Easy Peasy

Recently while I was in Pendleton I had a conversation with my friend Breann about how cooking dinner is a whole new ball game after kids enter the picture. I love to cook. And when it was just me and Seth dinner could be a several hour process. Now with two kids I need fast and easy, with hopefully a little nutritional value thrown in as well :]

I thought I would post some of my favorite easy recipes now and then to maybe inspire a few of you mamas out there as to what to make for dinner.

Chicken and Broccoli fettucini

You need: 1 Rotisserie chicken ($5 at Walmart)

1 large head of broccoli

1 package of fettucini noodles

2 small jars of your favorite alfredo sauce (one is just not enough, in my opinion)

Directions: Put a large pot of water on to boil (for the noodles). While you're waiting for it to boil, cut up the broccoli into smaller pieces, set aside. Also pick the meat off of your chicken and shred into small pieces. Cook the noodles according to directions. For the last 4 minutes add the broccoli to the cooking noodles and then drain together when done. Pour in the alfredo sauce and chicken, mix and serve!

This whole recipe takes about 11 minutes-the time it takes to cook the noodles. All of the prep can be done while you're waiting for the water to boil and the noodles to cook. It also makes a ton so you either have lots of left overs or it would be a good meal to make if you're having people over for dinner. Get a bag of salad and some breadsticks and you have quite the feast!

Another favorite recipe of mine is a crockpot meal. This is slightly adapted from a recipe Seth's cousin, Janine, shared with us. I forgot what she called it, we just call it Salsa Chicken.

SALSA CHICKEN

2 frozen or thawed chicken breasts

2 cans of beans (I like to use 1 can black beans, 1 can red kidney beans)

1 bag frozen corn

1 jar medium salsa (such as Pace, and make sure it's medium, not mild...even if you don't like spicy things. It won't be too hot, I promise.)

Tortilla chips

Optional: cheese, avocado/guacamole, sour cream

Pour frozen corn into bottom of crockpot. Place chicken on top of corn. Cover with beans and salsa. Cook on high for 4 hours. Shred chicken and mix everything together. Serve over chips and top with cheese.

I like mine with pepperjack cheese and some guac on top. Delicious and so easy! Also makes a ton, so good for a crowd. Enjoy!