This summertime, Italian-inspired menu is mild and easy to arrange. Utilizing dried herbs and frozen broccoli will save time within the kitchen, and gradual cooking the hen in broth can be a breeze. You have to two pots of water; one for boiling the tortellini and a second pot for the orzo. Orzo is a small-cut pasta and is about the identical measurement as a grain of rice. Orzo is a flexible pasta typically utilized in soup, salads, and different tacky aspect dishes, or it may be used as a substitute of rice in risotto. You should definitely make the pasta salad very first thing within the morning and put it within the fridge till able to serve. The crockpot does the vast majority of the work. The ultimate step can be to arrange the orzo and broccoli proper earlier than sitting right down to dinner. A stupendous and flavorful dinner!
Italian Herbed Rooster with Orzo
6-7 skinless, boneless hen breasts
2 tsp. good high quality Italian seasoning (I like to make use of Dealer Joe’s Soffritto Seasoning Mix)
2 cups low-sodium hen broth
4 TBSP. butter, lower into small items
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (elective)
Orzo, ready in response to package deal instructions
♦ Season the hen with the salt and pepper and place in a frivolously greased gradual cooker. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning excessive of the hen. Add the hen broth, chopped onion, and garlic; place the butter excessive of the hen. Cook dinner on low for six hours or till finished. Use a fork to shred the hen. (You’ll be able to add extra Italian seasoning and salt and pepper if needed.) Sprinkle the cheese excessive and permit to soften. Put together 1 ½ cups of orzo pasta in response to package deal instructions. Serve the hen over the cooked orzo pasta. For added taste, stir 1 cup thawed frozen peas into the al dente cooked orzo and season with onion powder, garlic powder, seasoned salt, and Parmesan cheese to style. Proceed to simmer till cheese is melted.
Straightforward Caprese Tortellini Salad
12 oz. bag cheese tortellini
1 cup solar dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), chopped
1 ½ cups child spinach, chopped
1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ tsp. Italian seasoning
2 tsp. dried basil leaves
Put together tortellini in response to package deal instructions and rinse beneath chilly water; drain and place in a bowl. Stir within the chopped dried tomatoes and chopped spinach. Stir collectively the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and the entire spices in a small bowl. Pour over the pasta and greens. Toss collectively; sprinkle the mozzarella cheese excessive. Refrigerate till able to serve. You’ll be able to drizzle extra balsamic vinegar excessive earlier than serving, and garnish with recent basil. Choices: Add Kalamata olives or freshly toasted croutons to your particular person plate.
12 oz. bag broccoli florets
1/8 tsp. (or extra) crushed pink pepper flakes
Elective: 1 TBSP. grated Parmesan cheese
Put together broccoli within the microwave for half of the cooking time listed on the package deal (about 3-4 minutes). In a skillet, warmth the olive oil; add the broccoli and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning, crushed pink pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to style; sauté on medium-high warmth for about 5-6 minutes. Sprinkle with the grated cheese. Flip off the warmth and place a lid excessive till able to serve.
Sherri’s Tacky Garlic Bread
1 giant French loaf or baguette, thinly sliced
1 stick salted butter, softened
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
In a small bowl, stir collectively the butter, garlic, parsley, and chives. Place bread slices on a big parchment lined baking sheet. Unfold the butter combination evenly over the bread slices. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the bread slices. Broil for 3 minutes or till golden brown and toasted.
