PAN FRIED CHICKEN WITH CREAMY LEMON PASTA SAUCE

12 oz fettuccini pasta or spaghetti

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 4 even pieces and pounded thin)

1 egg

1 Tbsp milk

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

Lemon Cream Sauce

1 large lemon, zested and juiced

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

2 garlic cloves minced

1/4 tsp onion powder

2 cups heavy whipping cream

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup parmesan cheese

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp parsley optional garnish

2 Lemons (serve 1/2 lemon on plate for squeezing over plate)

Instructions

Cook Pasta:

Bring a pot of water to boil, add 1 Tbsp salt and pasta. Cook until al-dente according package instructions or to desired doneness. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water then drain and lightly rinse (rinsing will keep the sauce creamier)

Make Lemon Chicken:

While pasta is cooking, set up 2 bowls. In first bowl, beat together 1 egg and 1 Tbsp milk. In second bowl, combine 1 cup bread crumbs, 1-2 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Dip each chicken cutlet in egg wash, letting excess drip back into the bowl, then dip in bread crumbs, turning to coat.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 Tbsp oil, or enough to lightly cover the bottom of the pan and sautee breaded chicken in a single layer for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165˚F. 

Make Lemon Cream Sauce:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat. Melt 2 Tbsp butter then add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp onion powder. Sautee 1 minute until fragrant.

Add 2 cups heavy cream, 1-2 tsp lemon zest and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and while whisking constantly, gradually pour in 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice, whisking to incorporate.

Sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup parmesan cheese and remove from heat, whisking until cheese is melted and incorporated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Pour sauce over rinsed, drained pasta and toss to coat noodles. Add reserved pasta cooking water to thin the sauce if desired. Garnish with parsley and serve with the chicken.

CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP (OLIVE GARDEN)

Instant Pot Instructions

1 tablespoon oil 

1-1/2 lbs chicken breast cubed

1/2 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 cup carrots, matchsticks or diced

2 cups chicken broth

1 teaspoon thyme

3 cups half and half

1 package 16 oz, gnocchi

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups fresh spinach or 2 oz frozen spinach

Parmesan cheese, optional

1. Place oil, chicken, celery, onion and carrots into your pressure cooker. Saute on high heat until meat is brown. 

2. Add broth and thyme and mix well. Place the lid onto the instant pot, seal shut and set high pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release pressure and open the lid. 

3. Set saute on high heat.  Stir in spinach, half and half, gnocchi and salt & pepper. Stirring frequently, bring to boil.  Boil for about 3 minutes or until gnocchi is done. 

4. Serve immediately and top with parmesan if desired. 

Recipe Notes 

Slow Cooker Instructions 

Add all ingredients except the half and half, gnocchi, and spinach in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Add half and half and gnocchi and turn the slow cooker to high for an additional 30 minutes. Stir the spinach into the soup and allow to wilt, about 2-3 minutes and enjoy!

CHEESECAKE DUMP CAKE

1 15.25oz box cake mix. (any flavor that compliments your fruit choice)

2 21oz cans Pie Filling

8oz Whipped Cream Cheese

1 stick Butter, melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Spray 9×13 Casserole Dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Empty cans of Pie Filling into bottom of baking dish, and spread out evenly.

Scoop dollops of Cream Cheese on top and spread out over Pie Filling.

In a mixing bowl, combine dry Cake Mix and melted Butter.  Stir until crumbly.

Pour cake/butter crumble mixture over cream cheese layer in baking dish, and spread out evenly.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until sides are hot and bubbly.

***I have halved this recipe and baked in 9x9 pan for 30 minutes.

BACON WRAPPED SMOKIES

1 lb Bacon (cut each slice into 1/3's)
14 oz beef cocktail wieners
3/4 cup brown sugar

Heat oven to 325 degrees.
Wrap a 1/3 piece of bacon around sausage. Secure with toothpick.
Put into 9x13 pan.
Sprinkle brown sugar over all the bacon wrapped sausages.
Bake 40 minutes.
To keep warm, move to slow cooker on warm setting.

CINNAMON TOAST CRUCH MARSHMALLOW TREATS

5 TBL butter

10 oz marshmallows

12 oz box Cinnamon Toast Crunch (about 8 cups)

Spray 9x13 pan

Melt butter and marshmallows. Remove from heat

Stir in cereal

Press into pan