Slow Cooker Chicken & Pink Sauce

Slow Cooker Chicken & Pink Sauce

24 oz jar marinara sauce

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb chicken, cubed

salt and pepper, to taste

1 t Italian seasoning

2 bay leaves

11 oz Alfredo sauce

8 oz cream cheese

1 lb pasta, cooked

fresh basil, for garnish

1. Place a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of slow cooker; add onion, garlic, chicken, seasonings, and Alfredo sauce.

2. Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 4 hours; stir in cream cheese about a half hour before serving.

3. Remove bay leaves and serve over pasta, garnished with basil.

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Homemade Hamburger Helper

Homemade Hamburger Helper

1 lb ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

2 rounded T tomato paste

1/2 t garlic powder

1/2 t chili powder

1 c uncooked elbow noodles

3 c beef broth

2 c Cheddar cheese

salt & pepper, to taste

1. In a large pot, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat, until meat has browned and onion has softened.

2. Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, and chili powder; add broth and increase heat to high.

3. Once boiling, add noodles; reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, until noodles have softened (about 13-15 minutes), stirring occasionally.

4. Take pot off heat and stir in cheese, salt, and pepper.

Spaghetti - Pressure Cooker

Spaghetti - Pressure Cooker 
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 t salt
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t onion powder
1/2 t Italian seasoning
1 lb spaghetti noodles, broken in half
1 - 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
4 1/2 c water

1. Saute beef and seasonings in pressure cooker until cooked through; turn off pressure cooker and drain any grease.
2. Lay spaghetti over beef; add sauce, tomatoes, and water. If needed, push spaghetti down until it's completely covered with liquid.
3. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes; quick release and stir well. Serve immediately.

{Chicken} Alfredo

{Chicken} Alfredo
1/2 c butter
2 c heavy whipping cream
4 oz cream cheese
1/2 t minced garlic
1 t garlic powder
1 t Italian seasoning
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 c Parmesan cheese
cooked chicken, cubed or shredded

1. In a medium pot, heat butter, cream, and cream cheese over medium heat until melted.
2. Whisk in garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; and then Parmesan.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes. Stir in chicken.
Serve over vegetables or pasta.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta - Pressure Cooker

Tuscan Chicken Pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 t paprika
salt and pepper, to taste
1 T olive oil


2 T butter
1 c diced onion
1 t basil
1 t garlic powder
1 t Italian seasoning
4 1/4 c chicken broth
1 c milk
12 oz cavatappi pasta
6 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 c Parmesan cheese
8 oz sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
4 oz fresh spinach

1. Season chicken on both sides with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Turn pressure on "saute"; add olive oil once it's hot.
3. Cook chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side, until browned outside; set aside.
4. Add butter and onion to the pot and saute for 2 minutes, until onion is soft; add seasonings, chicken broth, milk, pasta, and chicken. Cook on manual for 5 minutes.
5. Release steam; remove chicken and shred.
6. Stir cream cheese into pasta until melted and smooth; stir in Parmesan, tomatoes, spinach, and chicken.

(Chicken) Pesto Pasta

(Chicken) Pesto Pasta
16 oz penne or rotini
2-4 chicken breasts, diced (opt*)
salt, pepper, olive oil
1 1/2 c whipping cream
1/2 c pesto
1 c Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
2 roma tomatoes, diced

1. Boil noodles in salty water.
2. Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a little bit of olive oil.
3. Once chicken is cooked, stir in cream, pesto, and cheese.
4. Drain noodles and add to chicken; mix well.
Garnish with tomatoes and more cheese.
*If not using chicken, just mix remaining ingredients with cooked, drained pasta.

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta

One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta
1 T olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 c chicken broth
1 c milk, or more, as needed
2 T butter
8 oz uncooked spaghetti
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
2 T parsley

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and then add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in chicken broth, milk, butter, spaghetti, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
3. Stir in Parmesan, and milk for desired thickness; serve immediately, topped with parsley.

Beef Lombardi

Beef Lombardi
1 T olive oil
1 lb 93/7 ground beef
1 onion, diced
salt and pepper
3 T tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
3- 10 oz cans Rotel, drained
1 1/4 c sour cream
1 T cornstarch
12 oz wide egg noodles
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 green onions, minced
2 c Cheddar cheese

1. In a large pan, heat oil over medium-high heat; add beef, onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook until beef is browned.
2. Stir in tomato paste and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and cook until mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 350* and grease a 9x13 pan. In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream and cornstarch.
4. Bring water and a tablespoon of salt to boil in a large pot and cook noodles until al dente; reserve 2 cups of noodle liquid and drain the rest.
5. In the empty pot, whisk cream cheese and reserved liquid; stir in noodles, sour cream mixture, green onions, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
6. Spread noodle mixture evenly in 9x13 pan, spread meat mixture evenly over noodles, and sprinkle with cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes, until cheese is browned and edges are bubbly. Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Spaghetti Sauce

Spaghetti Sauce
3-4 T olive oil
1 onion, diced
6-8 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1 T basil
2 t oregano
1- 12 oz can tomato paste
1- 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
3- 14.5 oz cans Italian stewed tomatoes
2 t sugar
salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, red pepper flakes, basil, and oregano; saute for about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add tomato paste and stir for 2-3 minutes; stir in tomatoes with juice and simmer, uncovered, for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper before serving.

Southwestern Chicken Pasta

Southwestern Chicken Pasta

1/4 c olive oil
1 T minced garlic
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
4 roma tomatoes, chopped
1- 16 oz bag frozen corn
1/4 c chopped cilantro
1 bunch green onions, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/4 t cumin
1 t oregano
3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 lb small pasta (bowtie, rotini, macaroni, etc)

1. In a large pan, heat oil, garlic, and peppers over medium heat; saute about 5 minutes.
2. Add everything except the pasta and heat over medium-low heat.
3. Meanwhile cook pasta to al dente; drain pasta and toss with chicken mixture.

One Pot Southwest Pasta

One Pot Southwest Pasta
1 lb rotini
2 c frozen corn
1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
1 sm red onion, sliced
1- 10 oz can Rotel
4 t chili powder
1 1/2 t cumin
1 1/2 t garlic powder
1 t red pepper flakes
1 t salt
2 t olive oil
4 c chicken broth
1- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c Cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
sour cream (opt)
avocados (opt)

1. In a large pot, combine pasta, vegetables, Rotel, spices, olive oil, and chicken broth; cover and bring to a rolling boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Remove from heat, and add beans and cheese; let rest for 5 minutes before serving with sour cream and/or avocados.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Ravioli

Creamy Tomato Spinach Ravioli
1 (25 oz or more) bag frozen ravioli
2 t minced garlic
1 c fresh spinach, chopped
1- 14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 1/2 t basil
1 t onion flakes
2 T flour
1 1/2 c half and half (or cream)
1/4 c Parmesan cheese

1. Boil ravioli until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium heat, heat garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds; add spinach, tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and onion flakes. Stirring frequently, bring mixture to a simmer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and half and half; add to pan, along with Parmesan cheese.
4. Heat through and then turn heat down to medium low; stir until it starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
5. Add ravioli to pan and toss gently.

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup
1/4 lb ground pork
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 onion, chopped
salt and pepper, to taste
2 t oregano
1 c beef broth
1 c water
1 1/2 t basil
3 carrots, sliced
2 T parsley
2- 14 oz cans stewed tomatoes, chopped
1- 14.5 oz can green beans, with juice
1- 15.5 oz can garbanzo beans, with juice
1 c macaroni noodles, cooked
2 zucchini, diced and precooked until softened
Parmesan cheese

1. In a large skillet, brown pork and hamburger with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Drain meat and place in a slow cooker with oregano, beef broth, water, basil, carrots, parsley, and one can of tomatoes.
3. Turn slow cooker on high heat for 6 hours.
4. Turn slow cooker down to low, add green beans, garbanzo beans, macaroni, zucchini, and the other can of tomatoes, and cook for another hour.
5. Season with salt and pepper; serve topped with Parmesan cheese.

Tuesday Night Dinner

Tuesday Night Dinner
1 lb ground beef
1 lb frozen mixed vegetables
1- 15 oz can Italian-style tomato sauce
1 1/2 c uncooked macaroni or small pasta shells
3/4 t garlic salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 c Parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400*.
2. In a small pan, cook beef over medium heat until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes; drain.
3. Stir in vegetables, tomato sauce, pasta, garlic salt, and pepper; spoon into a 2-qt casserole dish.
4. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, or until pasta is cooked and vegetables are tender. Stir in cheese.

Minestrone Pasta

Minestrone Pasta
3 c small pasta shells, cooked
2 carrots, sliced
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1- 15.5 oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1- 15.5 oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1- 14.5 oz can Italian-style stewed or diced tomatoes, drained
2/3 c Italian dressing
1/2 c Parmesan cheese

1. Toss all ingredients in a large bowl and serve warm or cold.

Sausage Pesto Pasta

Sausage Pesto Pasta
3-4 c uncooked rotini
1 lb Italian sausage
1- 8 oz jar pesto
1/4 c water
1/4 c Parmesan cheese

1. Cook and drain rotini and set aside.
2. Place the same pot over medium heat and cook sausage, stirring occasionally, until browned; drain.
3. Stir pesto, water, and pasta into sausage; cover and cook until heated through.
4. Sprinkle with cheese and serve.

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Manicotti

1 lb fresh spinach
12-14 manicotti shells
3 c marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
1 c Mozzarella cheese
1 c Parmesan cheese, separated
2 eggs
1/2 t salt
pepper, to taste
pinch of nutmeg

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat; boil spinach, uncovered, until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Remove spinach with a slotted spoon and rinse with cold water until no longer hot. Drain and squeeze the excess water, and chop finely.
3. Bring water back up to boil and cook the manicotti shells until al dente.
4. Preheat oven to 350* and cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
5. In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, Mozzarella, 1/3 cup of Parmesan, and eggs with the spinach; season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
6. Make your own piping bag by placing the cheese mixture in a gallon-sized ziploc and cutting off one of the bottom corners. Pipe the mixture in to each of the manicotti shells and place in pan.
7. Pour remaining marinara sauce over pasta and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Spicy Sausage Pasta
1 T olive oil
1 lb smoked sausage
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 c chicken broth
1- 10 oz can Rotel*
1/2 c heavy whipping cream [or 1/2 & 1/2]
2 c penne pasta
salt and pepper, to taste
1 c shredded Cheddar cheese
2-3 green onions, sliced

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and toss in sausage and onions; cook until onions are soft. Add garlic and heat until just warmed.
2. Stir in broth, Rotel, cream, pasta, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove skillet from heat and stir in cheese; top with green onions and serve.

*This determines the heat level - original is plenty spicy, hot is almost unbearable; mild would also work well.

Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese
2 c macaroni
2 c milk
1 T butter
1/2 t mustard powder
1 t salt
1/8 t nutmeg
1 1/2 c grated cheese (I used 1 cup Cheddar and 1/2 c Parmesan, but the possibilities are endless)
Italian style breadcrumbs (opt)

1. Give the pasta a quick rinse and drain; place it in a medium pot with milk, salt, butter, mustard powder, and nutmeg.
2. Slowly bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once milk has mostly been absorbed, stir in cheese. 
3. Take off heat and continue to stir until cheese is well incorporated.
Serve immediately, topped with breadcrumbs.

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole
45 oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 lb box of pasta (rotini, macaroni, etc), cooked
1 lb ground beef, browned
3-4 c shredded mozzarella
1 pkg pepperonis

1. Preheat oven to 350*.
2. In a 9x13 pan, spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce
3. Layer half each of the pasta, beef, remaining sauce, cheese, and pepperoni; repeat.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake for 15 more minutes.
5. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.