Vodka Pasta

When Kyle and I were first married, we had some friends invite us over for dinner and they made Vodka Pasta.
Kyle absolutely LOVED it!
Now we make it at least once a month.

Side note:
The original recipe called for 1 jar/can of Vodka sauce but we have only been able to find it at Target..and it was a bit pricey so we mix 1 can/jar or Alfredo sauce with 1 can/jar of spaghetti sauce until we like the consistency of the sauce.

Ingredients:
Pasta
1 can of Alfredo Sauce
1 can of Spaghetti Sauce
1 pkg of diced ham (Kyle likes a lot of ham so we always add more)
1 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli (cut into small pieces)

Directions:
Cook pasta and drain
Cook broccoli according to directions (I usually use the steamable bags because they are so easy) then cut up into tiny pieces
Mix in broccoli and ham
Then mix in sauces until you are comfortable with the consistency.

tada! that's it!

enjoy!

Homemade Mac & Cheese

This is a super fast & easy meal, but also, not the healthiest...we don't make it very often, but it sure is yummy!




Ingredients:
1 bag/box of macaroni
1 box of Velveeta Cheese
Milk
1/2 pkg of ham

Directions:
Cook Macaroni
Drain water out and put back into pot
Cut cheese in slices
Add cheese to drained macaroni
Stir until cheese is completely melted
Add milk to consistency preferred
Add ham

Stir together & enjoy!

**It's a bit cheesy at first...I actually prefer it the next day.

Stuffed Shells

Ingredients:
1 box of large pasta shells
1 16oz. cottage cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 tsp parsley
garlic, salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Mix everything together and stuff into shells.
Pour 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce into 9x13 pan
lay shells into pan and pour remaining spaghetti sauce
top with cheese
Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Alfredo Sauce

Ingredients:
1 pkg of noodles
8 oz. cream cheese
1 1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp basil
1/2 tsp Oregano
1/2 cube butter
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (crushed)

Directions:
Melt butter with spices, add cream cheese over low heat, stir until smooth
add milk and Parmesan cheese, warm, but do not boil.
Serve over cooked noodles.

**Sauteed shrimp & chicken can be added.

Bacon Broccoli Mac & Cheese

I had not gone grocery shopping for a little while so we were running low on food & creative ideas for dinner.

I found this recipe online somewhere, and we just happen to have everything.

I was a bit nervous to try this one out but it was actually pretty good.

ingredients:
1 bag/box of pasta
1/2 pound bacon, chopped
1 8-ounce brick cream cheese, cut into chunks
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded colby-jack blend cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 head broccoli (or 1 bag frozen, steam-in-a-bag broccoli)
1 tablespoon butter

1. Cook pasta according to directions on package in boiling salted water.

2. Meanwhile, add bacon to a high-sided skillet and cook until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

3. Drain all but about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet. To the same skillet, add cream cheese and milk and stir to combine. Cook until cream cheese is melted and mixture is thickened and bubbling. Stir in cheeses. Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.

4. While the sauce is cooking, steam the broccoli until crisp-tender. Stir in butter.

5. Combine cooked pasta, broccoli, and half of the bacon. Pour cheese sauce over and stir to combine. Top individual servings with the reserved bacon.