Thursday, April 29, 2010

Something delicious and easy...when you don't feel like cooking...

I don't know why, but this week has been soooo long. Usually when I'm busy, the days fly by. But not this week. It's been dragging. I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday. It doesn't help that I woke up yesterday and could hardly move. I either slept on my back wrong, or pulled a muscle somehow. By 10 a.m. I had the chills and felt dizzy. Needless to say, I spent the day in my PJ's snuggled on the couch with my little munchkin. You need a day like that every now and then...right?

I don't know what any of that has to do with this recipe, other than it's the perfect, easy, healthy meal to throw together on a night when you don't feel like cooking. My good friend Laura gave this too me a while ago. We finally tried it this week and I loved it. I love a pasta dish that's full of flavor without a lot of fat. I plan to make this a regular on our dinner table. I hope you'll give it a try!


TOMATO AND OLIVE PENNE
(Recipe from Laura Wightman)

1 lb. penne or other short pasta
1/4 C. olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; cubed
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2/3 lb. cherry tomatoes (2 cups) halved or quartered
1 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional)
1 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1/4 C. Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 C. chopped fresh parsley
1/4 C. grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic. Cook until the chicken is done and garlic is browned.
3. Add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper, salt & pepper. Reduce the heat to low, and cook, stirring, until tomato juices run, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the penne, olives, parsley and Parmesan cheese to the skillet and toss to combine.
5. Serve with more cheese if desired.
6. Serves 4-6.

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2 comments:

Sushi-Mama said...

This is perfect for me! These days I don't spend as much time cooking as I used to. We love quinoa too! I have found that when I don't rinse it really well, it has a slightly bitter taste. I love that it is a grain that is so high in protein!
So... I've been wondering about your pantry and your spice cabinet. When you get the time, will you share what are your must-haves that you keep on hand? I don't have a ton of energy to go to the grocery store more than once per week and wondered how you keep stocked?!?
PS- Loved you on Studio5!

* Nancy * said...

This really looks delicious and easy to make. I will add this to my menu this week.

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