Shrimp, Tomato Pesto Sauce, Whole Grain Rotini, and Baked French Bread

Dinner Tonight: Shrimp, Tomato Pesto Sauce, Whole Grain Rotini, and Baked French Bread






I just had a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea for Breakfast. Headed out to the local Kroger up the
road after Breakfast. I just needed a few items for tonight's Dinner. Coming home I stopped at McDonald's to pick up Breakfast for Mom and Dad. The humidity is terrible! It feels like your walking into a sauna as you walk outside. Did some cleaning outside around the wooden deck and drive. I didn't last long out there! Back inside just did some things around the house. For Dinner tonight I prepared Shrimp, Tomato Pesto Sauce, Whole Grain Rotini, and Baked French Bread.




I wasn't sure what to have for Dinner tonight. I had been wanting to do another dish where I use a Tomato Pesto Sauce that I used for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Fell in love with this Pesto! So looking in the fridge I remembered I had some leftover Rotini Pasta from last night and I had a bag of frozen Kroger Jumbo Shrimp in the freezer. My Dinner for tonight was starting to come together, Shrimp, Tomato Pesto Sauce, Whole Grain Rotini, and Baked French Bread!

First to make the Tomato Pesto I’ll need; 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes (halved), Extra Virgin Olive Oil for seasoning + 1/4 cup, Salt and Pepper (to taste), 1 Cup fresh Basil Leaves, 2 Tablespoons toasted Pine Nuts, and 1 Clove Garlic (minced).

To prepare the Pesto; preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Toss the halved Tomatoes lightly with Olive Oil, and arrange on a rimmed foil lined baking sheet, and season with Salt. Roast the Tomatoes for about 2 hours, until shriveled. Let cool. Place the Tomatoes, Basil, Pine Nuts, and Garlic in a food processor; pulse to chop. Add 1/4 cup Olive Oil; pulse to combine well. Season with Salt and Pepper. I love this Tomato Pesto! I first used it on some Baked Cod and thought it would work great with Pasta and Shrimp.








So the Pesto was ready and the Pasta was already made, I just had to reheat it. I put the Pasta in a
microwavable bowl and added a 1/2 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to it and stirred. Reheated it for 1 minute and 10 seconds, done!










For the Shrimp; I started by rinsing the Shrimp off in cold water and letting it dry in a colander. Using a medium size skillet, that I sprayed with Pam Cooking Spray and a 1 tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, that I heated on medium heat I cooked the Shrimp. I seasoned it with Old Bay Seasoning. Cooked it 2 minutes per side, turning the Shrimp once.









To plate everything I made a bed of the Rotini Pasta in a bowl. Seasoned with some McCormick Grinder Italian Seasoning. Topped the Rotini with the Shrimp. Then topped it all off with the Tomato Pesto and some Shaved Parmesan Cheese. It turned out to be one delicious Dinner! The Tomato Pesto worked as it good on the Pasta and Shrimp as it the Cod! I think I'll start bottling this and selling it, On the Mark Tomato Pesto. Catchy huh! (lol) I also baked a loaf Pillsbury French Bread, perfect for the Dish. For dessert later a Del Monte Sugar Free Diced Peach Cup.







Tomato Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
Ingredients Pesto Sauce

1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved
Extra Virgin Olive Oil for seasoning + 1/4 cup
Salt and Pepper, to taste
1 Cup fresh Basil Leaves
2 Tablespoons toasted Pine Nuts
1 Clove Garlic, minced

Directions
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees. Toss the halved Tomatoes lightly with Olive Oil, and arrange on a rimmed foil lined baking sheet, and season with Salt. Roast the Tomatoes for about 2 hours, until shriveled. Let cool. Place the Tomatoes, Basil, Pine Nuts, and Garlic in a food processor; pulse to chop. Add 1/4 cup Olive Oil; pulse to combine well. Season with Salt and Pepper.




Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini

When it comes to nutrition, why settle for less than 100%? Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini is 100% all natural and made from a single ingredient, 100% whole wheat. With an excellent source of fiber and 56 grams of whole grains per serving, it is an important part of a heart healthy diet. Its delicious flavor is the perfect complement to your favorite pasta recipes. When it comes to keeping your family happy and eating healthy, why settle for less than 100%?
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini:
* 100% Whole Grain Stamp: 56 grams whole grains per serving
* Excellent source of fiber
* A low-fat, sodium-free, cholesterol-free food
* All natural
* Kosher

Ingredients:
Ingredients: Durum Whole Wheat Flour. Contains Wheat. Manufactured In A Facility That Uses Eggs.

Directions:
Directions: 1. bring 4 quarts water to a rapid boil. 2. add pasta And stir; return to rapid boil. 3. cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 13 to 15 minutes. 4. drain well.
Nutrition
Serving Size 3/4 cup (56g)

Serving Per Container About 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 180 Calories From Fat 15
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.5g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Potassium 240mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 13%
Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
Sugars 2g
Protein 9g

Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

Dinner Tonight: Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese




It was a toasted Healthy Life Whole Grain English Muffin, lightly topped with I Can't Believe....) and a cup of Bigelow Decaf Green Tea for Breakfast. After Breakfast I headed outside to get a little yard work done as early as I could. It's going to be a hot one outside today, high in the mid 90's and high humidity, heat index at 100 degrees. Then went to Kroger for Mom, she needed a couple of items. Back home did a few things around the house. For Dinner tonight a Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese.
 




I came across a recipe in a food magazine that sounded good, but it had a ton of calories and carbs in it. So I made some adjustments to it to lower everything and came up with this recipe I'm preparing tonight, Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese. To make the dish I'll need; 1 cup uncooked Rozini Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini Pasta (Cook Rotini  according to package directions; drain), 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons Flour,  1/2 cup 2% Milk, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley, 8 ounces Velveeta 2% Cheese (cubed), 1 link (cut into 1" slices) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage.





To prepare the dish I got out my favorite cooking utensil, the Cast Iron Skillet, sprayed it with a light coat of Pam Cooking Spray. To start In a sauce pan I cooked the Rotini according to package directions; drain. As the Rotini was boiling I mixed the Panko, Parsley, and Olive Oil together in a bowl.









Next in the Cast Iron Skillet, melted the Butter over medium heat. Stirred in the Flour until smooth;gradually whisk in Milk. Bring it to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the Cheese; cook and stir until melted. Stir in Rotini and Sausage, until well mixed and covered. Finally, spread the Panko Mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

What a dish, a Comfort Food for sure! Everything just blends together to make one delicious Skillet of goodness! The Rotini Pasta covered with the Cheese and mixtures and as always the Butterball Turkey Sausage is a meal within itself! And the Panko topping gives nice texture and crunch. A 'Keeper Recipe". I also had a slice of Healthy Life Whole Grain Bread, lightly buttered with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. Had a Peach Diet Snapple to drink. For dessert later a Jello Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Mousse.









Cast Iron Skillet Turkey Sausage, Rotini Pasta, and Cheese

INGREDIENTS
1 cups uncooked Rozini Healthy Harvest Whole Grain Rotini Pasta (Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain), 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 2 tablespoons Blue Bonnet Light Butter, 1 1/2 tablespoons Flour,  1/2 cup 2% Milk, 1 cup Shake and Bake Seasoned Panko, 1 tablespoon chopped Parsley, 8 ounces Velveeta 2% Cheese (cubed), 1 link (cut into 1" slices) Butterball Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage.

Directions
1 - Cook Rotini according to package directions; drain.

2 - Mix Panko, Parsley, and Olive Oil together in a bowl.
3 - Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt Butter over medium heat.
4 - Stir in Flour until smooth; gradually whisk in Milk.
5 - Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
6 - Add Cheese; cook and stir until melted.
7 - Stir in Rotini and Sausage.
8 - Spread Panko Mixture on top and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
9 - Enjoy

Leftovers - Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini

Dinner Tonight: Leftovers - Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini




Went out early this morning and grabbed the morning papers and it was a bit nippy out there, about 26 degrees! After I made my Breakfast I went to McDonald's and picked up Mom and Dad's Breakfast for them. Too much McDonald's for me, but that's what they like. Mom and Dad went on to Church after they ate. While they were gone I gave the house a good cleaning; ran the vacuum, mopped, and dusted. After that it was an afternoon of NFL Football. For dinner tonight, Leftovers! I reheated Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini.





The other night I had prepared a Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini, along with a

Larosa's Sauce. So for dinner tonight I reheated the Chicken and the Pasta Sauce. Then I made some fresh Pasta, Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini.




To prepare it; start by bringing 4 quarts water to a rapid boil. Add the Pasta And stir; return to rapid boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 13 to 15 minutes. When done drain well and put into a large bowl. Season with Sea Salt and McCormick Italian Seasoning, lightly tossed and serve.





In a medium size dinner bowl; I made a bed of the pasta, topped it with the leftover LaRosa's Sauce, and then topped with the leftover sliced Chicken Breast Tender. I really enjoy this dish! The Pasta came out perfect and the Chicken came out browned, juicy, and seasoned just right. Then to tie it all together was the LaRosa's Sauce. It's my favorite Sauce, so well seasoned and just brings fantastic flavor to any dish. For dessert later a Jello Sugarless Dark Chocolate Mousse.





Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini

When it comes to nutrition, why settle for less than 100%? Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole

Grain Rotini is 100% all natural and made from a single ingredient, 100% whole wheat. With an excellent source of fiber and 56 grams of whole grains per serving, it is an important part of a heart healthy diet. Its delicious flavor is the perfect complement to your favorite pasta recipes. When it comes to keeping your family happy and eating healthy, why settle for less than 100%?
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini:
* 100% Whole Grain Stamp: 56 grams whole grains per serving
* Excellent source of fiber
* A low-fat, sodium-free, cholesterol-free food
* All natural
* Kosher

Ingredients:
Ingredients: Durum Whole Wheat Flour. Contains Wheat. Manufactured In A Facility That Uses Eggs.

Directions:
Directions: 1. bring 4 quarts water to a rapid boil. 2. add pasta And stir; return to rapid boil. 3. cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 13 to 15 minutes. 4. drain well.


Nutrition
Serving Size 3/4 cup (56g)

Serving Per Container About 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 180  Calories From Fat 15
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.5g 2%
    Saturated Fat 0g 0%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Potassium 240mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 13%
    Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
    Sugars 2g
Protein 9g

Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini and Baked Mozzarella Bread

Dinner Tonight: Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini and Baked Mozzarella Bread






Much colder out this morning, about 28 degrees. And it didn't get a whole lot warmer today, about 37 with a wind chill around 20 at times. For Breakfast I had an Eggo (Nutrigrain), topped with a Egg Beter's Egg White Scramble, and 2 Jennie - O Turkey Breakfast Sausage Links. Add my morning cup of Bigelow decaf Green Tea and I was set!








Felt like staying in for the day so I thought I would bake some Devil's Food Chocolate Cupcakes. I

used Pillsbury Sugar Free Devil's Food Cake Mix and for the icing Pillsbury Sugar Free Chocolate Fudge Frosting. To make the cakes I substituted Eggs with Egg Beater's, used Extra Virgin Olive Oil. and added 1 Jello Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding Cup. When making Cakes I usually add a Sugar Free Pudding Cup, the added Pudding will make your cakes moister than usual. Everyone that has tried them agrees the added moister works great. I'll have a couple of Cupcakes over the next couple of days, mainly made them for Mom and Dad and a few for the neighbors. Anyway for dinner tonight I prepared Seasoned Chicken Breast w/ Whole Grain Rotini and Baked Mozzarella Bread.




To start I opened up a can of LaRosa's Sauce, which I've decided to use as my Pasta Sauce. Emptied the can into a small sauce pan ; covered it with the lid and let it it simmer on low heat.




For the Chicken part of the dish I used Perdue Perfect Portions Chicken Breasts (2 of them). I had

them in the freezer so I let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To prepare; removed them from the package and seasoned them with Sea Salt and Litehouse Freeze Dried Poultry Herb Blend. Then I sprinkled them with a light dusting of Flour. Cooked them in a medium skillet that was sprayed with Pam Cooking Spray and a tablespoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Fried them on medium high heat for about 10 minutes, flipping it over 3 times. Removed from the heat and set aside. Before serving them with the Pasta I sliced the Chicken Breasts up.






For the Pasta part of the dish I used Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini. I love pasta,

but with Diabetes 2 I can't have as often as I like. So as they say "You pick and choose your battles". So when I have a Pasta meal I try to have Whole Grain Pasta. The Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini is the best I've found. It has an excellent Pasta taste and it's only 180 calories and 34 net carbs, which isn't bad for Pasta! It cooks up perfectly, start by bringing 4 quarts water to a rapid boil. Add the Pasta And stir; return to rapid boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 13 to 15 minutes. When done drain well and put into a large bowl. Season with Sea Salt and McCormick Italian Seasoning, lightly tossed and serve.



In a medium size dinner bowl; I made a bed of the pasta, topped it with the LaRosa's Sauce, and then topped with the sliced Chicken Breast Tender. I really enjoyed this dinner! The Pasta came out perfect and the Chicken came out browned, juicy, and seasoned just right. Then to tie it all together was the LaRosa's Sauce. It's my favorite Sauce, so well seasoned and just brings fantastic flavor to any dish!








I also prepared 2 slices of Baked Mozzarella Bread.Took 2 slices of Aunt Millie's Light Whole Grain Bread and topped it with a bit of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter. Then I added Sargento Shredded Mozzarella Cheese and topped it all with a sprinkle of Kraft Reduced Fat Grated Parmesan Cheese. Had the oven preheated on 400 degrees, Put the 2 slices on a small cookie sheet and baked them until the Bread was toasted and the Cheese melted. An easy prepared Cheese bread, goes great with Pasta Dishes. For dessert later a Devils Food Chocolate Frosted Cupcake.







Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini

When it comes to nutrition, why settle for less than 100%? Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini is 100% all natural and made from a single ingredient, 100% whole wheat. With an excellent source of fiber and 56 grams of whole grains per serving, it is an important part of a heart healthy diet. Its delicious flavor is the perfect complement to your favorite pasta recipes. When it comes to keeping your family happy and eating healthy, why settle for less than 100%?
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest 100% Whole Grain Rotini:
* 100% Whole Grain Stamp: 56 grams whole grains per serving
* Excellent source of fiber
* A low-fat, sodium-free, cholesterol-free food

* All natural
* Kosher

Ingredients:
Ingredients: Durum Whole Wheat Flour. Contains Wheat. Manufactured In A Facility That Uses Eggs.

Directions:
Directions: 1. bring 4 quarts water to a rapid boil. 2. add pasta And stir; return to rapid boil. 3. cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 13 to 15 minutes. 4. drain well.


Nutrition
Serving Size 3/4 cup (56g)

Serving Per Container About 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 180  Calories From Fat 15
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.5g 2%
    Saturated Fat 0g 0%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
    Monounsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 0mg 0%
Potassium 240mg 7%
Total Carbohydrate 39g 13%
    Dietary Fiber 5g 20%
    Sugars 2g
Protein 9g



Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Individually Wrapped

Enjoy the delicious taste of Perdue Perfect Portions Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, perfectly sized for any meal. These 99% fat-free, boneless skinless chicken breast portions cook quickly and evenly and are easy to store and prepare. Individually wrapped to seal in freshness and flavor, use the portions you need now and save the rest. Ready in minutes, Perdue Perfect Portions Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts are a convenient, time-saving alternative for any meal. Store the remaining portions in their resealable bag in your refrigerator or freezer--it's that easy.


* Perdue Perfect Portions Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts:
* The perfect solution for your next meal
* Perfectly sized for quicker cooking
* Follow the easy cooking instructions to ensure tender and juicy chicken breasts


COOKING AND PREP
SKILLET: Preheat lightly oiled pan to medium-high. Brown chicken 1 minute per side. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cook covered, turning occasionally, for 4-7 minutes, to an internal temperature of 170ºF. GRILL OR BROIL: Lightly brush with oil and season. Grill or broil 6-8 inches from heat source, 5-10 minutes per side, turning once, to an internal temperature of 170ºF. If bars on grill are widely spread, place tenderloins on lightly oiled aluminum foil over medium-hot coals; poke holes in foil. Grill as above. FROM FROZEN: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place frozen breast tenderloins on foil-lined baking sheet and cook 25-30 minutes, to an internal temperature of 170ºF.

https://www.perdue.com/products/perdue-perfect-portions-boneless-skinless-chicken-breast-all-natural-15-lbs/6836/