It’s time for Karen’s Killer Fixin’s!

Over the years, I’ve filled two 4-inch, 3-ring binders with my own creations as well as recipes my family and friends were willing to share with me. I simply love to cook and want to share that love with my readers.

So every Friday, I share one recipe I think you and your family might enjoy. It might be a main course recipe. A cookie or baked item. Candy. Salads. Whatever strikes my eye and fancy…which today is CHICKEN PARMIGIANA & PASTA!

Italian dishes are always a favorite as we enter the cooler months.  I found this recipe in Every Day With Rachel Ray.  Love the simplicity of the preparation and the reminder to use whole wheat pasta…which is better for us than white flour pasta.

I hope you enjoy today’s Killer Fixin’s. Happy eating!

Karen

P.S. We’re at 110 recipes and counting with this posting. Hope you find some recipes you like. If this is your first visit, please check out past blogs for more Killer Fixin’s. In the right hand column menu, you can even look up past recipes by type. i.e. Desserts, Breads, Beef, Chicken, Soups, Author Specials, etc.

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CHICKEN PARMIGIANA & PASTA
[Serves 4]

8 oz. whole wheat penne pasta
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves [5 oz. each]
Salt & pepper
1 T. extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely-chopped
1/3 cup dry red wine
1 can [28 oz.] chopped tomatoes
4 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/3 cup finely-chopped flat-leaf parsley

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the pasta until al dente, 8-10 minutes; drain.  Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper.  In large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add chicken and cook, turning once, until browned, about 8 minutes; transfer to plate.  In same skillet, cook the garlic over medium heat until golden, about 1 minute.  Add wine, bring to boil and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and simmer until thickened, 8-10 minutes.  Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet, turning to coat.  Top each piece of chicken with mozzarella and 1 tsp. parmesan, cover and cook until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes; transfer to platter.  Add pasta and parsley to skillet, toss and season with salt.  Sprinkle with remaining parmesan and serve alongside the chicken.  [Recipe courtesy of Every Day with Rachel Ray 8/09]

NOTE: I prefer more cheese than this recipe calls for so I’d adjust to preference.  And, I’ll admit I really, really, really dislike my pasta al dente so I cook that to my preference, too.