Cajun Shrimp And Steak Alfredo

Normally I post recipes on Wednesday.  However, I am half way through my cardio re-hab and after going for exercise Wednesday mornings, I come home and tend to go to sleep.  So for the next 4 weeks Friday will be recipe day.

Today's recipe was posted on Facebook and comes from Evelyn Recipes.  I have always been a fan of both steak and pasta so this recipe is right up my alley.

Ingredients:

• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 300g fettuccine pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

• Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Season shrimp and steak with Cajun seasoning.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook steak slices until browned, then remove.
• Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook until pink; remove and set aside.
• Melt butter in the skillet, then sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Pour in heavy cream, simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
• Return shrimp and steak to the skillet; toss with cooked fettuccine.
• Season with salt, pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Adjust the Cajun seasoning for more or less heat to your liking.

Creamy Crock Pot Smoked Sausage Spaghetti

I saw this posted on Facebook and thought it looked yummy.  It is originally from recipes that crock.  I think that it will make a wonderful Sunday supper.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz pkg spaghetti cooked al dente
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 10.75 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 10.75 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 4-6 green onions chopped
• 16 oz pkg pasteurized process cheese spread cubed
• 24 oz smoked sausage (2 – 14 oz packages) sliced
• 1/8 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Garnish: grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

• Mix all your ingredients together in your 6-quart crock pot.
• Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stir often.
• It is done when it is warmed through and the cheese is melted.
• Sprinkle with parmesan cheese just before serving, if desired.

Smoked Sausage Cajun Alfredo

This recipe popped up in my Facebook feed and comes from plainchicken.com.  There are only five ingredients in the dish and it takes about fifteen minutes from start to finish.  Give it a try next time you need a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 package turkey smoked sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 8 ounces pasta (I have a bag of bow tie in the pantry so that is what I am using)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

• Prepare pasta according to directions; drain and set aside.
• Sauté sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat for five minutes, turning occasionally.
• Add cream and Cajun seasoning; bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat; simmer gently for 3-4 minutes or unit mixture begins to thicken.
• Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese.
• Add pasta to sauce and toss.

Bacon Shrimp Pasta

I found this recipe was posted on Facebook.  While I do not remember who I got it from, it was originally posted by Delish.

Ingredients:

• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for garnish
• 12 oz. cooked angel hair pasta
• fresh basil, sliced for garnish

Directions:

• In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (8 minutes).
• Drain, reserving 1 tbsp. of fat, and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
• Add shrimp to the skillet and season salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• Cook until pink (2 minutes per side).
• Add tomatoes and baby spinach and toss until wilted (1 minute).
• Add heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan and let simmer (2 minutes).
• Add cooked angel hair and bacon and toss until completely combined.
• Garnish with basil and parmesan to serve.

Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta

Spaghetti has always been one of my favorite meals.  This recipe is a nice twist on the traditional pasta dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 4 oz angel hair pasta
• 2 cups fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup basil, chopped
• 2 tsp. garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. butter
• Salt and pepper
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

• Place chicken breasts in a large plastic bag and pound until they're evenly thick.
• Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
• In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium to high heat.
• While skillet heats ups, fill a medium-sized pot with water and bring to a boil to cook pasta.
• Once skillet is hot, cook chicken approximately 5 minutes per side.
• Once pasta water is boiling add pasta and let it cook until desired texture is acquired.
• When chicken is done, plate, and place to the side.
• Place tomatoes and butter in skillet and cook, while stirring, until butter is melted.
• Add garlic and basil, lower heat to a simmer.
• When pasta is done, drain and rinse in hot water, and place in a bowl.
• Slice chicken into thin slices and add to bowl.
• Top with tomato-basil sauce.
• Add a pinch of grated parmesan (optional)

Beef Tips And Noodles

Enjoy the savoury taste of beef tips & noodles this evening.  You only need a handful of ingredients and half an hour to make this saucy beef and noodle recipe.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups egg noodles, uncooked
• 1 Tbsp. oil
• 1 lb. beef sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can Heinz Beef Gravy
• 2 Tbsp. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce

Directions:

• Cook noodles as directed on package, omitting salt.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. 
• Add meat; cook 6 to 8 min. or until evenly browned, stirring frequently. 
• Remove meat from skillet; set aside.
• Add onions to skillet; cook and stir 4 to 5 min. or until softened. 
• Add garlic; cook and stir 30 sec. 
• Stir in gravy and Worcestershire sauce. 
• Add meat; stir. 
• Simmer on medium-low heat 2 to 3 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently.
• Drain noodles; place on platter. 
• Top with meat mixture.

Spring Vegetarian Spaghetti

There are a lot of recipes, like this one, from the recipe-a-day calendar that I likely never would have otherwise tried.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/2 cup smoked mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 8 cups spinach leaves
• 3 tbsp butter
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground black pepper

Directions:

• Combine 6 quarts of water with 2 tablespoons kosher salt and bring it to a boil.
• Grate the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
• Once boiling add the pasta, to the water, and cook until just about al dente (about 7 minutes).
• Add peas and spinach and cook for 1 minute.
• Reserve 1 cup of cooking water and then drain the pasta and vegetables.
• In a skillet, melt the butter, then stir in cheeses, 1/4 cup of pasta water, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
• Stir in the pasta and vegetables until creamy over low heat, adding more pasta water if necessary.
• To serve, top with additional parmesan cheese.

Smart Pork-Pasta Toss

Loaded with vegetables, this flavourful spaghetti dish can be on the table in less than 30 minutes!  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat spaghetti, uncooked
• 1/4 cup Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing, divided
• 1 lb. pork tenderloin, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 cup chopped red onions
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
• 6 cups loosely packed baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Light 4 Cheese Italiano Cheese, divided

Directions:

• Cook spaghetti as directed on package, omitting salt. 
• Meanwhile, heat 2 Tbsp. dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat. 
• Add meat; cook 5 to 6 min. or until done, stirring occasionally. 
• Remove from skillet; cover to keep warm.
• Add remaining dressing, onions and garlic to skillet; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until onions are crisp-tender. 
• Add tomatoes; cook 1 min. 
• Add broth and meat; stir. 
• Bring to boil, stirring occasionally.
• Drain spaghetti. 
• Add to ingredients in skillet along with the spinach and 1/2 cup cheese; mix lightly. 
• Top with remaining cheese.

Creamy Chicken And Pasta Skillet

A sizzling skillet of chicken and pasta with a creamy sauce brings fresh flavour and a splash of colour to the dinner table.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Italian Pesto Parmesan Dressing
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 3/4 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
• 3 Tbsp. Kraft 100% Romano Shredded Cheese

Directions:

• Heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. 
• Add chicken; cook 8 to 10 min. or until done, stirring frequently. 
• Remove chicken from skillet; cover to keep warm.  
• Add chicken broth, cream cheese and tomatoes to skillet; cook and stir 2 min. or until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended. 
• Return chicken to skillet. 
• Add pasta; stir. 
• Cook 2 to 3 min. or until heated through, stirring frequently. 
• Top with cheese.

Pasta With Pork Ragu

This is a hearty recipe for a thick pork ragu that's the perfect complement to the wholesome whole wheat rotini.  The result is a comforting recipe for an intimate dinner for two.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. (225 g) lean ground pork
• 1 cup each chopped carrots and onions
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft Sun-Dried Tomato & Oregano Dressing
• 1-1/2 cups Classico di Napoli Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped red peppers
• 1-1/2 cups whole wheat rotini pasta, uncooked
• 2 Tbsp. each chopped fresh basil and parsley
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft 100% Parmesan Shredded Cheese

Directions:

• Cook meat, carrots and onions in dressing in large saucepan on medium-high heat 8 to 10 min. or until meat is done, stirring occasionally. 
• Stir in pasta sauce and peppers; simmer on medium-low heat 10 min., stirring occasionally.  
• Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. 
• Drain pasta; place in large bowl. 
• Add meat sauce and herbs; mix lightly. 
• Serve topped with cheese. 

Tex-Mex Cheddar Mac

This 20-minute dish couldn't be easier!  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg Kraft Dinner Macaroni and Cheese
• 1 lb extra lean ground beef
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Tex Mex Cheese

Directions:

• Prepare Dinner as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, brown meat in skillet on medium heat. 
• Stir in salsa; simmer 5 min., stirring occasionally.
• Add meat mixture to Dinner; mix lightly. 
• Top with cheese.

Spaghetti With Garlic-Shrimp & Broccoli

A perfect recipe for when my wife buys 2 bags of shrimp because they were on sale.  This spaghetti with sautéed shrimp, garlic and broccoli is an easy dinner that works well for family or guests.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Fibre-enriched white spaghetti, uncooked
• 4 cups small broccoli florets
• 6 Tbsp. Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• 1 lb.  uncooked deveined peeled large shrimp
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Light Grated Cheese

Directions:

• Cook spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 2 min. 
• Meanwhile, heat dressing in large skillet on medium-high heat.
• Add shrimp and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until shrimp turn pink. 
• Drain spaghetti mixture; return to pan.
• Add shrimp mixture and cheese; mix lightly.

Quick Creamy Gnocchi Carbonara

Craving a comforting pasta dish?  This easy-to-make recipe can go from counter to table in just minutes.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups refrigerated gnocchi, uncooked
• 1/3 cup Philadelphia herb & garlic cream cheese product
• 1/2 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
• 2 Tbsp. Oscar Mayer real bacon bits
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft 100% parmesan aged grated cheese

Directions:

• Cook gnocchi in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt. 
• Drain and set gnocchi aside.
• Whisk cream cheese product and broth in same pan until blended. 
• Stir in bacon. 
• Bring just to boil on medium heat, stirring constantly; simmer on medium-low heat 3 min., stirring occasionally.
• Return gnocchi to pan; cook and stir 1 min. or until heated through. 
• Remove from heat. 
• Stir in Parmesan.

Creamy Taco Unstuffed Shells

The deliciousness of a taco in a comforting pasta casserole.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups small pasta shells, uncooked
• 1 lb. (450 g) extra-lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 pouch taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (28 fl oz/796 mL) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1 cup Touch of Philadelphia shredded creamy mexicana cheese, divided

Directions:

• Heat oven to 375ºF.Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt.
• Meanwhile, cook meat, onion, pepper, zucchini and taco seasoning mix in large skillet on medium-high heat until meat is evenly browned, stirring occasionally.
• Drain pasta. 
• Add to meat mixture along with tomatoes; stir. 
• Bring just to boil. 
• Remove from heat. Stir in sour cream and 1/2 cup cheese. 
• Spoon into 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray.
• Bake 20 min. or until heated through. 
• Sprinkle with remaining cheese; bake 3 to 5 min. or until melted.

Easy Lasagna Skillet

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 24

No need to preheat the oven for this quick and easy lasagna.  Ground beef, peppers, sauce and creamy cheese come together in this all-in-one skillet version.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef
• 1/2 cup each chopped green and red peppers
• 1 jar Classico di Napoli Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce and 1 jar water
• 12 lasagna noodles, broken, uncooked
• 3/4 cup Philadelphia Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Product

Directions:

• Brown meat with peppers in deep large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat; drain. 
• Return meat mixture to skillet.
• Stir in pasta sauce and water. 
• Bring to boil. 
• Stir in noodles; cover. 
• Simmer on medium-low heat 15 to 18 min. or until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
• Add cream cheese product; cook and gently stir 2 min. or until melted.
• Remove from heat; let stand, covered, 3 min. before serving.

Shrimply Delicious Pasta

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 13

A shrimp pasta recipe that’s on the table in less than half an hour?  Shrimply Delicious Pasta is quick, easy and perfect for weeknight entertaining.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked
• 1/2 lb. fresh asparagus spears, cut into 1-inch lengths
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• 1/2 lb.frozen cooked cleaned medium shrimp, thawed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese Product
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese

Directions:

• Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, and add asparagus to the boiling water the last 3 min.
• Meanwhile, heat dressing in large skillet on medium heat. 
• Stir in shrimp and garlic; cook and stir 1 min. 
• Add cream cheese product and broth; cook 2 min. or until cream cheese is completely melted and shrimp is heated through, stirring frequently. 
• Stir in 3 Tbsp. Parmesan.
• Drain pasta mixture. 
• Add to skillet; toss to coat. 
• Transfer to platter; top with remaining Parmesan.

Lazy Crock Pot Lasagna

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 11

This Crock Pot Lasagna will become a family favorite! Meat sauce layered with cheese and spinach filled ravioli and loads of gooey cheese.  This recipe comes to us from Pinterest.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1 large jar (45 oz) high quality pasta sauce
• 4 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 large package (25-30 oz) cheese & spinach filled ravioli (uncooked)

Directions:

• Brown ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. 
• Drain any fat.
• Stir in Italian seasoning and pasta sauce. 
• Cover and simmer 10 minutes.
• Spray the inside of a 6-7 qt crock pot with cooking spray. 
• Layer sauce, ravioli and cheese.
• Repeat layers ending with cheese. 
• Cover and cook on low 3-4 hours.

Penne with Chicken, Mushrooms and Onions

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 10

Need a new pasta recipe for dinner?  With such wonderful flavour, everyone is sure to love this!  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups penne pasta, uncooked
• 1/3 cup KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing, divided
• 1 lb. (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/2 lb. (225 g) cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1-1/2 cups slivered red onions
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 Tbsp. capers
• 1/3 cup KRAFT 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

• Cook pasta as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, heat half the dressing in large skillet on medium heat. 
• Add chicken; cook and stir 8 to 10 min. or until done. 
• Transfer to bowl; cover to keep warm. 
• Heat remaining dressing in skillet. 
• Add mushrooms, onions and garlic; cook and stir 7 min. or until softened.
• Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water. 
• Stir reserved liquid into ingredients in skillet; bring to boil. 
• Add chicken, capers, cheese and parsley; mix lightly.

Skillet Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 1

Featuring fresh vegetables, these colourful pasta roll-ups can be cooked right in your skillet.  And the best part, no need to layer!  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 cup Touch of Philadelphia Shredded Creamy Mozza Cheese
• 1/2 cup frozen corn
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Shredded Cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips, divided
• 6 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 2 cups Classico di Napoli Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce

Directions:

• Mix egg, ricotta and garlic in large bowl until blended. 
• Add next 4 ingredients; mix well. 
• Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan and 2 Tbsp. basil. 
• Spread chicken mixture onto noodles; roll up tightly.
• Pour pasta sauce into large skillet. 
• Add roll-ups, seam sides down. 
• Spoon sauce over roll-ups; cover. 
• Bring to boil on medium-high heat; simmer on medium-low heat 20 min. or until heated through.
• Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and basil.

Bucatini With Bacon And Mushrooms

I am a pasta fanatic, so I am always on the lookout for new ways to prepare it.  Simple ingredients turn this pasta recipe into something that is absolutely irresistible.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Bucatini pasta, uncooked
• 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 lb. button mushrooms, halved
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes 
• 1-1/2 cups Classico di Napoli Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Aged Grated Cheese

Directions:

• Cook bucatini as directed on package.
• Meanwhile, cook and stir bacon in large skillet on medium heat until crisp. 
• Remove bacon from skillet with slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
• Discard all but 1-1/2 Tbsp. drippings from skillet. 
• Add garlic to drippings; cook 1 min. or until fragrant. 
• Add mushrooms and tomatoes; cook 5 min. or until tender, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in sauce and pepper; cook on low heat 2 to 3 min. or until sauce is well blended and heated through, stirring frequently. 
• Drain pasta and add to skillet. 
• Top with parsley and cheese.