Pasta Tuesday (2 Recipes)

Pasta is always a hit with the boys, I can usually get everyone here to agree on that! And as normal even working from home I'm running around like a nut to get dinner on the table. Needless to say I'm always on the look for a quick meal!

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One of my favorite food blogs is Cassie Craves

I found BBQ Chicken & Bacon Pasta

1 pound penne or other short pasta
1 pound bacon, chopped
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks

1 red onion, diced
Salt and pepper to taste

2/3 cup barbecue sauce

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Green onions, bacon, and shredded cheese for garnish, if desired

1. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions; drain.

2. Meanwhile, add bacon to a large skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon to paper towel.

3. Add the chicken and red onion to the bacon grease in the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through and the onion is softened. Stir in the reserved bacon, barbecue sauce and sour cream. Once mixed, add in the shredded cheese. Add pasta and stir to combine; heat through.

4. Serve immediately, garnishing with red or green onions, bacon and shredded cheese, if desired.

ALEXIS NOTES: I used whole wheat mini shells, I used turkey bacon, skipped the red onion & Light sour cream. It may not be beautiful but it sure was YUMMY!

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Next looks a little better to the eye and was still super yummy!!!

Tortellini Simmer

by About.com

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (26-ounce) jar pasta sauce

1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 (20-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

In large skillet, cook ground beef with onions and garlic until beef is browned, stirring to break up meat. Drain well.

Add pasta sauce and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes. Then add tortellini, stirring well. Cover skillet and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3-6 minutes until tortellini is hot and tender.

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, Tuesday at the Table, Delectable Tuesday, Delicious Dishes and Hearth and Soul.

Chicken Bacon Broccoli Alfredo Pizza

So it's Round Robin Time at My BFF's Amy's house, so I went threw my old post and found one of my favorite recipes that is perfect for fall and well it's been my favorite I've made in a while. Hope you enjoy!!!

On my quest to find a new pizza for each week I used my favorite search tool Google and up popped this recipe. Yet another yummy food blog pops up into my world Casse Craves, you must check her out.

Chicken Bacon Broccoli Alfredo Pizza

by Cassie Craves

This called for a premade pizza dough, but you know me :) I must make it myself. Check out this recipe I promise you'll keep using it!!

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Pizza Dough for Thin Crust Pizza

found on food.com

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (may substitute whole wheat flour for 1 cup of the all-purpose)
• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/2-1 tablespoon olive oil
• cornmeal, for sprinkling

1. 1Mix a little sugar into the warm water.
2. 2Sprinkle yeast on top.
3. 3Wait for 10 minutes or until it gets all foamy.
4. 4Pour into a large bowl.
5. 5Add flour, salt, olive oil.
6. 6Combine.
7. 7Knead for 6-8 minutes until you have a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (add a bit more flour if you need to).
8. 8Cover and let rest for 20-30 minutes.
9. 9Lightly grease two 12-inch pizza pans.
10. 10Sprinkle with a little bit of cornmeal.
11. 11Divide dough in half.
12. 12Place each half on a pizza pan and pat it with your fingers until it stretches over the whole pan.
13. 13Try to make it thicker around the edge.
14. 14If desired, pre-bake at 425 F for 10 minutes (I don't always do this).
15. 15Then spread with pizza sauce and use the toppings of your choice.
16. 16Bake at 425 F for 10-20 minutes longer or until bubbly and hot.
17. 17Makes 2 12-inch pizzas.
    ALEXIS NOTES: I used whole whole for the whole recipe and added a tablespoon of honey. This was the BEST dough I have made to date! Caden kept sneaking bites of the dough.

Chicken Bacon Broccoli Alfredo Pizza

1 12-inch pre-baked thin Italian pizza crust
1/2 cup alfredo sauce (purchased, or you can get fancy and make your own)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian-blend cheese
6 strips of bacon, diced
1 cup cooked broccoli

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cook bacon over medium heat to desired crispness; set aside on paper towels to drain.

2. Place pizza crust on cookie sheet. Stir together chicken and alfredo sauce in a small bowl; spread over crust, stopping about one inch from the edges. Top with cheese.

3. Bake 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted and pizza is thoroughly heated.

4. Top with broccoli and bacon.

ALEXIS NOTES: Again I used my homemade pizza dough, Ragu Roasted Garlic Parmesan & Turkey Bacon (again the whole pack but it taste so good). Thanks to dad for the cut up rotisserie chicken. This was the BEST pizza I've ever had, Rick of course picky boy didn't like it but I love it!!!

I'm linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays and Tasty Tuesdays.