Recipes

I love to cook! I haven't always, that is why I love easy recipes. Here are a couple of my favorite main dishes that I just love to prepare!

PRONTO PASTA BAKE:
12 ounces rotini pasta - uncooked
2 medium zucchini, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
2 garlic cloves - chopped
1 jar (48 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 - teaspoon dried basil leaves
2 ounces (1/2) cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
2 cups (8 ounces)shredded mozzarella cheese
* Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.Chop garlic, add zucchini, spaghetti sauce and basil - Mix together Grate Parmesan cheese and put into a separate bowl.In a 13 x 9 pan layer one third of the spaghetti sauce mixture, half of the pasta, one third of the sauce mixture and half of the cheeses. Repeat layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses: cover with aluminum foil. Bake 45 minutes. UNCOVER: continue baking 5 minutes. Serve with garlic bread.
**This is a quick and easy alternative to basic lasagna AND a great way to get some veggies down those picky little eaters ....if you have any :)

This next recipe comes from my childhood friend, so thank you Lara!
Southwestern Chicken & Rice Bake:
2 cups cooked rice,
1 to 2 cans of chicken meat
1 can black beans,drained
1 can Mexi-corn,drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 can chicken broth, more or less
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 salt,
1/2 to 1 cup cheddar cheese
*In large bowl combine rice,chicken,beans,corn,cumin,garlic powder,chili powder, and pepper. Stir to blend. In a saucepan,melt butter over low heat,stir in flour until well blended and bubbly. Stir in the gradually the milk,chicken broth & salt & pepper. Cook ,stirring constantly,until thickened. Stir into the rice& chicken mixture. Adjust seasoning to your liking. Pour into casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for around 25 minutes , then sprinkle on the cheese and cook about 5-8 minutes more. Can serve with a dollop of sour cream,chopped green olives,etc.
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**Do you have a recipe that you would like to share, then please leave it in the comment section.