Italian roasted lemon chicken dinner

There’s something truly comforting about a classic Italian   roasted lemon chicken dinner. With it’s golden, crispy skin, juicy meat, and bright citrus aroma, this dish is a staple in Italian kitchens.

This dish holds a special place in my heart because it was the first meal I learned how to cook. I still remember nervously following my mothers instructions, carefully seasoning the chicken and peeking into the oven every few minutes to make sure I wasn’t burning it. But when I finally pulled it out, golden and fragrant, I felt an immense sense of pride – like I had mastered a little piece of tradition. What makes this Italian – inspired roasted chicken recipe stand out is how easy it is to make. A handful of quality ingredients come together effortlessly to create a meal that tastes and looks like it took hours to prepare. Add some cut potatoes and you have a complete meal that can be on your table in less than 1 hour.

Here’s why this Italian roasted lemon chicken dinner is so easy

This Italian roasted lemon chicken dinner is incredibly easy to make because it requires minimal prep, simple ingredients and a hands – free cooking method. The seasoning is as straightforward as mixing olive oil. lemon juice. garlic and herbs, then rubbing it into the  chicken.  There’s no complicated  marinating or advanced techniques- just a few minutes of prep and the oven does the rest.

Adding potatoes to this Italian roasted chicken dinner makes it a complete meal with minimal effort. As the chicken roast , the potatoes absorbs all the deliciousness of the pan juices. You can also add additional vegetables like carrots, zucchini or what ever fits your taste for an additional nutritional boost. To make this Italian roasted lemon chicken dinner even more easy use a ready-cut chicken. You can also customize this recipe by using more parts of the chicken you like and less of the chicken pieces you don’t.

Serve this roasted lemon chicken dinner recipe with a simple green salad and you have a perfectly well- rounded Italian – inspired that feels special yet effortless. Plus everything cooks in one pan , making cleanup a breeze!!!ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken cut into sections
• 6 medium potatoes peeled and cut into equal cut medium dice
• 3-4 gloves of garlic
• 1 sliced lemon
• juice from 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. each onion, garlic and paprika powder
• 2-3 sprigs rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400-degrees
2. Prepare your chicken if using a whole chicken cut into sections . Then wash and pat dry.
3. Add the cut chicken to a bowl drizzle with the olive oil, lemon juice, season with the garlic, onion, paprika powder, salt and pepper
4. Transfer the chicken to an oven proof casserole dish.
5. Now prepare the potatoes in the same way as the chicken. Peel, wash them and pat dry. Add them to a bowl and season them with the same spices you used to season the chicken.
6. Transfer the potatoes next to the chicken.
7. Add the lemon slices, garlic gloves and rosemary sprigs
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked all the way through and the potatoes are fork tender.
9. Plate the chicken and potatoes pour the pan sauce over them. Top with freshy chopped Italian parsley. Serve with additional fresh lemon slices. ENJOY!!!!

Easy zuppa Toscana recipe

This easy zuppa Toscana recipe, is a delicious and hearty soup comes from the picturesque region of Tuscany. Known for it’s robust flavors and comforting qualities, this soup combines rich Italian sausage with the goodness of spinach and starchy potatoes simmered in a creamy broth.

Over the years Zuppa Toscana has crossed borders and gained popularity in the United States, thanks to its introduction by Italian – American restaurants. The version most Americans are familiar with is served by a well-known Italian- inspired restaurant chain, which has sparked many home -cooked version of this soup recipe. From adding personal twist to meeting dietary preferences, this beloved soup has many variations, making it a versatile and loved dish in many households.

Variations for this easy zuppa Toscana recipe

1.The original zuppa Toscana recipe uses kale . I used spinach for personal taste and easy excess. Use kale if it fits your taste.

2. You can lighten  this soup by using turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork and swap  the heavy cream for half-and – half or milk.

3. Replace the potatoes with pillowy gnocchi for a different twist.

4. Substitute potatoes with farro or barley for a Tuscan farmhouse feel. Or make it keto friendly by replacing the potatoes with cauliflower.

Easy zuppa Toscana is a versatile and comforting dish that can be easily adapted to meet different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you keep it classic . lighten it up, add a spicy kick, or swap ingredients like gnocchi or farro, there’s a version for everyone. Try experimenting with different ingredients and let me know which version becomes your favorite. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Italian sausage ( mild or spicy
• 1 cup diced pancetta
• 1 cup each chopped onion + celery + carrots
• 1Tbsp. minced gar
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups diced potatoes
• 1 Tbsp. red pepper flakes
• 4 cups spinach
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a stock pot or Dutch oven in 2 Tbsp. of olive oil cook the sausage  and pancetta until brown. Remove excess grease
2.  Then add the onion, celery, carrots and garlic cook until soft and translucent
3. Add the potatoes and cook until the potatoes are soft. About 10 minutes.
4. Then add in the spinach and parmesan cheese and cook 5 minutes longer.
5. Ladle into soup bowls, top with additional parmesan cheese. ENJOY!!!

Easy homemade meat stromboli

This easy homemade meat Stromboli is the ultimate Italian – American comfort food, with layers of delicious savory deli meats, gooey melted cheese, and my easy marinara all wrapped in a golden, crispy crust. It’s the perfect dish for gathering or a delicious addition to your game day appetizer table.

This recipe has many variations swap out the meats, add vegetables, Mama”s meatballs, or experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste. Served with more marinara for dipping, it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser, whether at potlucks, dinner at home or game night. Easy to and full of flavor, Stromboli is a a timeless classic everyone likes.

Filling ideas for this Easy homemade meat stromboli

Classic Italian: Pepperoni , mozzarella and marinara sauce for a traditional pizza – inspired stromboli

Vegetarian: Spinach, roasted red peppers, olives  and feta for a vegetarian option

Caprese: Fresh diced tomatoes, mozzarella, and  basil for a light summery stromboli

Buffalo chicken : Shredded cooked chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce, blue cheese, minced celery and carrots for a spicy kick

Stromboli for breakfast: Scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, sharp cheddar cheese for a delicious breakfast- inspired stromboli.

Making homemade stromboli is easier than you think, and the results are well worth it. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite fillings.  You can use my homemade overnight pizza dough and my easy homemade marinara sauce for an authentic made-from scratch experience, or opt for store-bought for a quicker option- either way it will be delicious. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. my overnight pizza dough or your favorite store – bought
• 2 cups
• my easy marinara sauce or your favorite store-bought
• 6 slices of prosciutto
• 10 slices Italian salami
• 8 slices provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 Tbsp. chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400-degrees . Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Stretch the pizza dough to a 12 inch even thickness  diameter (about 1/3 inch thickness )
3. Start half of the marinara sauce on the dough, leaving a border around the edges bare.
4. Begin to layer the meat starting with the prosciutto then the salami
5. Add the cheeses on top of the meats . Sprinkle with the Italian parsley
6. Roll the crust tightly, sealing  the seam and pinching the ends together.
7. Score the top of the stromboli to allow the steam to escape during cooking. Brush with extra virgin olive oil sprinkle with grated parmesan
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. ENJOY!!!

Bone-in porkchops picatta

Perfectly cooked and juicy bone-in porkchops picatta in less than 30 minutes.  Only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time start to finish to make the best restaurant quality porkchops at home.

For these pan seared chops I am using 1-11/2 inch thick bone-in  porkchops and pounding them thin. Thinner porkchops can be used you can skip this step. You can also use boneless porkchops. Although for me I find bone -in anything is much more flavorful.

It’s a one pan recipe that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and has the most flavorful porkchops with the most delicious picatta sauce.

Why you will love this bone-in porkchop picatta recipe

Bone-in  porkchop piccata is a delicious recipe. It combines the rich, juicy flavor of bone-in porkchops with the bright, zesty buttery lemon-caper sauce that defines a classic piccata.

The bone-in adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat tender and moist.  The tang from the lemon and briny capers balances the savory richness of the pork, while white wine and butter brings everything together in a luscious sauce.

This bone-in porkchop piccata is a restaurant quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, making it an ideal recipe  for both weeknight family dinners and fancy enough for special occasions. Plus, it pairs deliciously with simple sides like roasted potatoes, sauteed greens or creamy polenta. ENJOY!!

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment on your experience with this bone-in porkchop picatta recipe. I love hearing from you, and it helps others. THANKS!!!

Ingredients

• 4 bone -in porkchops
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1/2  cup white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• juice from 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup drained capers
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by pounding the porkchops thin then salt and pepper to taste
2. In a bowl mix the breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese and Italian parsley
3. In another bowl add the eggs and whisk slightly
4. Dip the chops first in the egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Use your hands to completely cover the porkchops with  breadcrumbs
5. In a large saute pan over medium high heat add the olive oil and 1 Tbsp. of butter
6. Add the porkchops in batches to the skillet and fry until golden brown on both sides ( about 5 minutes per side). remove and set the chops aside while you make the sauce.
7. In the same pan add the remaining butter add the garlic and shallots and cook until soft and translucent.
8. Deglaze the pan with the white wine waiting until it evaporates before adding the chicken stock, lemon juice and capers. Simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens.
9. Pour the picatta sauce over the porkchops. Top with additional chopped Italian parsley. Serve with lemon slices. ENJOY!!!!

Prosciutto mozzarella chicken rolls

These prosciutto mozzarella chicken rolls are so easy and quick to make. With just a few minutes of prep time and less than 30 minutes of cook time you can have a restaurant quality dinner.

It starts with thinly pounded chicken breast filled with prosciutto and cheese then covered in my easy marinara sauce, though you can use your favorite store- bought if you prefer, then topped with freshy grated mozzarella and baked. whether served with a side of pasta , roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad, these chicken rolls make an elegant yet easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

How to make this prosciutto mozzarella chicken roll recipe easy

These prosciutto and mozzarella chicken rolls are perfect for meal prep, making them a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining guest. You can assemble them in advance by pounding the chicken, layering the prosciutto and mozzarella, rolling them up , and securing them with tooth picks or kitchen twine . Once assembled, they can be stored in an covered container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

If your planning further ahead, these chicken rolls can also be frozen before baking. Simple wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap  and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook , thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with baking. This method is especially convenient for meal planning, as you can prepare a batch in advance and have a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort. Whether fresh or frozen these prosciutto mozzarella chicken rolls deliver a restaurant- quality meal with hardly any last- minute work,

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast
• 4 cups my easy marinara sauce
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 2 cups freshly grated mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 375-degrees
2. Start by washing the chicken and pat dry.  Then pound the chicken breast until thin salt and pepper to taste
3. Lay one slice of prosciutto on each breast, divide half the mozzarella among the  four breast, top with Italian parsley
4. Roll the chicken breast jelly roll style. Secure with toothpicks
   1. line an oven proof casserole dish with half of the marinara sauce. Lay the rolled chicken breast on top. Then top the chicken with the remaining marinara sauce and the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated parmesan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Top with the remaining parmesan and  additional Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!

Mushroom pasta alla Norcina

Mushroom pasta alla Norcina is an Italian pasta dish from the Umbrian  region of Italy. The dish traditionally combines hearty flavors of sausage, mushrooms and a rich cream sauce. There are different version, some have mushrooms or cured meats or both. The recipe is super quick and easy to make, taking almost as much time to make the sauce as it does to cook the pasta. The sauce starts out by cooking the onions, garlic, mushrooms and Italian style sausage (spicy or mild). The sausage used in norcina typically contains rosemary, and since the Italian sausage available here does not contain rosemary I add a few sprigs to the sauce. By the time the sauce is ready the pasta should be cooked and you toss the pasta with the sauce and adjust your seasonings.

The dish is hearty and delicious, showcasing the earthy , rustic flavors of Italy. It’s an ideal meal for chilly nights or when your craving Italian but want quick and easy too.

key points for this mushroom pasta alla norcina recipe

Here are a few key points to know about this mushroom pasta alla norcina recipe.

Pasta: Often make with short pasta like rigatoni or penne, but you can use any shape pasta that you prefer.

Sausage: Italian sausage typically seasoned with rosemary and fennel is crumbled and browned to add robust flavors. If you can’t find the Norcina sausage add a few sprigs of rosemary to the sauce, removed before adding the pasta.

Mushrooms: Fresh porcini mushrooms are traditional, but cremini or button mushrooms are commonly used when porcinis are unavailable.

Cream sauce: Heavy cream is combined with wine wine and stock creating a velvety sauce the coats the pasta .

Cheese: Grated pecorino Romano or parmesan cheese enhances the richness and adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish.

I hope you give this mushroom pasta alla norcina a try. Its creamy , hearty combination of sausage and mushrooms makes a perfect meal for any occasion. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb. fusil pasta
• 1/2 lb. spicy Italian sausage crumbles
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 cup white wine
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by cooking your pasta el dente. While the pasta is cooking make the sauce
2. In a large saute pan over medium high heat in the 2 Tablespoon of olive oil cook the onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms begin to brown . Then add the sausage crumbles cook until brown.
3. Deglaze the pan with the wine waiting until it evaporates before adding the chicken stock, pasta water and cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Then add in  the grated parmesan
4. Toss the pasta in this creamy sausage sauce, top with more grated parmesan and chopped Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!

Quick and easy Chicken Francese

Quick and easy chicken Francese  is a  lightly battered pan-fried chicken breast meal with an elegant white wine lemon sauce. It’s like chicken piccata, but with a thicker sauce, more of it , no capers and lemon flavors, and a delicious crust that soaks up the sauce. Chicken Francese a lovely restaurant dish that’s easy to make at home. It’s hallmark is the light golden crust created by dredging chicken breast in flour and egg before pan -frying them to a golden perfection. Once cooked the chicken cutlets are covered in a tangy lemon sauce. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something elegant but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, and it’s fancy enough for Saturday night dinner with friends.

What makes chicken Francese quick and easy is its minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation. With basic pantry ingredients, you can whip up this chicken dish in under 30 minutes. Pair it with simple sides like steamed vegetables, pasta, or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re hosting guest or feeding your family . Chicken Francese is sure to be a hit with its bright flavors and beautiful presentation.

Tips for making Quick and easy Chicken Francese

To ensure your chicken francese turns out perfect every time, start by pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper before dredging them in flour, and be sure to shake off any excess to avoid overcoating. When dipping the chicken breast into the egg mixture, let the excess egg drip off before placing in the hot pan to achieve a delicate golden crust.

When making the lemon butter sauce, use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor- it brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Deglaze the pan with the wine and scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom, that’s where the deep flavors are.

Let the sauce simmer briefly to thicken slightly  before returning the chicken back to the pan. Serve immediately, garnish with fresh Italian parsley and lemon slices, for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 2 large skinless boneless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 3Tbsp, olive oil
• 1 lemon thinly sliced
• lemon juice from 1 lemon
• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cut in chicken breast in half horizontally to form 4 thin breast in total
2. whisk the eggs slightly
3. Add salt and pepper to the flour
4. Coat the chicken first in the flour then in the egg
5. In a non- stick saute pan heat the oil over medium high heat
6. Cook the chicken until golden on both sides about 3 minutes per side. Then remove and set aside.  Wipe the pan clean using paper towels.
7. In the same pan melt the butter. add 2 tbsp. of flour and cook stirring for 1 minute with a wooden spoon. While stirring add in the wine waiting until it evaporates before adding in the chicken stock. lemon juice and lemon slices. Simmer for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
8. Return the chicken to the pan just to heat through, add the parsley. Plate the chicken pour the lemon sauce over it ,garnish with more Italian parsley and lemon slices . ENJOY!!!!

Split pea soup with ham

Split pea soup with ham is a nostalgic favorite from our restaurant days. There is something comforting about a warm bowl of split pea soup’ especially when it’s made with smoky ham and memories of bustling restaurant kitchens. When we had our restaurants, we prided ourselves on serving two daily soups a day. Made fresh each morning and split pea soup with ham was a favorite among our regulars. This hearty , flavorful soup is simple to make comes together in less then 1 hour and it’s delicious . Whether served with crusty bread or on it’s own, it’s comfort food that’s perfect anytime of the year!!!

Good to know about this split pea soup with ham recipe

It’s budget friendly: This split pea soup recipe uses simple ingredients, like affordable dry split peas, staple vegetables and leftover ham of cheap ham hocks. making it a great way to stretch your grocery budget.

It’s the perfect recipe if you have leftover ham or roasted pork, this is the perfect way to use up those leftovers. The bone adds a deep, smokey flavor, but diced ham works too.

Meal prep friendly, split pea soup stores beautifully and is freezer friendly. Make a big batch, and you’ll have lunches and quick dinners ready to go. It last 2-3 days in the fridge and freezes for up to three months.

The soup thickens as it sits. when reheating leftovers add a splash of stock or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

Low maintenance cooking , once the soup is simmering. it practically cooks itself. giving you time to prep other dishes and clean up.

This tips make this split pea soup with ham not just delicious but also practical and approachable for any home cook. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 cup each chopped onions+ celery+ carrots
• 1 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 8 oz. dry split peas
• 3 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• a few bay leaves
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the split peas
2. In a stock pot or Dutch oven in the 2 Tbsp. of olive oil over medium high heat saute the celery, carrots, garlic and  onion until soft and translucent.
3. Then add the split peas salt and pepper now and mix to combine the flavors then add the chicken stock, water, ham hocks, and  bay leaves.
4. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until the split peas are pureed, if too dry add more water or stock.
5.  Remove from the heat. Discard the bay leaves and remove the ham hocks. Remove the ham from the bones , shred and return to the soup add the peas and Italian parsley simmer 5 minutes longer.
6. Ladle into soup bowls top with additional chopped Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!

 tomato  Bolognese meat sauce

Bolognese is a rich meaty tomato sauce that is a signature dish from Bologna, Italy. In the capital city of Emilia- Romagna, Bolognese is typically served over tagliatelle pasta, or other thick noodles.( but almost never over spaghetti)Deeply rich and meaty, as opposed to saucy, it is the trait that is different in a Bolognese sauce verses spaghetti meat sauce.

There are as many variations of this meat sauce as there people who make it. These variations are the cause of sometimes heated debates. Garlic or no garlic, red or white wine, the amount of tomatoes, did the sauce really originate in Bologna. etc, etc. However the basis of a good Bolognese stays the same. A good Bolognese is a labor of love. But if you have a prep plan in place and a little extra time it really is an easy sauce to make. And you can make it ahead of time , it’s freezer friendly too!! So make a double batch one for one and one to freeze for a ready made meal.

Notes for this tomato Bolognese meat sauce

It may seem like a long list of ingredients, to make this tomato Bolognese meat sauce but note that most are pantry staples you probably have on hand.

I use only ground beef to make my Bolognese. If you prefer, you can use a mix of beef, pork or Italian sausage.

A good Bolognese sauce benefits from the saltiness and smokiness of a cured meat such as pancetta or bacon. I prefer to use pancetta, but use bacon if that is easier for you to get or if it is what you have on hand.

Onions, carrots and celery also known as sofritto in Italian are non-negotiable in a Bolognese sauce. You can chop them by hand or use a food processor to save time on the chopping.

My tomato Bolognese meat sauce is not a complicated recipe and my version doesn’t stray from the classic. It always starts the same way with a sofritto.

So here’s the thing to make this tomato Bolognese meat sauce  recipe easy and stress free you need to plan ahead. Gather the  best ingredients , chop the vegetables before and store them in the fridge . make a large when you have time, portion it, and freeze for quick meals.

These shortcuts will deliver a delicious, rich sauce without the stress. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1 cup diced pancetta
• 1 cup each chopped onion+ carrots + celery
• 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
• 1 cup red wine
• 1 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup milk
• pinch of nutmeg
• 1 Lb. tagliatelle
• Grated parmesan and Italian parsley for serving

Instructions

1. Start by cooking the pancetta in the olive oil over medium high heat in a stock pot or Dutch oven.
2. Once the pancetta is crispy add the onion, celery. carrots and garlic. Cook until soft and translucent.
3. Add in the ground beef and cook until brown. Then deglaze the pot with the red wine waiting until it evaporates before adding the beef stock ,crushed tomatoes and milk. Add the pinch of nutmeg and a few bay leaves.
4. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours
5. Cook your pasta el dente
6. Toss in tis delicious pasta sauce. Top with freshy grated parmesan cheese and chopped Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!

Creamy broccoli pasta shells

This creamy broccoli pasta shells recipe is not only healthy but also quick and easy to make. The mix of soft broccoli , tasty pasta and gooey cheese is a hit with everyone. Pasta and broccoli are a great combination for your health. Pasta gives you energy and broccoli is full of vitamins and fiber. Together,  they make a meal that’s good for you and taste delicious. It’s a perfect blend of comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

What’s great about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can switch out the pasta shape , adjust the cheesiness, or even add a protein like grilled chicken breast or shrimp for a heartier meal. This creamy broccoli pasta shell will undoubtedly become a family favorite for it’s simplicity and delicious taste.

Why You’ll love this creamy broccoli pasta shells  recipe

Quick and easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknight family meals, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Healthy and delicious: Packed with nutrient – rich broccoli, this dish provides a good source of fiber and vitamins, making a wholesome meal for the whole family.

Customizable: Whether you’re looking to add protein, swap the milk for cream for a creamer option , or experiment with different pasta shapes, this recipe is incredibly versatile to suit your lifestyle and tastes. ENJOY!!!

Ingredients

• 4 cups washed and trimmed broccoli
• 1/2  lb. medium size shells
• 2  Tbsp. olive oil
• 4 Tbsp. butter
• 1 small shallot minced
• 2 Tbsp. flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup four cheese blend
• pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Start by cooking the broccoli in a large stock pot in salted water until soft, remove use a potato masher to mash the broccoli and set aside
2. In the save water as you cooked the broccoli cook the pasta shells el dente
3. While the pasta is cooking make the sauce. In a saute pan in the olive oil cook the shallots until soft and translucent. Add the butter once the butter is melted add the flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes.
4. Then slowly pour in the milk and stock. Bring to a boil lower the heat and add the cheeses and nutmeg.
5. Simmer the sauce until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
6. Add in the broccoli and the el dente cooked pasta shells. Cook just for a few minutes just to combine the flavors and ingredients.
7. ladle into pasta bowls top with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped Italian parsley. ENJOY!!!!