What's for Dinner?

I've made Alfredo from scratch before but never like this. I loved the addition of the vegetables and the Colby jack cheese. If you like Alfredo sauce, I highly recommend you try this variation! Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients

6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into cubes
6 tablespoons butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced, divided
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 pound fettuccini pasta
1 onion, diced
1 (8 ounce) package sliced mushrooms
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
3 cups milk
1 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese
3 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
1/2 cup sour cream

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat combine chicken, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook until chicken is no longer pink inside. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Saute onion, 2 cloves garlic, and mushrooms until onions are transparent. Stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Slowly add milk and half-and-half, stirring until smooth and creamy. Stir in Parmesan and Colby-Monterey Jack cheeses; stir until cheese is melted. Stir in chicken mixture, tomatoes and sour cream. Serve over cooked fettuccini.

This is a great sauce for when the weather gets colder and you crave comfort food. It's full of great veggies and really sticks to your ribs. And it couldn't be simpler - just throw it all in a pot and you're done! Makes 5 servings.

Ingredients

2 (14.5 ounce) cans peeled and diced tomatoes with juice
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup finely chopped carrots
3/4 cup finely chopped red bell peppers
4 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 large onion, chopped
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
salt to taste

Directions

In a large pot combine tomatoes, garlic, carrots, bell peppers, celery, onion, parsley, oregano, olive oil and salt. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat and simmer on medium heat for 1 hour.

This is delicious. I love it because it's not your typical red or white sauce over pasta with shrimp. The bacon is a great added touch! Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients
1 (12 ounce) package linguine pasta
1/4 pound bacon
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 pound cooked shrimp
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic, basil, and oregano in oil for 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and green onions, and saute for 3 minutes. Add bacon, half and half, Parmesan cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese. Cook until cheese is just melted. Stir in shrimp, and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Serve sauce over pasta, and sprinkle with pine nuts.

My family and I really liked this. The chicken is moist and full of flavor! I served it over pasta and it made a really hearty fall meal. Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces
6 slices bacon, diced
2 onions, chopped
1 cup fresh sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup white wine
1 pound tomatoes, diced

Directions
Heat oil in a large skillet; brown chicken; remove. Add bacon and saute over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
Add onions and mushrooms and continue to saute until onions are translucent. Return chicken to skillet; sprinkle with parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Add wine and tomatoes. Cover and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, turning chicken once during cooking. Remove chicken from skillet and pour sauce over chicken.

Quick, easy and delicious! Makes 6 servings.

INGREDIENTS
2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 (1 pound) loaf Italian bread, cut into 1 inch slices
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, olive oil, oregano, basil and parsley. Place bread on a baking sheet, and top with tomato mixture. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until bottom of bread is browned. Allow to cool 5 minutes before serving.