Creamy Parmesan and Basil Chicken Pasta

When it comes to pasta dishes, I rarely get adventurous. I grew up on two pasta meals: boxed mac & cheese and spaghetti. I didn't even have baked ziti until I started dating Tim in 2006. We just weren't much of a pasta family. Our family was more the meat n' potaters type of family.

Now that I'm a big girl/grown up/fiercely independent woman on a budget who has to make all the meals for both myself and my husband, I'm having to step outside the box. Groceries are expensive, and pasta dishes are definitely some of the most affordable options out there.

Now, I am a naturalist when it comes to seasonings. I tend to make my own concoctions and stay away from the bagged seasonings, unless it's tacos or Ranch-anything. But when I saw this bag of McCormick Gourmet seasoning, I had to give it a try. There is a recipe on the back of the package, but I deviated from it and made this incredible pasta dish. I brought leftovers into work, and the ladies were swooning over this. I know it looks sloppy, but please give it a try.

Ingredients (serves 2-3):

• 1 pkg. McCormick Gourmet Creamy Parmesan & Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Penne Recipe & Seasoning Mix
• 2 cups penne or rotini pasta
• 2 tbsp. butter
• 1 tsp. garlic
• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

First, we're going to go ahead and throw two thawed chicken breasts on the stove, medium heat, with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Our goal here is to slightly cook the chicken.

The olive oil will go crazy, so make sure and cover it the pan.

Cook the chicken 3-5 minutes on each side, making sure it doesn't burn. Like I said, we just want this to slightly cook on each side. Turn the heat off and place both chicken breasts on a cutting board.

I know. Half-cooked chicken is gross.

Cut the chicken into longer slivers. There's no specific size. Just go with what you prefer.

Throw the chicken back on the stove and turn the heat back up to medium. Now, we're going for the browning of the meat.

Once the chicken has browned, place the chicken on a piece of tinfoil and put directly in oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes.

While that happens, go ahead and cook the noodles according to the instructions.


Next, we're going to start the sauce.

Take the butter and put it in the pan that you cooked the chicken in. Turn the heat on low and let it melt.

Add the milk.

Add the salt and pepper.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and combine on a low heat level.

Not seen: throw in the cream cheese and stir, allowing it to melt fully.

Once that's all combined, add in the garlic.

Add the other two tablespoons of olive oil.

Add the cooked chicken and combine.

Add the seasoning and mix.

Oooooooh, baby.

It's good. It's really good.


Love and pasta,

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Taylor Crafts Giveaway

Okay, I feel the need to explain the giveaways, since I didn't do that during the Loose Goose giveaway post.

I host this small recipe blog. I know you could go to a big site like recipes.com to get some awesome recipe for dinner. But I'm glad you come here.

I work at a small business. I've actually worked at several small businesses and consider this a small business.

I support small businesses and vendors.

Don't get me wrong-I'm no hippie, and while I love the USA, I occasionally shop at WalMart; however, when I do get the chance, I try to go to small business owners. I think it's important to do what we can.

All that to say, I'm hosting this series of giveaways to involve you and to shed light on some great small businesses. That's what we did with the Loose Goose. That's what we're doing with Taylor Crafts. And that's what we'll continue to do through the next month (at least) as we prepare for the holidays. My hope is that it will bring some extra business to these great companies, like Taylor Crafts, and will provide you with unique gift-giving opportunities to loved ones.

Unless, of course, you happen to win.

Now, don't even get me started on this giveaway. I'm in love with it, particularly because I have a slight obsession with cutting boards, let alone personalized cutting boards. This is one of "those" products that you will have forever, and it will always be a classic piece in your home.

I was blown away at Belinda and Tony's willingness to be a part of one our giveaways. I sat in awe of their beautiful cutting boards thinking, "There's no way." But alas, here we are, and they are dying to share one of their creations with a very special reader.

So, in true All Kinds of Yumm fashion, we're keeping it simple. Just answer the question below in the comments section below and it will automatically enter you in this giveaway! We will choose the winner at 5 pm on Sunday, October 21st. The winner will get the particular style shown.

For those who were having a hard time finding the comments section, please see the picture below. First, go to the pink box below the blog post. Then, click the number of comments (in this case, it says 0 comments). Then what's seen in the second picture will show up. Go ahead and leave a comment, and that's it! If you are using Internet Explorer, you may run into some issues. If you are having a problem leaving a comment, please do not hesitate to contact me on Facebook or by email and I will do it for you.

See? Press the easy button!

Okay, now the question (drum roll, please).......

Truth time: Have you ever done a disposable-Thanksgiving? Meaning, have you ever bought paper plates/containers, and just tossed it all at the end of the meal? I ask because that's my plan this year. Party City Premium Tableware, here I come! What are your thoughts on this type of entertaining?

I mostly want to know because I want to know if that makes me trashy. I love my husband, but the man won't wash a dish, so I'm kinda' on my own in this department. Remember to answer honestly, as your answer doesn't determine who wins!

Love and cutting boards,

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