Day 138: Spinach and Artichoke Wonderpot

Original Source: Budget Bytes

Quite frequently these days, I find myself searching for dinners that contain no meat, and while I've only had artichokes a couple of times in my life, I saw the simplicity of this recipe and had to give it a go. I have to admit, when I saw this stuff done in the pot, I wasn't exactly drooling. In fact, I was almost tempted to toss it and order take out.

I'm glad I didn't. It was pretty darned good and really filling. I will say this, however. As leftovers, I couldn't bring myself to do it. But cut the recipe in half or however will make certain leftovers aren't an issue, and there you go! And aside from that, use some quinoa pasta as a substitute for the bad white stuff, and it's a nice healthy, vegetarian meal!

Get the Recipe HERE

Day 131: My Tuna Casserole

Original Source: ME

Occasionally I have the urge to post one of my favorite recipes, created by yours truly, and this is one of them. The picture doesn't do it justice because I am NOT a food photographer, but the outcome is pure yummy.

This version serves 6-8 people.

What you need:

• 2 boxes (8 oz each) of smaller pasta - I use quinoa pasta. Your choice of shape.
• 2 small cans of tuna, drained
• approximately 1/2 cup mayo (if you want it a bit creamier, add more to taste once everything else is mixed in)
• 1 - 1 1/2 TB of mustard (to taste)
• 1 TB white vinegar
• 1/4 cup either ranch dressing or sour cream, depending on preferences
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 TB dill relish
• Splash of hot sauce, optional

What to do:

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain pasta, mix in other ingredients. Taste. Want a bit more tang? Add a splash more vinegar or mustard. Too dry? Add a bit more mayo or sour cream/ranch.

Serve and enjoy.

Day 119: Tex- Mex White Cheddar Chicken Spaghetti

Original Source: Lauren's Latest

My Guy cooked this one, and even my cheese-hating Teen Boy loved it. It's really really good. I only ate a little, piled on a lot of greens to make me feel a little fuller as pasta tends to have an adverse reaction for my weight. But trust me, I wanted more. My Guy claims it was fairly easy and quick to cook, as well. I'll take his word for it.

(Also, is there anything sexier than being cooked for by your significant other? I think not.)

Get the recipe HERE

Day 110: Creamy Pesto and Marinara Baked Ziti

Original Source: The Blond Can Cook

The cheese was enough to tempt me, here. The marinara was a little scary since I'm not overly fond of it. But, since My Guy was the one cooking, we went for it. And I'm so glad we did! Other than saving some extra sauce for my sauce junkie husband next time (he doesn't like his so dry), this recipe was perfect. Meatless Monday? If cheese isn't a problem, this is one to add to your recipe rotation. Even my cheese-hating Teen Boy loved it (though he did peel the top cheese layer off his.) And I added a bit of sour cream to mine for a little more zing.

The flavor? Like a very easy, quick version of meatless lasagna! Next time I might try alfredo instead of marinara, just to see how that tastes, but check out how it came out. So gooey and yummy!

Get the recipe HERE

Day 108: Lemon Angel Hair and Chicken and Spinach

Original Source: Recipe Crayon Box

I don't get to eat pasta much anymore. I don't think it agrees with my stomach, as much as it agrees with my tastebuds. However, I had to try this one, because I'm a sucker for all things angel hair. 

The whole meal took fifteen minutes or less, which you can't argue with.

Our thoughts: Me and My Guy said it was a little too lemony, so next time, I'll reduce the amount of lemon I put in. Teen Boy is not a fan of cheese, and so he didn't like the amount of parmesan in it (which I couldn't really taste because of afore mentioned lemon) so next time, I'll serve his before adding the cheese.

But there will probably be a next time, because over all, it was pretty yummy.

Get the recipe HERE

Day 69: Cheesy Chicken Lasagna

Original Source: Real Mom Kitchen

Let me just skip right to the verdict. FANTASTIC. Teen Boy, Teen Girl and My Guy agree. It's fast, simple, completely indulgent and unhealthy, and going on my keeper list. With a few modifications...
1) I plan on doubling up on the sauce next time. Primarily because of (see #2)
2) This recipe doesn't call for a top layer of sauce... These led to very chewy noodles on top, if not down right brittle. So I'll definitely be adding a layer of sauce before the final layer of cheese.

I'm not a pro at freezing pasta, but I think this would probably freeze well, so I'll likely make 2 lasagnas next time and freeze one.

Try this one! It's great!

Get the recipe HERE

Day 65: Chicken Spaghetti

Original Source: Pioneer Woman

Warning: This recipe contains "cream of" soup. Not something I like to use much (and not because I'm a snob but because I like to keep processed foods to a minimum). Regardless, sometimes you just want down home goodness, nothing fancy, and this recipe fit the bill.

I used the 1 can cream of chicken and 1 can cream of mushroom variation she suggested on her site as opposed to the 2 cream of mushroom listed in the recipe itself.

It's a keeper! Maybe a once every couple months keeper because of the unhealthiness of it, but a keeper just the same!

Warning #2: I had to transfer this 3 x to bigger bowls. I was not prepared for the massive quantity and thickness that made stirring it together in anything smaller than a trough viable. So start big!

About to go into the oven. Yes, I know there's no cheese on the upper right corner. Teen boy doesn't like cheese and I'm a good mom. He doesn't need to know there's cheese INSIDE too.

GET THE RECIPE HERE

Day 53: Lobster Mac N Cheese

Original Source: Food Network

In Florida, lobster is not something we often put in anything. It's too valuable. Too pricey to eat any way other than alone, dipped in melted butter. But, I had 2 tails defrosted for my anniversary that didn't get used. 2 tails. 4 family members. Not exactly enough for everyone. So I searched for a compromise and found it in this recipe. It might be the most expensive dish I've ever cooked. Lobster tails and Gruyere cheese? Ouch.

The good news is, I think it will be just as good using all white sharp cheddar, which to me is way more delicious than Gruyere anyway. Also, maybe replacing the lobster with shrimp and saving the original recipe for special occasions. At least with shrimp and other cheese, this is something I can make more than once -- and trust me, I want to. It was AMAZING.

The only flaw? Okay, 2 flaws. I would have liked more lobster! And secondly, after eating left overs for lunch today, it was obnoxiously greasy. Still tasted great but turned my stomach a bit seeing the nasty orange, cheese oil all over my plate.

GET THE RECIPE HERE

Day 48: Tuscan Carbonara

Original Source: Food Network

This isn't the first time I've made this recipe. In fact, it went in my favorites file a long time ago. But, since I originally found it on Pinterest, it's fair game. Plus, I was craving it. I don't get it often because it's not exactly healthy and I'm the only one who really likes it so there's your warning. It's not for everyone. My husband and kids like a really saucy pasta. A few noodles tossed into a mess of ew as far as I'm concerned. Meanwhile, my favorites are usually veggies and lean meat in the pasta, coated with EVOO, salt and pepper with big fat chunks of garlic. Now, this isn't exactly that, but it's the same sort of idea. The sauce isn't really a sauce.

It's even better the next day for lunch!

Get Recipe Here

Day 42: Deviled Egg Pasta Salad

Original Source; Half Hour Meals

I love me a Deviled Egg. I could eat my way through 5-6 and not feel the slightest bit of guilt. So deviled egg pasta salad? Has to be a winner!

And it was. Mostly. I had to add a little extra vinegar and mustard because I like my deviled eggs with some tang, and as a leftover, it's still good, but a little dry. I know I could toss in some more mayo or something, but then I'd be compelled to add more mustard and vinegar too so it didn't taste too mayo-y. Also, who needs those extra calories!!! More mayo? Are you kidding me?

Anyway, My Guy, Teen Girl, and Teen Boy all liked it, too. I'd definitely pull this recipe out again for a BBQ or a potluck. I think it would be a hit.

Get the Recipe HERE

Day 26: GARLIC BUTTER SPAGHETTI WITH HERBS

Original Source: Pinch of Yum

I realize I'm already strange because of my aversion to chocolate (don't worry, my family loves it enough that there will loads of chocolate recipes here.) But I also have an aversion to red sauce. I don't care for marinar or meat sauce, and usually only add enough to color my noodles orange. So finding pasta recipes that don't inclue that sauce is always a treat for me. This was no exception. I found it to quite a nice side dish to my healthy turkey patties and some broccoli, so while it wasn't the star of the meal, it was definitely a nice addition. Family gave it a thumb's up too.

Note, mine didn't come out near as creamy looking as the original photo :( I'm hoping I can fix that the next time I make it.

GET THE RECIPE HERE