Chicken Taco Pasta

Go to the grocery store and buy these ingredients...today.  You'll thank me later :) This was an easy weeknight meal that turned out so much better than I even thought it would.

1 lb. ground chicken
1/2 of a medium red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. of your favorite taco seasoning
14.5 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
4 oz. can diced green chiles
11 oz. can sweet corn
1 roma tomato, diced
2 cups pasta shells (can use whole wheat)
4 oz. light cream cheese
3 Tbsp. plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
Salt and pepper

Brown ground chicken in a skillet.  Once browned, add the onion, garlic, and taco seasoning.  Saute about 4 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add the beans, corn, and chiles, and toss to combine.  Cook another 5 minutes, then add the roma tomato.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.  Drain, reserving about 1/3 cup pasta water.  Add the shells, cream cheese, yogurt.  Mix well to combine.  Add some pasta water to thin out sauce or add more greek yogurt for a creamier texture, if necessary.  Taste and add more salt, pepper, or taco seasoning if necessary.  Serve topped with fresh cilantro.

Adapted from:  Bev Cooks

Sautéed Pears

I had some pears I needed to use up before they got over-ripe, so I threw them in a skillet with some butter and cinnamon, and out came this deliciousness!  These are perfect with grilled pork chops or chicken.  Give it a try!

Frozen Fruit Salad

Now that the weather is warming up, I thought I'd share this delicious recipe for frozen fruit salad.  When I was younger, there was a restaurant near my mom's work that served frozen fruit salad, and I've never been able to find it ever since.  So when I saw this recipe online, I knew I had to make it.  It was VERY close to what I used to have as a kid.  And it was very tasty and refreshing.

1 can cherry pie filling
1 (20 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz.) fat free Cool Whip
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup chopped pecans

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Spray muffin tin with cooking spray and scoop mixture into each tin.  Place in freezer to freeze through before serving.  When ready to serve, allow to stand at room temperature for 5 minutes, or zap in microwave for about 10 seconds to thaw slightly.

Source:  Add A Pinch

Sausage Balls

 

These are a great little appetizer that would also be awesome for football tailgating.  The recipe comes from one of my favorite food bloggers, Plain Chicken, who is also an Auburn grad.  Here are the ingredients:

 

1 lb. hot sausage, uncooked (I like to find the lean Jimmy Dean sausage)

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 1/4 cups Bisquick (I get the heart-healthy Bisquick)

4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

 

Combine all ingredients well.  Roll into 1" balls and place on a greased cookie sheet.  Bake 20-25 minutes or until brown.

 

Source:  Plain Chicken