Weekends Away

After going away for the weekend, it is always hard to get back into "real life mode."  No more maid service, no more twin lobsters, no more Italian pastries.  But coming home to our little man is by far the best treat of all :) 

I figure a good way to jump start myself would be to figure out whats for dinner!  This pasta dish is easy and delightful.  I have made it many times and it never disappoints!    For dessert, time to use up the apples we picked over the weekend!  This apple crisp is quick and delicious!

Chicken Artichoke Pasta

4 tablespoons butter

1 pound boneless chicken breast cut into 1-2 inch cubes
14 ounces canned artichoke hearts, cut into fours
6 cloves minced garlic
2 teaspoons flour
1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley (optional)
1/2-1 pound bow tie pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil with one tablespoon of salt added.  Add in pasta and cook for appx. 6 minutes.  Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid.  Meanwhile, in large fry pan melt one tablespoon of butter over med-high heat.  Add chicken in a single layer and brown on all sides and cook until no longer pink.  Place in bowl, and repeat until all chicken is cooked.

Using same pan over low heat add in another tablespoon of butter and artichokes. Cook until lightly browned.  Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, appx. 1-2 minutes.  Stir in flour and cook for another minute. 

Pour in chicken broth and remaining 2 tablespoons butter, raise heat to med-high and bring to a simmer.  Simmer until thickened.  Return chicken to pan with accumulated juices.  Add in remaining cheese, lemon juice and parsley.  Add in reserved cooking liquid until desired consistency is reached.  Stir and cook until chicken is heated through. 

Return drained pasta to pasta pot and add in chicken mixture.  Stir and serve!


Apple Crisp

4 cups peeled and sliced apples, about 4 apples
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup oats
3/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a medium size casserole dish.  Place chopped apples into dish. Mix together oats, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Cut in butter until crumbly.  Sprinkle over apples and bake for 30 minutes or until apples are soft!  Serve with whipped cream and/or vanilla ice cream!