Every once in a while I make something that everyone at The Schell Cafe really likes. I don't mean the meals that are tolerated with rolled eyes or the obligatory 'thank you bite'. I mean a meal that produces a clamor for seconds! I can always count on my homemade guacamole and chicken quesadillas to please the crowd. Spaghetti, meat-loaf and grilled panini sandwiches are appreciated too.
But my most frequently used fall back meal doesn't even have a name. Or a recipe. One night I just tossed everything together and miraculously it worked! So at least twice a month, occasionally more, I make this chicken pasta something or other.
My concoction make a lot of pasta so I serve it for dinner one night and pack it in school lunches for at least two days. No one complains and I have more time to think about all the other dishes I would rather cook. You know, the meals everyone rolls their eyes at!
Chicken Pasta Something Or Other
1 lb. whole wheat pasta (I like shells or farfalle)
1/2 (mas y menos) package of frozen petit peas
1/3 cup toasted pine nuts (I toss mine for 2 minutes over medium heat)
Fresh spinach (as much as I have) chopped
Roasted chicken (store bought rotisserie or left over roasted)
1 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
evoo to toss the hot pasta
s&p
There is no magic to the amounts I use with these ingredients. I always have these items on hand so depending on how much is in the fridge is what goes in the pot!
P.S. I jinxed myself when I prematurely suggested that everyone in the family likes this meal. The children like it. Husband, not so much apparently. Tant pis for me, huh?!?