Tag: Quick

Sauces

Recipe—Alfredo Sauce

Diva di Cucina

One of my son’s first favorite foods was cheese tortellini smothered in alfredo sauce. I personally love alfredo sauce over fettuccine noodles and served with a grilled chicken breast and some broccoli. Either way alfredo sauce is a great indulgence to enjoy anytime. Who doesn’t love the thick creamy Italian cheese sauce over their favorite pasta? It is popular with people of all ages and can be extremely versatile. I have even used it as a white pizza sauce or poured over a baked potato. Homemade alfredo sauce is actually really easy and quick to make and so worth it. The quality does not compare to anything store bought. Give it a try! It will be a home run with the whole family!

Note: If you want a high quality sauce equal to that of one served in a restaurant (or better) use high quality ingredients. I recommend getting a fresh ball of mozzarella and a block of Parmesan over in the deli. You will notice the difference! Kraft will leave it gritty and we want it to be smooth.

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
1/3 c white wine
2 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp white pepper
1/2 c parmesan cheese, shredded
3/4 c mozzarella cheese, shredded

STEPS

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat melt the butter and add olive oil.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
  • Carefully pour in the wine and heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and the white pepper and bring to a simmer stirring often.
  • Add in the Parmesan cheese and simmer for 8–10 minutes. By this point the sauce should be smooth and start to thicken.
  • Add the mozzarella cheese and stir frequently until smooth and completely incorporated.
  • Reduce heat to low and begin cooking your noodle of choice while the sauce simmers and continues to thicken.
  • Remove sauce from the stovetop and allow it to sit for a few minutes. It will thicken up a bit more.
  • Serve sauce over cooked pasta.
Dinners

Recipe—Cheesy Mexican Chicken

Diva di Cucina

Saucy and cheesy, I love almost any dish with those qualities. This recipe has both of those and is also delicious and low-carb. And best of all there are only 5 ingredients! Win, win, win! A working mom’s dream come true! My saucy chicken is great all on it’s own, served over rice, with some warmed tortillas, or even as burrito filler. I love how quick and easy it is to put together, perfect for a week night. While I love red sauce my husband is a big fan of green. Next time I may try this with green enchilada sauce and pepper jack cheese just for something different.

INGREDIENTS
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 pack taco seasoning or a batch of my homemade taco seasoning
10 oz can red enchilada sauce, mild (I love Las Palmas!)
1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
3 green onions, chopped

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 350º.
  • Cut the chicken into cubes and sprinkle with the taco seasoning.
  • Sauté the chicken in a skillet over medium high heat stirring occasionally until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Place the cooked chicken pieces in a greased 8” x 8” baking dish.
  • Drizzle the enchilada sauce over the top of the chicken and toss to coat.
  • Sprinkle the cheese over the chicken.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes or until it is bubbling.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with the green onions.
Appetizers

Recipe—Pizza Rolls

Diva di Cucina

For this years Super Bowl I was trying to come up with some fun new recipes and was contemplating making a stromboli. If you don’t know what that is, it is basically a big baked pizza log. Since half our guests this year were kids I thought it might get a little messy. So I decided to slice up my stromboli and make pizza rolls. I just served them up with a warm side of my homemade marinara and they turned out great! The kids had a blast eating them. I won’t lie, they were a hit with the adults too. They were perfect little fun size pizzas! (And who doesn’t like miniature stuff?) If you have kids that like to help out in the kitchen this is a great recipe for them to assist with. Let them help sprinkle on the toppings and roll that bad boy up. Get creative and use your favorite pizza toppings. I just went basic since I had pepperoni on hand. These pizza rolls are a great appetizer to make any time of year. Enjoy!

Note: You can prepare your log a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Then just pull it out, slice it up, and toss the rolls in the oven for a super quick and easy appetizer. 

INGREDIENTS
1 can refrigerated pizza dough (I like Pillsbury)
1 tsp garlic salt
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 c mozzarella, shredded
1 cup pepperoni, chopped
marinara, alfredo, or pesto sauce for dipping (optional)

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 425º.
  • Open pizza dough and roll it out flat, about 1/4 “ thick.
  • Sprinkle with garlic salt, Italian seasoning, cheese, and pepperoni.
  • Starting at the long end roll the pizza dough up tightly to form a log.
  • Carefully wrap the log in saran wrap and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. (It will slice much easier if it is firm.)
  • Cut the log into 1/2”–3/4” thick slices.
  • Place the slices on a lightly greased baking sheet.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly brown on top.
  • Serve with some warm marinara for dipping.
Dinners

Recipe—Honey Pecan Crusted Salmon

Diva di Cucina

I remember when I was younger going to a restaurant with my dad and ordering the honey pecan crusted salmon. It was one of those dishes you never forget. It was unlike anything I had ever had before. The pecan crust brings a wonderful texture to the salmon filet, just the right amount of crunch. And that nutty pecan flavor with the sweet honey mustard glaze turns the ordinary salmon filet into something truly wonderful. While this dish may look more complex it actually is a really easy way to prepare salmon. Between prep and baking you are looking at no more than 30 minutes. Thirty minutes for a spectacular dinner, you can’t beat that! I served this with a really simple salad of butter leaf lettuce and red onions and some honey mustard dressing. It was really light and the simple salad was a perfect complement to the savory fish. Even if your family members aren’t big fish fans I’m sure they will love this.

INGREDIENTS
2 salmon filets
salt and pepper
paprika
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 c pecans, finely chopped
1/4 c fresh parsley chopped

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Rinse off your fish filets and pat dry.
  • Season your filets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  • Place skin side down on a parchment paper lined baking sheet.
  • Whisk together the mustard, honey, butter, and Worcestershire.
  • In a small bowl combine the pecans and parsley.
  • Spoon a tablespoon worth of the sauce in with the nuts and stir to combine.
  • Brush the remaining sauce onto the salmon filets.
  • Press the sticky pecan mixture to the top of your salmon filets.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for 15–18 minutes or until the thickest part of the fish flakes off when tested with a fork.
Sandwiches

Recipe—Chicken and Cheese Stuffed Sammy

Diva di Cucina

I am in love with almost any recipe that can be prepared in advance and then just tossed in the oven. This recipe is one of those! I recently made it when a couple of friends would be stopping by for lunch. It was a quick visit so I knew I didn’t want to be in the kitchen while they were there. I assembled the whole thing that morning and then just put it in the oven when they arrived. Not only is great if you are having a couple of guests over for lunch but it is perfect for a picnic or even camping. You can make the sandwich ahead of time and then just toss the foil wrapped sandwich on the grille and turn it once or twice to keep the bottom from getting too crisp.

This sandwich is made in one large sourdough loaf that can be cut into 3-5 individual servings. It is literally packed with delicious flavors that go together really well. There’s just something perfect about the combination of hearty chicken pieces and thinly sliced pastrami, especially when smothered with gooey melted Swiss cheese and pressed together with perfectly toasted bread. I promise that you won’t find anything like this is your local deli. De-lish!

INGREDIENTS
large sourdough loaf
Dijon mustard
mayonnaise
1 1/2 c Swiss, shredded
1/2 lb sliced pastrami
2 c shredded rotisserie chicken
1/2 c roasted red bell peppers
3 thin slices of red onion
salt and pepper

STEPS

  • Preheat oven to 400º.
  • Cut an oval out of the top of the loaf and remove it.
  • Tear out the inside of the bread leaving 1/2” thick bread shell.
  • Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on the inside of the loaf and the underside of the lid.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss in the bottom of the bread shell.
  • Layer in pastrami, shredded chicken, roasted red peppers, onions, and remaining cheese.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Place the sandwich lid back in place and wrap tightly in foil.
  • Bake for 20–22 minutes or until the cheese is melted and all of the ingredients are warmed through.
  • Remove sandwich from foil and place on cutting board.
  • Cut into desired number of servings.
Dinners

Recipe—Cheesy Sausage Pasta

Diva di Cucina

I can make a mean batch of homemade macaroni and cheese but the classic dish just doesn’t cut it as a main course in our house. Sometimes you need a grown up version of the classic dish but with a little more substance. This right here fits that bill. It is a creamy cheesy pasta dish with bits of tomatoes and sliced up smoky beef sausage. Delish! This is the perfect meal for a busy day since the whole things takes less than 25 minutes AND it only uses one pot! I love meals like that! Makes dish duty so much easier. Who am I kidding? I don’t do dishes. That’s the hubby’s job, so this recipe makes his job easier. This comfort dish screams simplicity and is easy on the wallet too. What’s not to love?

Note: This recipe is written to use a cast iron skillet. If you don’t have one, no biggie. Just use whatever large skillet you have and before placing in the oven transfer the pasta to a large baking dish and then top with the green onions and cheese and finish off under the broiler.

INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp olive oil
1 package beef sausage cut into rounds
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 c chicken broth
14.5 oz can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp pepper
8 oz uncooked penne pasta noodles
2 c Monterey jack cheese, shredded
2 green onions, thinly sliced
salt

STEPS

  • Heat oil over medium high heat in a cast iron skillet.
  • Add the sausage and onion and cook until lightly browned.
  • Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Add the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, heavy cream, and pepper.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Add pasta and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 12–15 minutes, stirring once or twice while cooking.
  • Turn on the oven broiler.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheese.
  • Add salt as needed.
  • Top with the green onions and remaining cheese.
  • Place skillet under the broiler and leave in the oven until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Dinners, Sauces

Recipe—Taco Seasoning

Diva di Cucina

We have all probably bought an envelope of premade taco seasoning at the store one time or another. I used to get it almost weekly being that tacos are a regular dinner item in our house. One night I was out of the conveniently prepackaged mix and went into panic mode. Then I realized I probably already have all those same ingredients in my pantry. It took some finagling but this recipe is what I came up with. It turned out great! It probably has less sodium and fewer preservatives than what I was buying at the store. Best of all, it is cheaper to make your own. And who doesn’t like saving money these days?

Note:  This seasoning is great for chicken or beef. This proportion is for 1 lb worth of meat. Feel free to make a quadruple batch or more so that you have it ready to go in the future. If you make a large batch, use 3 heaping tablespoons of the premade seasoning per one pound of meat.

INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp dried minced onion
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or 1 tsp table salt)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, add if you like it on the spicy side)

STEPS

  • Put all of the ingredients in a small bowl and stir to mix.
  • Cook one pound of meat in a large skillet until almost completely cooked.
  • Add in 1/4 cup of water and the mixed seasoning.
  • Continue to cook until meat is done and the liquid is cooked off.
Dinners

Recipe—Shrimp Gratin

Diva di Cucina

This recipe actually originated as a seafood gratin recipe, however I’m not a huge fan of lots of mystery fish thrown together so I adapted the recipe to suit my taste, and shrimp are my taste. This sauce ends up being creamy and rich and goes great with the shrimp and seasoned panko topping. This really is decadent enough to be served for a special occasion but also quick and easy enough for any night of the week. If you are scrambling to figure out what to do for Valentine’s Day dinner give this fabulous recipe a shot. Your sweetie won’t be disappointed, especially since you won’t have to spend the whole night in the kitchen. Throw together some greens for a salad and a French baguette to soak up the sauce and you have a romantic dinner in less than 40 minutes.

Note: This recipe is perfect for entertaining because all the prep and assembly (minus the panko topping) can be done well in advance to save time when your guests are over. Just make the recipe earlier in the day, put it in the baking dish or ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge until ready to bake. Remove the dish(es) from the fridge a few minutes before placing in the oven, sprinkle with the panko topping and bake for 20 or so minutes.

INGREDIENTS
1 c clam juice
1 c heavy cream
1/2 c white wine
3 tbsp tomato sauce
2–2 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 tbsp butter, divided
2 large leeks (whites and greens), washed and thinly sliced
1 c carrots, shredded
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 tbsp flour
1/2 c panko
1/3 c Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp garlic, minced

STEPS

  • Combine the clam juice, cream, wine, and tomato sauce in a large pot and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
  • Simmer until the sauce is reduced by almost half, about 12–14 minutes.
  • While the sauce is simmering, in a medium sauté pan melt 5 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat.
  • Add the leeks and carrots and cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
  • Season the veggies with salt and pepper and stir in the flour and heat for 1 minute.
  • Place the shrimp into the pot of sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes.
  • Add the cooked veggies to the pot with the sauce and shrimp and stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Preheat oven to 375º.
  • In a small bowl combine the panko, Parmesan, parsley, and garlic. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter and drizzle it over the crumbs. Toss with a fork to combine.
  • Transfer the saucy shrimp to one large baking dish or 4 individual ramekins.
  • Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the top of the shrimp.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly.
Snacks

Recipe—Valentine’s Day Snack Mix

Diva di Cucina

If you are on Pinterest then you have probably seen one form or another of “Puppy Chow” snack mixes. (Basically a super sweet treat made from chocolate covered Chex cereal and tossed with other tasty goods.) These snack mixes are popping up everywhere! I saw one the other day for Valentine’s Day that looked super cute. I liked the idea of doing something like this for my son and all his little classmates at school but thought his teacher’s may not appreciate it if I get a classroom full of 2 and 3 year olds all hopped up on sugar. I decided to create this lower sugar version snack mix that is great for people of all ages. Have fun mixing any and all of your favorite bite size snacks!

Note: This recipe makes enough to fill 24–26 snack size Ziploc bags or 1 large bowl.

Here are my final goodie bags. I made some cute tags that I folded in half and stapled over the top.

INGREDIENTS
15.5 oz box Strawberry Frosted Mini Wheats
10 oz box Honey Teddy Grahams
2 c yogurt covered raisins
2 c raspberry yogurt covered pretzels
1 1/2 c dried cranberries
1.25 oz yo’ drops crunchable yogurt

STEPS

  • Combine all ingredients and one large bowl and use a large serving spoon or scoop to mix together gently.
  • Divide mix into snack size bags or serve in one large bowl.
  • Enjoy!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dinners, Soups

Recipe—Spicy Shrimp Noodle Bowl

Diva di Cucina

This is one of those dishes that you look at and think, “It must have taken forever!” Wrong! This dish was on our table in less than 20 minutes from the time I started, and it was so simple. Those are some of the many reasons I love it! I first tried this recipe because I happened to have some bok choy on hand from my produce delivery and some shrimp in the freezer. It was just meant to be! This recipe is packed with wonderful Asian flavors but none of the ingredients are exotic or hard to find. I’m not typically a huge fan of ginger but in this recipe it is what takes it from ordinary to extraordinary so don’t leave it out. This noodle bowl ended up being really filling. My son is a big fan of pot stickers so I fried up a couple of those while this was coming to a boil. They were a great addition to the meal.

Note: For a vegetarian option substitute some tofu for shrimp. 

INGREDIENTS
3 tbsp olive oil
1/2–1 tsp crushed red peppers (depends how spicy ou like your meals)
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 c shitake mushrooms, sliced
4 baby bok choy chopped
salt and pepper
4 c chicken broth
1.42 oz pack Swanson’s seafood concentrate or 1 c seafood stock
1 1/2 lb medium shrimp, deveined and peeled
6 oz pack chow mein noodles
4 green onions cut into three pieces, then cut lengthwise into thin “sticks”

STEPS

  • In a large soup pot heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the crushed red peppers, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and bok choy.
  • Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the chicken broth and seafood concentrate.
  • Put the lid on the pot and bring to a boil.
  • Add the shrimp and the noodles and cook for 3–5 minutes or until the chow mein is tender and shrimp cooked through.
  • Add in most of the green onions reserving some for garnish.
  • Cook for another 2 minutes, turn off stove and allow pot to sit for another 2–3 minutes.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining green onions.

Recipe adapted from Rachael Ray.