5 Easy Weeknight Dinners

Instructions

CREAMY CHICKEN BACON PESTO PASTA

1. In a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
2. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, then remove.
3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened. When onions are caramelized, add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Add milk and bring to boil. Add fettuccine into boiling mixture and cover.
5. Cook fettuccine on medium heat until milk thickens and pasta is cooked, about seven minutes.
6. Add the chicken back to the pot. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan.
7. Top with parsley and additional Parmesan. Enjoy!

CHICKEN AND VEGGIES

1. Preheat oven to 425˚F/220˚C
2. Assemble potatoes, carrots, onion, and garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary, 1 teaspoon of salt salt, and half the black pepper. Use your hands to ensure vegetables are evenly coated with seasonings.
3. Sprinkle remaining salt and pepper on either side of each chicken thigh. Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the vegetables.
4. Roast for 40-50 minutes or until the chicken reads 165˚F/73˚C internal temperature and skin is crispy. Serve and enjoy!

SHRIMP FAJITAS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C.
2. Wrap the tortillas in foil and place on the corner of a baking sheet.
3. Add the bell peppers, red onion, and shrimp to the sheet and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and lime.
4. Toss to coat.
5. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through.
6. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, and lime.
7. Enjoy!

SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS PASTA

1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous amount of salt, and cook pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
2. Strain pasta and set aside. Toss with a small amount of oil to prevent sticking
3. In the same pot, heat the olive oil and fry sausages, working in batches as needed, until deeply browned on all sides.
4. Remove sausages, slice in ¾-inch pieces, and set aside.
5. Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and garlic for about 2 minutes.
6. Add the canned tomatoes, all of the spices, and the sliced sausage to the pot.
7. Cover, and simmer about 10 minutes.
8. Add the pasta back to the pot and stir gently until all the ingredients are coated in the sauce. Continue simmering until pasta is al dente.
9. Serve with grated parmesan.