#RECIPE: PARSLEY 🌿 PASTA PLATE ✓ ONLY ONE AFI BLOG✨

 

#RECIPE: PARSLEY 🌿 PASTA PLATE ✓ ONLY ONE AFI BLOG✨

Delicious Ziti and Parsley Herb 🌿 Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

-For the Parsley Pasta:

  - 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or fettuccine pasta

  - 2 cups fresh parsley, tightly packed, stems removed

  - 4 cloves garlic, minced

  - 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

  - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  - Salt and pepper to taste

  - Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)

  - Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

  - Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. Prepare the Parsley Sauce:

   - In a food processor, combine the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

3. Combine:

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and the parsley sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat. Add Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes as desired. If the pasta is dry, add more reserved pasta water as needed.

4. Serve:

   - Plate the pasta and top with additional Parmesan cheese, toasted nuts, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.

Possible Side Drinks:

1. Lemon Basil Iced Tea:

   - Brew black tea and chill. Blend fresh basil leaves with fresh lemon juice and add honey to sweeten. Combine the tea with the basil-lemon mix and serve over ice.

2. Sparkling Lime Water:

   - Mix sparkling water with freshly squeezed lime juice. Add a few slices of lime and mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.

3. Garlic and Herb White Wine Spritzer:

   - Combine equal parts of white wine and club soda over ice. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley and a slice of lemon.

Pasta Sides Recommendations:

1. Garlic Bread:

   - Sliced baguette topped with garlic butter and parsley, then toasted until golden brown.

2. Roasted Vegetables:

   - Toss seasonal vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes) with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Caprese Salad:

   - Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper for a refreshing side.

Enjoy your delicious Parsley Pasta plate with these refreshing drinks and scrumptious sides! 😋

#RECIPE CHEESY 🍝 PASTA & HERBS 🌿 DINNER 🍽️ ✓Only One Afi Blog✨

Here's a delicious 😋 cheesy pasta dinner recipe with herbed chicken and toasted bread topping that will fill your home with amazing aroma and flavor. This dish is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor! Enjoy!

🧀🍝 Cheesy Herb Chicken Pasta Bake with Garlic Bread Topping 🍞🌿

🍽️ Serves: 4–6

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Pasta & Chicken:

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 large chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized chunks)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

1 tablespoon fresh basil (optional)

For the Cheesy Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for tang)

Salt & pepper to taste

For the Bread Topping:

2 cups cubed bread (day-old French bread or sourdough preferred)

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 garlic clove (minced)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon parsley or Italian seasoning

Pinch of salt

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👨🏽‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–8 mins). Add parsley and basil, then set aside.

3. Make the Cheesy Sauce

In the same skillet or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.

Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened (about 5 mins).

Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and smooth.

4. Combine & Assemble

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Mix cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl or casserole dish.

5. Prepare the Bread Topping

Toss bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley/seasoning, and a pinch of salt.

Spread seasoned bread cubes over the top of the pasta mixture.

6. Bake

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bread topping is golden and crispy and the cheese is bubbly.

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✨ Optional Toppings

Extra fresh basil or parsley

Crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️

Drizzle of garlic butter on top after baking

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🥗 Serve With:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

A glass of sparkling water or lemonade 🍋

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🧁 Bonus Tip:

Add cooked broccoli florets or spinach into the pasta for a veggie boost!

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