking

Gluten-Free Chicken and Noodle Soup

Brandi C

Gluten-Free Chicken and Noodle Soup

Gluten-Free Chicken and Noodle Soup

Screaming Moment

Have you ever had one of those days where you want to run down the road naked, screaming at the top of your lungs? Enter Gluten-Free Chicken and Noodle Soup cause it is my jam. Well, any soup, for that matter. It, quite literally, soothes my soul.

Yep, I had one.

As an illustration, my day started with a butt through a wall.

As well as some nosy Nellies.

Add a splash of liars.

Tears.

Confessions.

Manual labor.

Saturday in a Nutshell: Fall Recipe

We did, for fun and all, add in some ticks, fits, crap in pants, paint, a mini-remodel (because of the butt issue), and a battle between a tree and a child.

Cause what a Saturday would be without all that fun?

Oh, I forgot that we start school (on the 24th), and I lost ALL my notes, schedules, and curriculum.

So, there’s that.

At 7:30 pm, my sweet (not so much sweet on this day, but a bit salty) H said he was hungry. I forgot to cook :/

I was so busy micromanaging misbehaving kids, working on the bathroom, doing some spot cleaning, and doing schoolwork prep. It just slipped my mind.

So, here is what I threw together because I had nothing else in the house to fix, and we did not want to eat out.

Gluten-Free Chicken and Noodle Soup

One bag of Tyson pre-cooked diced chicken (again, all I had, and it was frozen)

Minced onions

Seasoning

Cream cheese

2 c. Monterey jack cheese

Splash of milk

Rice spaghetti noodles

Broccoli (gotta get those veggies in)

Chicken stock (GF)

I put stock, chicken, seasoning, and minced onions in the instant pot (sniffing up 8 pm) and set it on soup for 12 minutes.

To save time, I started the water for the noodles and cut up the large pieces of broccoli. I also had A shred my cheese because pre-shredded cheese is processed, which is no Bueno.

When the instant pot was done, I quickly released the pressure. I added a splash of milk, the cheese, and then cut-up broccoli. I did turn it back on manual for 2 minutes to soften up the broccoli.

By the time that was done, my noodles were done. I drained them and put them in the soup.

Voila.

It is finished.

Thank. Goodness.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Copycat Alice’s Chicken From Outback

Brandi C

Copycat Alice's Chicken From Outback

Copycat Alice’s Chicken From Outback

We love this Copycat Alice’s Chicken From Outback. It is one of our favorite dishes.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning

Honey Mustard

1/2 stick butter

1# bacon, fried (save the grease)

Colby/Jack Cheese

2 c. fresh spinach

Fresh mushrooms

Directions

Cook your bacon on your broiler pan. It does not shrink up, and the grease catches in the bottom.

Cut your chicken into thin strips. Marinate them in the honey mustard for about an hour. In your electric skillet (well, that’s what I use), put in your leftover grease and the 1/2 stick of butter, and let that meltdown. Put your chicken in the skillet and put some seasoning on it.

When that is done, put it in a single layer in a greased 13×9 pan (I used 2 aluminum pans). On top of the chicken, put the crumbled bacon (I also used some bacon bits because I was cooking for *a lot* of humans). Next, put a layer of Colby/jack, spinach, and then Colby jack. Pour the leftover grease, butter, and the honey mustard’s drippings over your chicken’s top.

Cook at 350 for about 30 minutes.

Thoughts

Outback Steakhouse makes great Alice’s Chicken! I mean, it is good. There are so many ways to alternate the recipe, and this is one of those ways.

Recipes and Cooking

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Brandi C

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

In a large bowl, chop up 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you could use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken).

Add in seasoning mix.

2 tsp. minced garlic

2 jars premade alfredo sauce (though you could make this low carb and make your alfredo sauce, which is super easy)

4 chicken bouillon cubes

3 c. water

16 oz. pasta, uncooked (I had elbow noodles on hand, but anything can be used)

A small package of frozen broccoli

Directions

Stir it all together—Preheat the oven to 425.

Place in greased 13×9 pan and cover it with aluminum foil.

I put mine on a cookie sheet to keep it from boiling over.

Cook for 30-40 minutes. Now, you will remove it from the oven. Be sure and stir to check the noodles’ doneness. If not done, re-cover and put back in the range for about 10 more minutes.

When the noodles and chicken are cooked, uncover the dish.

Top with Mozzarella and Parmesan and put back in the oven for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Tips:

Be sure and cut up the broccoli for the sake of your kids. My kids don’t mind, but some kids balk at the fact they are eating broccoli. Honestly, I would make my alfredo sauce. I can control what goes in it, and it tastes better. This Baked Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight, combining creamy alfredo sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta in a single dish. It’s simple to prepare and great for family dinners. The pasta and chicken cook together, soaking up all the delicious flavors, and the broccoli adds a healthy, colorful touch. If you prefer a homemade alfredo sauce, it’s easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences, whether you want to make it richer or lighter. This dish is filling and satisfying, making it a great go-to comfort food for any night of the week.

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Recipes and Cooking

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake

Brandi C

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake

Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake

I’m just going to write this how I cooked it, so it will not be like a list and the instructions.

K?

K.

Without further ado, here is my Chicken Asparagus Pasta Bake.

In my instant pot, I placed 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts. I put them on the trivet with a cup of water. The chicken was frozen. Once I put the lid on, I just put it in the “poultry” setting.

When cooking, I took 2 bunches of asparagus and cut off the woody parts. I cut the rest of it into bite-sized pieces. You could also substitute broccoli, but Big Daddy does not like the broccoli and chicken combo :/

When the chicken was done, I put it in my kitchen aid, and I used that to shred the chicken (aka brilliant idea, so thanks to youtube for showing me that). I added my seasoning mix and the asparagus in that same pot where I shredded the chicken. I thought it looked a bit dry, so I put in 2 cans of cream of mushroom and about a half cup of sour cream.

Instant Pot

In the instant pot, I put in a box of elbow macaroni with a 1/2 stick of butter. I add enough water to cover the pasta. I set the pot on the manual for 6 minutes. While that was cooking, I made a white sauce. It was 2 T. butter to 2 T. flour. I whisked that together in a pan until it was mixed well. Once I mixed it, I added a cup of milk. I stirred that (it will stick) until it was thick, and then I took it off the heat and added about 2 c. mozzarella. With as much pasta and chicken as I had, I should’ve doubled it, and it would’ve been good with some cream cheese!

Oven Time

I greased a 13×9 pan but realized I needed something big to stir it all together. Also, I realized that I made a lot, so I greased another 11×9 pan to freeze for a later meal. I mixed the pasta, the chicken/asparagus mixture, more seasoning, Italian breadcrumbs, and a little leftover mozzarella.

I put it all in the dish, covered it, and cooked it at 350 for 45 minutes. Then I took the aluminum off and cooked it for another 5 minutes.

It. Was. Good.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Brandi C

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

4-6 chicken breasts (again, I use whole chickens that I boiled, and I put enough chicken in my dish to serve about ten people, I eyeball it). You can also use canned chicken or precooked chicken. If you boil your chicken breasts, drain the broth into a bowl. Cool the broth off or put it in the fridge overnight. Then, scrape the skim that forms on the top and freeze in a gallon-sized baggie for later use.

Cube, tear up, or do up your chicken breasts. Saute them lightly in coconut oil, bacon grease, extra virgin olive oil, or some other type of oil or butter. Once each side is sauteed, lay in a dish, covered to keep warm.

Mushroom Sauce

3 T. butter
3 T. flour
2 1/2 c. milk (I use 1%)
Fresh Mushrooms (sauteed)
1/4 tsp. turmeric
Seasoning

Directions

Once mushrooms are sauteed, add the turmeric and stir. Set aside.
Dissolve the flour in the cold milk. Set aside.

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the dissolved flour. Stir constantly until mixed and all the lumps are gone, about 2 minutes. Add seasoning. Continue cooking over low heat until the sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Then add the mushrooms to the white sauce and mix well.

Pour over chicken and serve.

Serves 8

Calories per serving (for the mushroom sauce): 73

**Can I say, this sauce would be SO fattening and SO worth it if you used heavy cream instead of milk and threw in a couple of handfuls of mozzarella cheese…..sigh and swoon**

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce recipe is an absolute winner for a comforting meal. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making each bite rich and satisfying. I love that you can use whatever chicken you have on hand—whether it’s boiled, canned, or precooked—it all works wonderfully. The key to the creamy mushroom sauce is the combination of butter, flour, and milk, with fresh sautéed mushrooms adding depth and flavor. The turmeric gives it a subtle kick, and the sauce thickens just right when stirred constantly over low heat. You can serve it over rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta for a full meal.

For an extra indulgent treat, swapping the milk for heavy cream and adding a handful of mozzarella would turn this into a decadent dish that everyone will love. It’s easy, versatile, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

 

Recipes and Cooking

Minestrone Soup

Brandi C

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup is one that Big Daddy loves, but I am not fond of, sadly. I made it anyway cause I love him like that! Honestly, I can’t get behind this one. I have tried but can’t do it. Now, I can slurp up the broth like no one is watching. That brings me peace. Maybe it is the beans. Just not my jam.

Four c. vegetable broth (vegetarian)

Two cans of stewed tomatoes

kidney beans, one can

zucchini, cubed

One potato, large, cubed

onion, chopped

Two celery stalks, chopped

Three c. corn

Two cloves of garlic, minced

One head of cabbage, finely chopped (I put it through the food processor)

pasta, around 1 c.

Seasoning

2 T. Italian Seasoning

Mix all together in a large pot (minus the pasta). Bring to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer until the vegetables are all tender. In the last 15 minutes, add the pasta. You certainly do not want to overcook the pasta. It still needs a bite to it or al dente. The fancy people say that. We Southerners don’t say fancy words like that. It is easy to overcook pasta.

I may not be wild about Minestrone Soup, but I do love that it’s packed full of veggies and goodness. It’s also a great “clean out the fridge” kind of meal, where you can toss in any vegetables that need to be used up. This is one of those soups that gets better the next day, once all the flavors have had time to marry and deepen. Big Daddy says it’s even better reheated! You can also swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option or skip it entirely if you’re watching carbs. It’s a super adaptable recipe, even if it’s not my favorite.

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Recipes and Cooking

Bacon and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

Brandi C

 

Bacon and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

Bacon and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup

This soup is slap-your-mama good—seriously comforting, smoky, and full of flavor. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a big bowl of cozy. Here is my Bacon and Fire Roasted Tomato Soup recipe.

Ingredients:

  • 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 cup chopped onion

  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained (about 3 cups)

  • 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

  • Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, smoked paprika, etc.)

  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or more to taste)

Directions:

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    In a heavy soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease.

  2. Sauté the Veggies:
    Add olive oil to the pot. Over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.

  3. Simmer the Soup:
    Pour in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (puree first if you prefer a smoother texture), broth, and fresh thyme. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Add your favorite seasonings and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Finish with Bacon & Cream:
    Stir in the crumbled bacon and heavy cream. Let it heat through, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes:

  • Swap heavy cream with milk or whipping cream if preferred.

  • You can use real bacon bits instead of fresh bacon for a shortcut.

  • Want to sneak in extra nutrients? Add a handful (or two) of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering.

This soup is amazing on its own or paired with a grilled cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

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