Meaty Unstuffed Pasta Shells

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Hi Friends, I know it’s the most wonderful time of the year for most people, but It can also be the most busy and stressful time of the year too.

So I am sharing this easy, stress free one pot Meaty Unstuffed Pasta Shell Recipe. Essentially this is a take on stuffed pasta shells without the fuss of stuffing each shell individually.

This recipe is cooked in one pot on top of the stove and the best part, it uses few ingredients, you probably have on hand. Lean ground beef and healthy ground turkey seasoned with Italian flavors and covered with a tomato sauce make this recipe delicious and will make you happy serving it.

That’s all you need one stock pot and 30 minutes to have this Italian inspired meal on your table.

Customize This Meaty Unstuffed Pasta Shells recipe

Just like most of my recipes this Meaty Unstuffed Pasta shells recipe can be customized to fit your lifestyle and taste. For instance if

you want to eliminate the ground beef just double the amount of ground turkey. And if you don’t like ground turkey just double the ground beef.

Another thing, if you don’t like jumbo pasta shells you can use smaller pasta shapes, adding then 5 minutes before finishing the cooking process.

In this recipe I used canned tomatoes, you can use my real easy marinara sauce instead if you have it on hand. ( I always do) You can also vary the cheeses and the amount according to your taste preference.

Just keep it easy and delicious and if you make this Meaty Unstuffed Pasta Shell recipe please leave me a comment and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you. It’s my favorite Part!!!!

Meaty Unstuffed Pasta Shells

Tender pasta shells simmer with savory beef, turkey, spinach, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, then are finished with melted Parmesan and mozzarella for a hearty one-pot meal.

½ lb large shells
½ lb lean ground beef
½ lb ground turkey
2 cups chopped spinach
1 chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped garlic
15 oz crushed tomatoes
15 oz tomato sauce
1 cup water
1 tbsp each chopped Italian parsley, thyme, oregano, and basil
1 cup grated parmesan
1 cup shredded mozzarella
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium stock pot bring oil and butter to medium high
Saute onion and garlic until tender and just beginning to brown
Add the ground beef and ground turkey saute until browned
Salt and pepper to taste now and add the herbs now
Add the tomatoes and water simmer 10 minutes
Add the pasta simmer covered for 15 minutes
Add the cheese and spinach the last 5 minutes
Serve topped with additional parmesan and Italian parsley

Bechamel Sauce Chicken Lasagna

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This Bechamel Sauce Chicken Lasagna layered with roasted chicken breast and oozing with cheese is prefect, if your in line to bring a dish to a holiday potluck or you need to feed a crowd, this is the dish to make!!!!!!

Keeping it comforting, and just a touch healthier using lean chicken breast and low fat milk for the sauce, if your gluten free you can use gluten free flour to make the roux, and gluten free lasagna noodles.

In this recipe lasagna sheets are layered with creamy Bechamel sauce, chicken, spinach and cheese, that all comes together to create beautiful layers, in this crowd pleasing lasagna.

All you need is a casserole dish, 45 minutes, a prep plan and you can feed as many people as you need to a delicious restaurant quality meal your whole family will love

Things to know about Bechamel Sauce Chicken Lasagna

First Bechamel sauce , is one of the classic French white mother sauces. a velvety, buttery, creamy white sauce perfect for this Bechamel Sauce Chicken lasagna.

The sauce is not difficult to make, but you do need to pay attention, for success don’t leave the stove unattended. The sauce burns quickly. Stir continuously while sauce is simmering.

If the sauce is too thick add more milk, if too thin coat 1 pad of butter with flour and drop it in sauce while simmering. Remember to dip the lasagna noodles in the hot bechamel sauce before layering.

There never seems to be any left overs, but if there are you can freeze it for a ready made meal prefect for holiday entertaining, or you need a hurry-up dinner for unexpected guest.

All you need is a casserole dish, 45 minutes, a prep plan and you can feed as many people as you need to, and the white color looks pretty on almost any table ant goes from oven to table to freeze, to dish washer,13 x 9 covered white casserole.

The extra bonus with casserole meals, your quest can serve themselves, set out this festive dinner napkins to set a holiday mood. add a simple salad for a dinner everyone will love

If you make this Bechamel Sauce Chicken Lasagna, be sure to leave me a comment and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations.

Above all I love hearing from you guys, and do my best to respond.

Bechamel Sauce Chicken Lasagna

Tender roasted chicken, spinach, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan are layered with no-cook lasagna sheets and creamy nutmeg béchamel for a rich, comforting baked pasta.

2 chicken breast
1 box store bought no-cook lasagna sheets
1 stick of butter
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup flour
1 quart milk
2 cups grated parmesan
2 cups shredded mozzarella
1 cup chopped spinach
1 cup chicken stock
2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
1 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat oven to 400 degrees
Coat chicken with olive oil salt and pepper to taste
Roast chicken breast 15 minutes cool and shred
Melt butter in medium stock pot
Stir in flour whisking continuously
Slowly whisk in milk, chicken stock, salt, pepper and nutmeg
Simmer on low heat 10 minutes stir to prevent browning
Line 9 x 12 inch casserole dish with bechamel sauce
Dip the lasagna noodles in hot sauce
Start layering the lasagna noodles beginning with the bechamel sauce
Top with 1/3 the amount of chicken, spinach, cheeses and bechamel sauce
Repeat for three layers ending with lasagna noodles, bechamel and cheeses
Bake in a 400 degree oven 45 minutes to 1 hour or until golden and bubbly
Let rest 15 minutes before cutting

Chickpea Zucchini Soup

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This Chickpea Zucchini soup is so easy it will easily become one of your favorite soup recipes. If your craving the comfort a bowl of soup gives, but still need easy and quick give this recipe a try.

All good for you ingredients, chickpeas, zucchini and spinach in a tomato broth. It’s one of those vegetarian soups that always has my family going for a second helping and me feeling good about it, because it’s so healthy. When I make it I make it in this stock pot it holds enough for next day reheats or this recipe freezer friendly for a quick ready made lunch.

Serve this Chickpea Zucchini Soup with a salad and some crusty bread for a delicious midweek light dinner or as a starter for Saturday night dinner with friends

Add ins For Chickpea Zucchini Soup

This vegetarian Chickpea Zucchini Soup is delicious on it’s own. But if you want a heartier soup you can saute some ground beef along with the onionsand garlic.

Another ingredient you can add in is 1 15 oz. drained can of white beans for even more nutritional value. And one more delicious 1 cup chopped kale along with the spinach.

This is one of my favorite soups for so many reasons easy to make, delicious uses few ingredients, and the best part it can be on your table in less than 30 minutes!!!

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment. And Please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you!!

Chickpea Zucchini Soup

Chickpeas, zucchini, spinach, corn, and peas simmer with tomatoes and herbs for a hearty vegetable soup finished with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan.

2 cans 15 0z. drained and rinsed chickpeas
1 large zucchini cut in large dice
½ cup frozen corn
½ cup frozen peas
2 cups chopped spinach
1 chopped yellow onion
1 tbsp chopped garlic
½ bunch Italian parsley
2 tbsp each butter and olive oil
3 cups water or vegetable stock
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup small shaped pasta
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large stock pot bring butter and olive oil to medium heat
Chop the parsley, garlic and onion together saute until tender and just beginning to brown
Add the zucchini and chickpeas mix with onion mixture salt and pepper now
Add the water or vegetable stock, and tomato sauce simmer covered for 15 minutes
Add the pasta, spinach, corn and peas simmer 5 minutes longer
Adjust seasoning. Serve in soup bowls top generously with parmesan cheese

Creamy Chicken Broccoli And Spinach Pasta

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Looking for a quick and easy pasta dinner? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli and Spinach Pasta is your answer!

Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time but craving something comforting and full of Italian flavor. Tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, fresh spinach, and a touch of tomato come together in a light garlic cream sauce that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant. This easy pasta recipe is sure to become a go-to family favorite!

Things to know about this Creamy Chicken Broccoli and spinach Fettuccini

One: when your cooking the chicken for this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini don’t overcook it, and be sure the saute pan is big enough to brown the chicken . Okay I know that was two. Next, always under cook the pasta just a bit this allows for the reheat. And finally always save some pasta water, this step is easily missed. And let me tell you, the pasta water with all it’s starch is a magical ingredient that thickens the sauce and adds more flavor. I always save more than I need just in case.

Get in the habit of always saving some of the pasta water if your boiling pasta!!

Oh one more thing be sure to deglaze the saute pan. That’s another important step, there’s a lot of flavor in the bottom of the saute pan be sure to scrape all those brown bits up using a large spoon

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. Hearing from you is my favorite part!!!

Creamy Chicken Broccoli and Spinach Pasta

Tender chicken, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes are tossed with fettuccine in a creamy Parmesan sauce brightened with white wine for a satisfying pasta dinner.

½ lb fettuccini
2 boneless skinless chicken breast cut in medium chunks
1 lb broccoli flowerets
2 cups diced tomatoes
2 cups chopped spinach
2 tbsp each butter and extra virgin olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
1 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
½ cup white wine
1 cup reserved pasta water
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the pasta according to package directions adding the broccoli the last 3 minutes. And reserve two cups of the pasta water before draining
Salt and pepper chicken chunks
In a large saute pan cook over medium high heat in the olive oil and butter cook the Chicken until golden brown and cooked through about 5-7 minutes remove and set aside
In the same pan add the tomatoes, garlic and onion cook until the tomatoes burst and the garlic and onion are tender and just beginning to brown
Deglaze the pan with white wine scraping up all the brown bits at the bottom simmer a few minutes
Add the chicken stock, cream, and reserved pasta water simmer 10 minutes or until sauce thickens. then add in the parmesan cheese
Return the chicken to the pan add the chopped spinach, broccoli and drained fettuccini cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors and the spinach is wilted
Sprinkle with Italian parsley and additional parmesan cheese.

Roasted Sausage and Peppers

This post may contain affiliate links, that help support this blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission—at no cost to you. For more information read my disclosure policy.

It’s the busiest time of the year. Even with a pandemic we are still cooking, baking, decorating and home schooling.

So now is the time to keep it easy, with this sheet pan Roasted Sausage and Peppers recipe. full of Italian flavors, it’s one of those throw together meals you put in the toaster oven/ air fryer for hands free cooking.

This dinner for four recipe, fits perfectly in my Cuisinart Toaster oven/ air fry .Making this recipe real easy and real quick in less than 30 minutes quick. that’s how quick. Italian flavored chicken sausage, mini bell peppers, onions, whole cloves of garlic drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar then roasted and finally topped with cheesy goodness will have everyone wanting more.

How To Customize Roasted Sausage And Pepper Recipe

In this Roasted Sausage And Peppers recipe, you don’t have to use mini bell peppers, although they may or may not look prettier, you can use a combination of colored sliced regular bell peppers. If you like spice throw a couple of these hot peppers in the mix for an extra kick.

I used Italian flavored Italian sausage for a healthier option, you don’t have too. This recipe works real good with chicken breasts, cut into large chunks.

It’s such an easy recipe that uses few ingredients, with even fewer steps, I was hesitate to write this post. Then in re thinking about the busyness of our lives not only at this time of year but in general, there’s no better time than now to share quick, easy recipes.

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you it’s my favorite part.

Roasted Sausage and Peppers

Italian chicken sausage, sweet mini peppers, onions, and garlic are roasted with balsamic vinegar and thyme, then topped with melted mozzarella for an easy, flavorful meal.

4 links Italian style chicken sausage each cut into 4 pieces
1 lb mini peppers
1 sliced red onion
1 sliced yellow onions
6 whole cloves garlic
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
6 sprigs thyme
1 cup shredded mozzarella

Mix ever thing together except the cheese
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 15 minutes
Add the cheese and bake 5 minutes longer or until cheese melts
If making sandwiches toast the bread before assembly the sandwiches

Cheesy Mini Calzones With Beef

This post may contain affiliate links, that help support this blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission—at no cost to you. For more information read my disclosure policy.

Whether your looking for an holiday starter or complete meal this Cheesy Mini Calzones with beef recipe can be both. Store bought pizza dough filled with juicy ground beef, full of Italian flavors will leave family and friends wanting more. It’s pizzeria style food from your own kitchen.

Sure homemade is better but at this time of year there’s no shame in semi homemade. And your family and friends would know the difference, unless you tell them!!!

You can also use store bought marinara sauce, but if you want to make your own here is the link to my Real Easy Marinara Sauce

Things to know about this Cheesy Mini Calzones with beef recipe

Although it’s hard to believe you can’t make these Cheesy Mini Calzones with beef, heavenly pillows of deliciousness any better, you can. Serve them along side marinara sauce and pesto for a flavor boost that takes this recipe over the top.

You can also make this recipe better by making it ahead of time and then reheating in the oven for a few minutes, my toaster oven/ air fryer is prefect for small reheats like this.

I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it my toaster oven/ air fryer is my most used small kitchen appliance.

At this time of year it’s good to keep food simple, good and if it can be made ahead of time, that’s a triple win!!! Another better idea double the recipe it and freeze it, you can do that with this recipe.

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you, and hope you are well. Blessings!!!

Cheesy Mini Calzones With Beef

Golden mini calzones are stuffed with savory beef, spinach, marinara, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan for a hearty, cheesy Italian-inspired bite.

1 lb prepared pizza dough
1 cup prepared marinara
½ lb ground beef
½ chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped garlic
2 cups chopped spinach
1 cup each graded parmesan and shredded mozzarella
1 tbsp chopped Italian parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Knead pizza dough to form a smooth ball let rest covered for 30 minutes
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Meal while in a medium skillet saute the onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until tender and just beginning to brown
Add the ground and saute until golden brown
Add haft the marinara, spinach, herbs, and cheeses simmer for 5 minutes longer
Form the dough into 8 balls, with a rolling pin on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into 8 flat disks
Fill each disk with filling
Form into half moons pinching ends together to seal
Brush tops with mixture of 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon melted butter, sprinkle with additional grated cheese
Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes at 400, lower the temperature to 350and bake 1o minutes longer

Braised Short Rib Fettuccine Pasta

This post may contain affiliate links, that help support this blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission—at no cost to you. For more information read my disclosure policy.

It’s that time of year when I bring out my Dutch Oven for slow cooked braised recipes. Your going to love this hearty braised Short Rib Fettuccini pasta recipe. Succulent short ribs slow cooked in a wine and beef broth and severed over a bed of fettuccini.

The combination of flavors is addicting and will have family and friends craving more!!! Even now days later am still craving the flavor bliss of this stick to your ribs meal!!!

Things to know about this braised short rib fettuccine pasta recipe

First and foremost use good quality Short ribs since the main ingredient in this Short Rib Fettuccini recipe is the short ribs, they should be the best.

Second and just as important be sure the heat is high enough, to sear the meat before adding the wine. And last but not least this recipe takes time to cook, so allow enough time for the three hours it takes to have the meat fork tender.

On a side note, you don’t have to use Fettuccini or pasta. This recipe is delicious on it’s own or over creamy polenta.

You don’t have to use pancetta either, you can use bacon. I had pancetta so that’s what I used. If you love slow cooked comfort food that’s easy to make try my Italian chicken and sausage scarpariello

If you make this braised short rib fettuccine pasta recipe please leave me comment here, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations.

I love hearing from you, it’s my favorite part!!!

Braised Short Rib Fettuccine Pasta

Tender short ribs are braised with pancetta, vegetables, red wine, and herbs, then tossed with fettuccine for a rich, hearty pasta dish packed with deep savory flavor.

8 pcs boneless short ribs cut in large dice
1 lb fettuccine
½ cup flour
6 pcs pancetta diced
1 onion chopped
2 stalks chopped celery
3 peeled sliced carrots
1 cup red wine
2 cups beef broth
8 sprigs of thyme and rosemary
1 cup peas
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp chopped Italian parsley

Salt and pepper the meat coat with the flour
In a Dutch oven fry the pancetta in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until crispy
Add the short ribs and cook until browned
Deglaze the pan with the red wine scrapping up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan
Now add the beef broth, thyme and rosemary
Simmer covered for 2 1/2 hours
Add the carrots, peas and celery simmer 1/2 longer
Mean while cook the fettuccini according to package directions
Toss the fettuccini with the short rib sauce
Sprinkle with Italian Parsley

Creamy Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle Pasta

This post may contain affiliate links, that help support this blog. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission—at no cost to you. For more information read my disclosure policy.

Happy December!!! It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it can also be the most stressful time of the year.

Try this Creamy Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle Pasta recipe for a stress free meal, everyone will love. Pappardelle pasta, bacon and prosciutto in a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to a golden brown sure to impress family and friends.

I like simple recipes that come together quickly, don’t use many ingredients, and if you can put it in the oven for a hands free dinner, that’s what dreams are made of.

Things to know about this Creamy Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle Pasta recipe

Yes you can customize this Baked prosciutto Pappardella, recipe to fit your lifestyle and taste. Pappardelle, a wide flat noodle can be a show stopper, you can use any shape pasta you like. You can also use pancetta instead of the bacon or you can leave it out. The same is true for the prosciutto, if you don’t like prosciutto, substitute ham for it.

I bake this Prosciutto Pappardelle recipe in a casserole dish that goes from oven totable in my toaster oven/ fryer. I said it before and I’ll say it again my toaster oven/fryer is the most used appliance in my kitchen and for good reason it’s quick, easy to use and it fries with no oil!!!!

If you make this delicious recipe please leave me a comment here and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you, it’s my favorite part!!!

Happy December my dear friends. I hope the spirit of the season fill your homes with gratitude and generosity.

Creamy Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle Pasta

Tender pappardelle is baked in a creamy Parmesan sauce with crispy bacon, prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella for a rich, cheesy, comforting pasta dish.

1 lb pappardelle
½ stick butter
4 slices bacon diced
½ cup prosciutto cut into strips
3 tbsp flour
2 cups low fat milk
1 cup reserved pasta water
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 cups chopped spinach
½ chopped onion
2 tbsp chopped garlic
pinch of nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook the Pappardelle according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the pasta water before daining
In a heavy saucepan cook the bacon in 2 tablespoons of butter until crispy
Add the onion and garlic saute until tender and just beginning to brown
Sprinkle the flour over the bacon mixture stirring to coat everything in the saute pan cook for 2 minutes
Slowly in the milk while stirring then add the resevered pasta water. Cook until sauce thickens about 10 minutes
Add the nutmeg, spinach and parmesan cheese cook 5 minutes longer
Pour Pappardelle into buttered casserole dish
Top with the shredded mozzarella
Place the dish under the broiler until the top is golden brown about 15 minutes
Serve at Once

Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches

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These Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches are the last of my Thanksgiving left over meals. Tender juicy slices of turkey breast topped with my best ever cranberry sauce and melted brie cheese.

It’s like eating Thanksgiving dinner in a sandwich.

Don’t save this sandwich just for leftover Thanksgiving Turkey, if you craving Thanksgiving in December store bough turkey works in this sandwich too.

What you need to make Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches

Besides the ingredients in this Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches you need a flat griddle pan to grill the sandwiches to a beautiful golden brown while melting the cheese. I have two flat griddle pans one cast iron with ridges and one flat.

I used the flat one to make these sandwiches, but I think next time I will use the cast iron ridge griddle for a panni style sandwich.

Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches

Tender turkey, creamy Brie, and sweet cranberry sauce are layered on toasted multigrain bread and pressed until golden for a delicious Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich.

½ lb leftover cooked Thanksgiving turkey breast
4 slices good quality multigrain bread
1 cup my home made cranberry sauce
4 oz thinly sliced brie
2 tbsp butter

Melt butter in a flat skillet over medium heat
Add the bread toast lightly on each side
Layer the lightly toasted bread with the sliced turkey, brie cheese and cranberry sauce
Continue cooking until cheese starts to melt
Put the sandwiches you will have two, together and press down with the back of a spatula
Cook just a few minutes longer on each side until a golden brown

Chicken Apple Stuffing

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There’s still time to make this Chicken Apple Stuffing for your thanksgiving turkey. This recipe is easy, quick, delicious and uses few ingredients.

The chicken sausage and apples together with the cornbread produce a gourmet flavor sure to impress your family and friends. Not’s not even the best part, the best part it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

A few Tips about Chicken Apple Stuffing

If your going to bake this Chicken Apple Stuffing inside the turkey don’t do so until just before your going to roast it.

Or if your going to bake it along aside the bird use a pretty covered casserole dish that goes from oven to table.

Be sure to use a large enough saute pan to get the browning you need to add extra flavor. Here is a link to my favorite saute pan.

This stuffing recipe can be make the day before and refrigerated. One more tip bring both the turkey and the stuffing to room temperature about 30 minutes, before baking.

Happy Thanksgiving my dear friends. Even in these uncertain times is always something to be grateful for ALWAYS!!!!

Chicken Apple Stuffing

Savory chicken sausage, sweet Gala apples, celery, onion, and sage are folded into moist cornbread stuffing for a flavorful side dish with comforting fall flavors.

1 medium chopped onion
2 cups chopped celery
3 diced Gala apples
1 lb chicken sausage casting removed
1 cup chicken stock
4 cups corn bread stuffing
2 tbsp chopped sage
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large saute pan saute the sausage breaking it up into small pieces saute until lightly browned
Add the Celery, onions, apples and sage saute until tender and just beginning to brown
Meal while pour the chicken stock over the corn bread
Mix the corn bread with the sautéed ingredients
Salt and pepper to taste