This Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe is a one-pot recipe for tender orzo tossed in a light and cheesy cream sauce. It’s simple to make and comes together in a total of 20 minutes!

Love orzo? Try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, this Sun Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo recipe or one of The 10 Best Orzo Recipes!

This Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe is a recipe you don’t want to miss!

Anything that has garlic and parmesan in it is bound to be good, right? Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew, Garlic Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes, Pesto Parmesan Instant Pot Chicken Breast and Potatoes…Yeah. It’s a pretty killer combo.

Add pasta to the mix, especially orzo pasta, and you’ve pretty much reached the epitome of good food.

It’s a decadent side dish or vegetarian entree that’s fancy enough to be served for a dinner party but also quick and easy enough that you can whip it up for a simple weeknight dinner.

Just one pot, a few simple ingredients, 20 minutes, and it’s ready to go!

If you love simple pasta recipes, check out this Sun Dried Tomato Pasta and this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta, too! If you’re an orzo lover, or try this One Pan Tuscan Orzo with Chicken next.

What is orzo pasta?

Orzo is a small, oval-shaped pasta that resembles grains of rice. It can be cooked either like a pasta (boiled and then drained) or it can be cooked in the same way rice would be cooked (simmered in liquid until it’s fully absorbed.)

This creamy orzo pasta recipe utilizes the second cooking method. The orzo is simmered in broth until the liquid is absorbed, then cream and cheese are incorporated to create a light cream sauce. This method results in a creamy consistency very similar to risotto as the starch from the pasta mixes with the liquid to create a thicker, creamier base for the sauce.

Garlic Parmesan Orzo Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Broth: I usually use low sodium chicken broth. If you use regular chicken broth, you may want to adjust the amount of salt you add so it’s not too salty.
• Dry Orzo Pasta: you can find orzo pasta at most grocery stores!
• Garlic: use fresh garlic for the best flavor. Garlic powder just isn’t the same!
• Salt and Black Pepper: thanks to the broth, garlic, and cheese, you don’t need much when it comes to seasonings. A simple duo of salt and black pepper is all you need!
• Cream: any kind will work! Use heavy cream for a richer flavor. Light cream will be a bit thinner but will still be delicious.
• Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated parmesan is the way to go. Pre-shredded cheeses contain an anti-caking agent which can cause a grainy texture.
• Parsley: I love to use a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add freshness and add a pop of color.

How to make this easy Orzo Pasta recipe

This orzo recipe is a quick and easy recipe that’s made in just one pot for super easy cleanup! Scroll down to the recipe card for more detailed instructions.

1. Cook the pasta: In a skillet, combine broth, pasta, garlic, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed. Make sure to stir often!
2. Finish and serve: Mix in cream, parmesan, and parsley then serve and enjoy!

Orzo Pasta FAQs

Is orzo pasta or rice?

While orzo is often mistaken for rice because of its small rice-like shape, it is in fact a pasta!

How is orzo different than pasta?

Orzo is simply a specific shape of pasta, although it differs from other cuts of pasta in the way that it is prepared.

Orzo can be cooked like pasta or it can be toasted in a dry pan before adding liquid to cook it. It can also be cooked using a similar method to risotto.

Can you use another pasta?

Yes! You can use any smaller pasta shape in this recipe and it should yield similar results. You can also substitute the orzo out for Arborio rice to get a similar consistency. Keep in mind the cook time will change, so make sure you cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, adding more liquid if necessary to cook the pasta.

Is orzo pasta healthier than rice?

The term “healthy” is relative these days, and what’s healthy for one person may not work for another. Orzo is a pasta and rice is a grain, so they bring different things to the table.

In a 140 gram serving, orzo has 316 calories and roughly 11 grams of protein.

In a 158 gram serving, long grain white rice has 205 calories but only 4 grams of protein.

How long will cooked orzo keep?

Cooked garlic parmesan orzo pasta will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to thin and moisten and warm on the stove or in the microwave until fully warmed.

Can orzo recipes be frozen?

Yes! You can freeze this orzo pasta by packing it in an airtight container then storing it in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen then warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to moisten.

Variations on this orzo recipe:

• Add veggies. You can mix in any cooked veggies you like to give this pasta dinner a boost of nutrition. Try it with peas, tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, you name it.
• Make it meaty. Fill out the meal by mixing in cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon.
• Spice it up. If you like your pasta with a kick of heat, try adding in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Brighten it up. Add another layer of flavor with a splash of lemon juice.

Orzo Pasta Serving suggestions

This garlic parmesan orzo pasta makes a delicious vegetarian entree with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread.

It also makes the perfect side dish next to your favorite protein. Serve it with Slow Cooker Chicken Breast, baked tuscan chicken, or Instant Pot Whole Chicken!

More pasta recipes you’ll love

For more pasta inspiration, check out more of my easy pasta recipes. Here are a few of my favorites!

• Crockpot Lasagna
• Pesto Spinach Alfredo
• Gnocchi with Sausage, Spinach, and Tomatoes

Dinner

Chicken Pesto Pasta

Dinner

Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Dinner

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Casseroles

Rigatoni Pasta Bake

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Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta Recipe

This Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta is a one-pot recipe for tender orzo tossed in a light and cheesy cream sauce. It's simple to make and comes together in a total of 20 minutes!

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, canadian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 279cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 2½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1½ cups dry orzo pasta (about 278 grams)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅓ cup cream (any kind — heavy cream will give richer flavor, light cream will be a bit thinner)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Combine broth, pasta, garlic, salt and pepper in a medium skillet.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer, stirring often (you can cover or leave uncovered). Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed and the pasta is cooked to your preference. (If you want to cook the pasta further but the liquid is gone, just add a splash more broth).
• Stir in cream, Parmesan and parsley. Serve.

Video

Notes

Storage:

Cooked garlic parmesan orzo pasta will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to thin and moisten and warm on the stove or in the microwave until fully warmed.

You can also freeze this orzo pasta by packing it in an airtight container then storing it in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To reheat, thaw in the fridge if frozen then warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of liquid to moisten.

Nutrition

Serving: 205grams | Calories: 279cal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 445mg | Potassium: 279mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 243IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Garlic Parmesan Orzo Pasta recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

Marry Me Chicken features golden chicken breasts simmered in a medley of bold ingredients like bacon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and more! This one pan chicken recipe is served smothered in a creamy sauce that’s so good, you may just hear wedding bells.

Enjoy more easy chicken breast recipes like Crockpot Tuscan Chicken, Baked Monterey Chicken and Chicken Caprese Skillet.

Marry me chicken is so worth the hype! This is one of those tried and true chicken recipes that everyone swears by, and there are so many reasons why it’s beloved.

And yes… Just as the name suggests, it’s been said that it’s so good that your meal might just end with a proposal.

It’s easy, creamy, filling, flavorful, and made all in one pan. This marry me chicken recipe checks all of the right boxes!

Why we love it:

• One pan dinner: Easy to make and even easier to clean up. That’s two big wins in my kitchen!
• So creamy: Thanks to the heavy cream that gets stirred in at the end, this chicken recipe is delightfully creamy.
• Flavorful: Oh yes. There are a lot of ingredients that’ll make your mouth water! Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and more create a medley of seriously satisfying flavors.
• Versatile: There are quite a few ways to customize this recipe to best fit your tastes. Scroll down to check out some of my recommended variations to try.

Marry Me Chicken Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: You can swap these with thighs if you’d like.
• Chicken Broth: I recommend using low-sodium broth and sprinkling in more salt as needed.
• Cream: Heavy cream is recommended for the thickest, creamiest results! A lighter cream may be used but the final results won’t be as creamy.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Make sure to drain them well prior to chopping and using.
• Tomato Paste: This enhances the tomato flavor in a wonderful way!
• Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce.
• Bacon: This adds a great savory and salty flavor to the dish. Feel free to omit or swap with pancetta or turkey bacon if preferred.
• Onion: A white or yellow onion both work very well.
• Garlic: Feel free to measure with your heart!
• Seasonings: Add the best flavor to your marry me chicken with red pepper flakes, salt, parsley, oregano and thyme. Adjust as needed.

How to make Marry Me Chicken:

Here’s a quick look at how to make this marry me chicken recipe! Scroll to the bottom of this page for detailed ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

• Flatten the chicken just enough so that each breast has an even thickness.
• Season and sear the chicken until golden on each side.

• Sauté the bacon and onions.
• Stir in the garlic, herbs and seasonings.

• Stir in the tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Stir in the flour (or cornstarch slurry). Whisk in the broth and heavy cream, reduce the heat, and add the chicken back in.
• Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap the flour. This can easily be swapped with corn starch if that’s what you have on hand. Just whisk it into an equal portion of liquid before stirring it in.
• Use chicken thighs. If you choose to use thighs instead of breasts, just make sure they’re boneless and skinless.
• No bacon? No problem. You can omit this ingredient entirely if you’d like. It adds an amazing flavor, but you don’t need to use it if you don’t want to. Or, swap it with turkey bacon!
• Turn up the heat. I add just enough red pepper flakes to create flavor without making it spicy. Feel free to kick things up a notch by adding more red pepper flakes.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken

If you have any leftovers, you’re in luck! Marry me chicken keeps very well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container.

You can reheat your chicken with a splash of broth or water in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through. Try to be careful so you don’t scald the creamy sauce.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Sure thing! Let the sauce and chicken all fully cool to room temperature prior to storing in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to date and label! Let the chicken slowly thaw in the fridge prior to reheating.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you notice that your sauce is on the thinner side, have no fear! You can always create a slurry (cornstarch and broth) and stir in a little bit at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

What to serve with Marry Me Chicken:

Serve marry me chicken over something hearty that’ll help you soak up every last drop of that delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce! Buttered Noodles, Baked Rice, or mashed potatoes are all popular choices. I also like to lighten up my plate with a veggie side dish like air fryer broccoli.

More chicken dinner recipes!

• Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts — perfect over pasta!
• Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts — no standing over the oven.
• JUICY Air Fryer Chicken Breast — SO easy and flavorful!
• Creamy Garlic Chicken — totally decadent and garlicky!

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Marry Me Chicken recipe

Marry Me Chicken features golden chicken breasts simmered in a medley of bold ingredients like bacon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes and more! This one pan chicken recipe is served smothered in a creamy sauce that's so good, you may just hear wedding bells.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 430cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 lb)
• salt and pepper
• 2 slices thick cut bacon (chopped)
• ½ medium onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon thyme
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon flour
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• parmesan and fresh parsley for serving (optional)

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
• Place chicken breasts on a large cutting board, cover with plastic wrap and flatten the thicker end slightly so they are an even width).
• Season chicken lightly with salt and pepper and sear on both sides until light golden, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and keep warm.
• Add bacon to the pan and cook until starting to brown, about 2-3 minutes. Add the onion and cook until translucent and starting to brown.
• Stir in garlic, oregano, parsley, thyme, red pepper flakes and salt and cook 1 minute. Add sun dried tomatoes and tomato paste and cook 1 more minute.
• Stir in the flour until absorbed. Whisk in broth and cream and reduce heat to medium.
• Add the chicken back in, cover and cook until an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 10-12 minutes.
• Serve over pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Chicken: feel free to swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. 

Bacon and onion: you can omit one or both of these, but they add significant flavor to the base of our sauce. 

Herbs and seasonings: feel free to experiment with the herbs you have around the house, and swap in fresh herbs if they’re in season. Kick things up a notch by increasing the red chili flakes if that’s your style.

Flour: flour thickens our sauce. If you need a gluten-free alternative, you can whisk together one tablespoon of corn starch and one tablespoon of broth and stir that into the sauce.

Broth: I always choose low sodium broth. If you are using salted broth, you may want to reduce the added salt and season at the end before serving.

Heavy cream: heavy cream thickens and reduces nicely, adding richness to the sauce. If you use a lighter cream, you can expect a thinner sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 191grams | Calories: 430cal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 135mg | Sodium: 461mg | Potassium: 844mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 836IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Marry Me Chicken appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is better than Olive Garden! Loaded with tender chicken, chunks of vegetables, and spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth, it’s made in 30 minutes!

See the step by step recipe video down in the recipe card.

Looking for more chicken soup recipes? Try this Ramen Noodle Soup, this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup or this Chicken Dumpling Soup!

Everyone loves Olive Garden, right?

There is just something so comforting about rich, creamy pastas, fresh-from-the-oven breadsticks (although I think my Homemade Breadsticks are better!) and a cozy bowl of soup!

Now, I love them all: the Zuppa Toscana (see my Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana here), the Minestrone (see my Minestrone soup here), the Pasta e Fagioli — but a good chunky, creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup will always have my heart.

The thing is, the last couple times I’ve been there I’ve just been so disappointed in what Olive Garden is calling “Chicken Gnocchi Soup” these days — I feel like a more accurate name would be “Thin Creamy Broth with One Carrot, One Piece of Spinach and Two Gnocchi’.

It doesn’t have the same ring, does it?

Love gnocchi? You might also like this Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, this Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake and this Baked Gnocchi with Sausage!

What is Gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a small, oval-shaped potato dumpling that is similar in texture to pasta (maybe a little softer).

Gnocchi is used in many pasta-type recipes, and pairs well in soups and with lots of different sauces due to its neutral flavor. It is comfort food to the max!

Why my Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe is better than Olive Garden:

Instead of the thin, disappointing Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup, in this soup you’ll get plenty of:

• flavor! All those veggies add a ton of it
• tender shredded chicken — that cooks right in the soup, making it tender and lending more flavor to the broth! (If you’ve got some of this Crockpot Shredded Chicken or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken kicking around, feel free to use that instead!)
• pillowy soft gnocchi
• and enough creamy broth to soak up with some crusty No Knead Artisan Bread

Chicken Gnocchi Soup Ingredients:

This easy chicken soup requires just a few ingredients and most you probably already have on hand! See my full list below.

• Oil: ay neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point will work.
• Onion, celery and carrot: this trio forms a classic mirepoix which is the base for many soup recipes, adding lots of flavor and nutrients!
• Parsley, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper: simple seasonings that go a long way! For best flavor, mince your own garlic cloves before adding to the soup.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I use chicken breasts because that’s what we prefer, however boneless skinless chicken thighs also work perfectly! Instead of 2 breasts, use 4 thighs. If you have leftover Perfect Roast Chicken or Baked Chicken Breasts, this is a great time to use them!
• Low sodium chicken broth: I prefer to add salt to our tastes rather than start with a salted broth. For that reason, I recommend tasting the soup before serving and adjusting the seasonings as you desire.
• Heavy cream and corn starch: will give this Chicken Gnocchi Soup a rich and creamy texture without being overly thick.
• Potato gnocchi: I use shelf-stable potato gnocchi found in the pasta aisle — feel free to experiment with different types of gnocchi!
• Fresh spinach: fresh spinach adds color and nutrients! You can omit if needed, or swap in frozen spinach or kale instead.
• Parmesan cheese: adds a bunch of salty, cheesy flavor!

How to make Chicken Gnocchi Soup:

This soup is so simple to make, and I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make it even easier. Find the complete recipe in the recipe card below!

1. Saute your onion, celery and carrots in a great big dutch oven or soup pot
2. Add your spices and seasonings — cooking them first in the dry pot wakes up their flavor!
3. Add your broth, raw chicken breasts or thighs (you read that right!), and other vegetables — I use a bag of matchstick carrots to make this even easier.
4. Cook it until the chicken and vegetables are tender, then remove the chicken to shread and stir in some cream, gnocchi, spinach and a big sprinkling of Parmesan — let it cook just until the gnocchi is tender. Taste and serve!

How to make Crockpot Chicken and Gnocchi Soup:

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is also easy to make in the slow cooker if you need to plan ahead!

See my Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe here for all the tips and tricks you need.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup storage:

One of the great things about this soup is it makes great leftovers! The flavor continues to develop as it sits so it’s perfect for making ahead.

In the refrigerator:

You can store this soup in the refrigerator up to 4 days in an airtight container.

In the freezer:

You can freeze this soup in freezer safe containers (I prefer to freeze mine in large freezer bags, frozen flat, so that it thaws quickly!), leaving an inch or two of space in the container at the top.

Freeze up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a pot on the stovetop on low.

Serving Suggestions:

While I don’t actually need to serve anything alongside this Chicken Gnocchi Soup, I sure do love to have some Homemade Dinner Rolls or a piece of Garlic Bread for dunking (bonus points if it’s Cheesy Garlic Bread!).

More hearty soup recipes you’ll love!

• Cheeseburger Soup
• Crockpot Potato Soup
• Beef and Barley Soup
• Chicken Rice Soup: Stove Top or Slow Cooker

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Chicken Gnocchi Soup

This Chicken Gnocchi Soup is better than Olive Garden! Loaded with tender chicken, chunks of vegetables, spinach in a creamy, flavorful broth – don't forget the crusty bread!

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 444.68cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• ½ medium onion finely chopped
• 2 ribs celery finely chopped
• 1 cup carrot matchsticks (or finely chopped carrots)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• 3 cups small gnocchi (500g)
• 1 ½ cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

• In a large dutch oven or soup pot, add oil and cook onion, celery and carrots over medium-high heat until slightly softened.
• Add parsley, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper and stir.
• Add broth and chicken breasts and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until vegetables are tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 12-15 minutes.
• Remove chicken breasts to a cutting board to shred. Whisk together cream and corn starch and stir into the soup with the gnocchi. Let simmer for 4-5 minutes until gnocchi is tender and soup is slightly thickened.
• Stir in shredded chicken, spinach and Parmesan. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Chicken Breasts: I use chicken breasts because that’s what we prefer, however boneless skinless chicken thighs also work perfectly! Instead of 2 breasts, use 4 thighs. If you have leftover Roast Chicken, Baked Chicken Breasts, or Shredded Chicken, this is a great time to use them!

Low sodium chicken broth: I prefer to add salt to our tastes rather than start with a salted broth. For that reason, I recommend tasting the soup before serving and adjusting the seasonings as you desire.

Vegetables: I start most soups with a classic mirepoix (carrots, celery and onion) and I would try not to stray from that, but feel free to add in additional vegetables that you need to get out of the fridge!

Nutrition

Serving: 310grams | Calories: 444.68cal | Carbohydrates: 50.02g | Protein: 18.69g | Fat: 19.83g | Saturated Fat: 8.9g | Cholesterol: 68.53mg | Sodium: 792.79mg | Potassium: 455.15mg | Fiber: 3.86g | Sugar: 1.96g | Vitamin A: 4811.76IU | Vitamin C: 5.35mg | Calcium: 119.29mg | Iron: 5.14mg

The post Chicken Gnocchi Soup appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Easy Lasagna recipe is made with oven ready lasagna noodles, jarred tomato sauce and a couple special ingredients that bring LOADS of flavor! Includes step by step recipe video so you can make this simple lasagna at home.

Do you love lasagna as much as we do? Try these Lasagna Roll Ups, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup or this Chocolate Lasagna for dessert!

Sharing this Easy Lasagna recipe here on The Recipe Rebel, I’ll admit, is mostly for me.

That’s right.

I occasionally have purely selfish motives here (and my motives are almost entirely selfish when cheesy pasta is involved ).

The thing is, I realized one day that lasagna is one of those easy dinner ideas I hadn’t yet mastered, because I never use a recipe.

So I have made some amazing lasagna, and I have made some dry lasagnas, and I have made some soupy lasagnas, and I struggled to get consistent results.

I figured the only thing to do was to come up with The Perfect Easy Lasagna Recipe to share here, and that would force me to actually get in my kitchen and figure out the best ratios of sauce to pasta to cheese and then we would all be making amazing lasagnas forevermore.

Just don’t forget the Cheesy Garlic Bread!

What is authentic lasagna?

All I have to say to this is: who’s to say?

Even in Italy, there are so many variations of a classic lasagna recipe depending on where you live, that I don’t know if we can really claim there’s one right way.

Some Lasagnas have a layer of ricotta, cheese and egg mixture layered with meat sauce.

Some Lasagna recipes have cottage cheese (I feel like this is a Canadian prairies thing, but I could be wrong).

Some Lasagna recipes have a layer of bechamel sauce rather than ricotta or cottage cheese.

So this is my interpretation of the best lasagna recipe, and I think it’s pretty delicious! I’d love to hear which way you prefer it in the comments.

Easy Lasagna Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: I choose to use lean ground beef so there is little fat to drain. If you are using regular ground beef, you may want to drain the fat before continuing. Feel free to swap this out with ground turkey, chicken or pork.
• Italian Sausage: Italian sausage is a must here (in my opinion!) because it adds so much flavor without having to add a bunch of different spices. If you swap it out, you’ll want to make sure to compensate by adding additional seasonings.
• Onion: adds depth of flavor that can’t be missed!
• Garlic: opt for freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Salt and Italian Seasoning: because the sausage adds so much flavor, I keep the rest of our seasonings pretty basic. If you like extra kick, you can add a ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes as well.
• Tomato Pasta Sauce: a simple marinara sauce or similar tomato sauce works great here! Keep in mind the more flavor your sauce has, the more it will add to the lasagna.
• Water: a little bit of water added to our sauce ensures that our lasagna doesn’t get dry as our noodles cook.
• Ricotta cheese: I use Ricotta cheese in this lasagna — you don’t notice the texture and it adds a deliciously mild, creamy flavor.
• Frozen Spinach: I prefer to use frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, because it is already shrunk down considerably and it’s easy to mix into the filling. You can substitute with fresh, finely chopped spinach if you prefer.
• Cream: keeps our Ricotta filling from becoming dry.
• Egg: binds our Ricotta filling to keep it in place.
• Parmesan cheese: adds the best salty, cheesy flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese: a must have! In our cheese filling and a solid layer on top.
• Oven Ready Lasagna Noodles: I love using oven ready lasagna noodles because it takes out one step in an admittedly long process. They make this Easy Lasagna recipe much more convenient! You can use regular lasagna noodles, pre-cooked to al dente, and omit the water in the sauce.

How to make Lasagna:

Here is a quick overview of the recipe! Scroll down to the recipe card for all the details you need.

1. Brown your meat and onion: in this recipe I like to use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage because it adds a ton of flavor without us really having to put in any extra work!
2. Add your spices: adding your spices and garlic before your liquid really brings the flavor to life.

3. Add the tomato sauce and simmer your sauce until the flavors meld together.
4. Make the ricotta cheese mixture: Stir together the ricotta, seasonings, cheese and egg to hold it all together.

5. Layer it up: Start with a little meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish to ensure your noodles don’t stick to the bottom, then top with noodles, ricotta, and meat sauce and then repeat. Dump allllll of that extra mozzarella on the top for good measure!
6. Cover and bake: Covering the lasagna with aluminum foil to bake ensures that the moisture stays inside and cooks the noodles. We will uncover once we add the cheese and let it sit at room temperature for some time before slicing to help it set well.

Variations on this Easy Lasagna Recipe:

And because there are about 1 million different ways to make lasagna, here are a few tips to get it just the way you like:

• You can swap the ricotta for cottage cheese and change nothing else at all. See how easy that was! Simply mix it up with the cheese just like you would ricotta.
• Can you make lasagna without ricotta or cottage cheese? Absolutely! You can actually skip it altogether or use a Bechamel Sauce instead! (Just don’t tell anyone)
• Want to add extra veggies? Go for it! I often do, but I wanted to keep this lasagna recipe as simple as possible to start. Finely chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, kale or spinach would be great, and you can add them when you’re cooking the meat.
• Don’t have an Italian sausage? You can use all ground beef or sub for ground turkey or pork, but you will want to increase the seasonings somewhat.

What’s the correct layering for lasagna?

To prepare your pan for your lasagna layers, it’s always a good idea to spray with non stick spray and then spread a bit of the red sauce in the bottom to keep the oven ready noodles moist and prevent them from sticking. From there, this is the best way to layer your lasagna:

1. Noodles
2. Ricotta cheese mixture
3. Red sauce
4. Repeat until all layers are done, then add your mozzarella on top!

Make ahead Lasagna method:

Lasagna is the perfect meal prep or make ahead meal! Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare your lasagna up to the point of baking, leaving the mozzarella cheese off for now.
2. Cool for 30-60 minutes at room temperature, then cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate up to 2 days.
3. Continue with the baking instructions, adding a splash of water around the edges if the noodles appear to have soaked up a lot of the sauce.

How to freeze lasagna:

One of the best things about a good homemade lasagna is how easy it is to make ahead, and it still tastes just as amazing when you bake it later!

You can wrap and refrigerate the lasagna for 3-4 days before baking, or you can freeze it to enjoy it even later.

To freeze lasagna before baking, you can add the cheese before freezing or just before baking — I prefer to add it during the last ten minutes so it doesn’t get stuck to my foil!

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use an airtight, freezer safe lid. Freeze up to 3 months before baking.

To bake, let thaw at room temperature throughout the day – 8 hours – or overnight in the refrigerator. Bake for 1-1.5 hours until heated through. Top with cheese and bake until melted.

What to serve with this Easy Lasagna Recipe:

Lasagna is a favorite here, and we love to serve it with a side of Garlic Bread, a basket of Homemade Breadsticks or some Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe and Garlic Butter.

Want something green to serve with it? Try these Roasted Green Beans, Broccoli Casserole or Easy Broccoli Salad!

More baked pasta recipes you’ll love!

• Try this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake if you love a creamy white sauce.
• Try this Rigatoni Pasta Bake if you love lasagna flavors but don’t feel like layering!
• Go for this Baked Mostaccioli Pasta if you love tomato-based pastas.
• Choose this Cheese Cannelloni Recipe if you want to impress your family!

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Easy Lasagna

This Easy Lasagna recipe is made with oven ready lasagna noodles, jarred tomato sauce and a couple special ingredients that bring LOADS of flavor! Includes step by step recipe video so you can make this simple lasagna at home.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 493cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 lb Italian sausage loose packed or casings removed (5 sausages)
• 1 onion finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3.5 cups jarred tomato pasta sauce about 1.5 jars
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups Ricotta cheese 450g
• 1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry (100g)
• 1/4 cup cream
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese divided
• 12 oven ready lasagna noodles

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large pan, cook ground beef, Italian sausage and onion until browned, stirring often. If there is a lot of liquid in the pan, drain it before continuing.
• Stir in garlic, salt and Italian seasoning and cook 1 minute.
• Stir in pasta sauce and water. Remove from heat to cool slightly. (This can also be made in advance and refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 3 months)
• In a medium bowl, stir together Ricotta, spinach, cream, egg and Parmesan and 1 cup of Mozzarella cheese. Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (if baking right away) and lightly grease a deep 9×13" pan.
• Spread just enough meat sauce in the bottom of the pan to create a thin layer.
• Top with 3 lasagna noodles. Spread the noodles with ⅓ of the Ricotta mixture, and top that with ¼ of the meat sauce.
• Repeat layers 3 times, and on the last layer of noodles spread only the remaining meat sauce.
• Lightly grease a piece of tin foil or oven safe lid and place over top of the lasagna. Bake for 40-45 minutes until noodles are tender (this can take up to 60 minutes, depending on your brand of pasta) — it will still be juicy at this point and that's okay.
• Remove the foil and sprinkle with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Bake for 10 minutes until melted and broil for 2 minutes if desired to brown the cheese.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes — there should not be any liquid remaining on the edges after this rest. Slice and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 493cal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 1252mg | Potassium: 636mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1489IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 313mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Easy Lasagna Recipe appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

French Silk Pie is chocolatey, rich, and as the name suggests – silky! Fluffy chocolate filling is piled high atop a no-bake chocolate pie crust! Sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings are the crowning glory on this no bake pie.

If you’re loving this recipe, be sure to also whip up a Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, Chocolate Cream Pie or my favorite Homemade Dark Chocolate Pudding Pie.

Between the chocolate crust, rich chocolate filling and gorgeous garnishes, there’s a whole lot to love in every bite of this no bake pie recipe.

French Silk Pie is one of my favorite desserts to enjoy a big slice of. I’m a huge chocolate lover! If you are too, then you’ll also fall in love with this classic chocolate pie.

But MY French Silk Pie is the recipe you need, because there are no raw eggs and the method is so much simpler than many other recipes.

Plus it yields a smooth and silky, easily sliceable consistency every time.

See how I do it down below!

Why we love it:

• So much chocolate – The thick, silky chocolatey filling is served on top of a chocolate crust. It’s a chocolate lovers dream come true!
• Classic – You’ll find no unnecessary frills in this classic french silk pie. It’s got all of the timeless elements you know and love!
• Simplified – Don’t let the eggs scare you off. I’ve simplified this process (check out my step-by-step photos) to make sure your French Silk Pie is perfect every time — no raw eggs, no tempering required!
• No bake – Isn’t it always nice to not have to preheat your oven? I love this no bake pie recipe!

French Silk Pie Ingredients

• Sugar – Plain white granulated sugar creates just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitter dark chocolate.
• Dark Chocolate – It’s imperative to use DARK chocolate only. If you use milk or even semi-sweet chocolate, your end results may be way too sweet. French silk pie is supposed to have that signature rich chocolate flavor that comes from using dark chocolate.
• Vanilla Extract – This helps to create more depth to the sweet flavor.
• Chocolate Baking Crumbs – You should be able to find these in the baking aisle of your local grocery store. If you can’t find any, toss some Oreo cookies (without the cream) into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form.
• Butter – Unsalted butter is preferred to avoid a salty flavor from forming. Note that the butter should be melted for the crust.
• Cocoa – This enhances the chocolatey flavor in the very best way.
• Eggs – You’ll need 4 eggs for this french silk pie recipe. The eggs help form the custard which is the base for our pie.
• Heavy cream: Some we use to create our custard, and some we whip and fold into our custard to lighten it. Be sure to grab extra if you are making Whipped Cream for the topping!

How to make French Silk Pie

Here’s a quick look at how to make easy french silk pie! Scroll to the bottom of this page for more detailed ingredient measurements and instructions.

• Stir together the crumbs and butter, then press the mixture into a pie dish.
• Whisk together the eggs, sugar, cocoa and 1 cup of cream in a saucepan until smooth.

• Over medium heat, whisk the mixture until thickened.
• Strain the mixture through a sieve over a mixing bowl.

• Stir in the vanilla, butter, and chocolate. Cool until it reaches room temperature and stir occasionally.
• Whip the cream until fluffy.

• Whip the chocolate mixture, then fold the whipped cream into it.
• Spread the filling into the pie dish, then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours.

Variations and Substitutions

There are so many ways to make this french silk pie recipe even more special! Check out a few of my favorites:

• Make it less chocolatey – This no-bake pie is incredibly rich and chocolatey, but also light and fluffy. If you prefer, you can opt for a milder chocolate flavor by omitting the cocoa powder.
• Make it minty – Add in a teaspoon of mint extract in place of the vanilla for a minty twist.
• Add peanut butter – Add in a tablespoon or two of peanut butter along with the butter for a chocolate peanut butter twist.
• Make it turtle – Spread a layer of toasted, chopped pecans and thick caramel in the bottom of the crust for a turtle french silk pie!
• Add some berries – Top with fresh raspberries, strawberries or mixed berries for a bit of freshness that will complement the rich chocolate perfectly.

How to store French Silk Pie

You can keep this chocolate pie stored in your fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze French Silk Pie?

Yes! And this is one of the best things about this chocolate pie recipe, as it’s amazing frozen and thaws perfectly if you prefer to serve it chilled. My husband even prefers this french silk pie frozen!

What is the difference between chocolate pie and french silk pie?

With most chocolate pie recipes, it’s a simple cooked chocolate pudding poured into a pie crust and chilled. Chocolate pie is less, well, silky than french silk pie, and not as light in texture. French silk pie is a little more mousse-light in texture.

You Might Also Like…

Calling all chocolate fanatics! Get your fix with more of my favorite chocolatey recipes:

• Fudgiest and Best Homemade Brownies!
• No Churn Chocolate Ice Cream (so simple)
• Chocolate Trifle — perfect for a potluck!
• The BEST Chocolate Chip Cookies (Mom’s, of course)

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French Silk Pie (the easy way!)

This easy French Silk Pie is made with a fluffy, rich chocolate filling and easy homemade pie crust, topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Easier than most, and no raw eggs!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 525.03cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

Crust

• 2½ cups chocolate baking crumbs (340g)
• ½ cup melted butter

Filling

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 cups heavy cream (30-35% fat, divided)
• 200 grams chopped dark chocolate (I use 2 100 grams dark chocolate bars — about 1 ¼ cup)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• To make the crust, stir together chocolate crumbs and butter. Press into a 9" pie plate and up the sides. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, eggs, cocoa and 1 cup cream until smooth.
• Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook until thickened (you will know when it's thick!).
• Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl and stir in chocolate, butter and vanilla until smooth.
• Set aside or refrigerate until cooled to room temperature — 1-2 hours on the counter or 30-40 minutes in the refrigerator — stirring occasionally.
• Whip chocolate mixture on high speed until slightly lightened in color — about 5 minutes.
• Whip remaining 1 cup cream until stiff peaks form, and gently fold into chocolate mixture in two batches.
• Spread into prepared pie crust and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight, until set. Garnish with additional sweetened whipped cream before serving if desired.

Video

Notes

This pie is super rich and chocolatey, but still pretty light! If you would like to make it less rich, you have a few options:

• Add an extra ½ cup cream when whipping (for a total of 1.5 cups)
• Reduce the added chocolate to 100-150 grams
• Reduce the granulated sugar to 1 ¼ cup.

I don’t recommend doing all of these things as they will affect the outcome of the pie. The more you change, the less predictable the outcome will be.

Nutrition

Calories: 525.03cal | Carbohydrates: 49.37g | Protein: 4.83g | Fat: 36.3g | Saturated Fat: 20.85g | Cholesterol: 139.41mg | Sodium: 169.55mg | Potassium: 111.02mg | Fiber: 1.19g | Sugar: 38.33g | Vitamin A: 1016.85IU | Vitamin C: 0.24mg | Calcium: 42.47mg | Iron: 0.83mg

The post French Silk Pie (easy method) appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This easy Rotel Dip recipe is made with fresh ingredients for the best flavor. This classic creamy dip is made with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, Mexican seasonings, half and half, and cheese.

If you’re looking for more game day dips, try my Cream Cheese Fruit Dip for something sweet, my Caramel Apple Dip for dessert and my Taco Dip for a dip that eats like a meal!

Made with simple ingredients, this homemade Rotel Dip still packs a punch and is such a crowd pleaser! Rotel cheese dip recipe is unique because it does not include any Velveeta cheese at all (I promise you won’t miss it!).

We love creamy, cheesy, comforting foods but I also love making food with real ingredients — and real cheese is a must here! If you’re looking for a Rotel Dip without Velveeta, you’ve come to the right place.

This classic cheese dip is the perfect appetizer for parties as it goes well with so many dishes. It’s a favorite Game Day recipe, and this stove top version only takes 20 minutes to make. Serve this flavorful dip with tortilla chips and other handy snacks.

If you want some other great Appetizer recipes check out this Buffalo Chicken Dip, this Cheesy Chicken Alfredo Dip, these Air Fryer Chicken Wings or my Classic Homemade Salsa.

Rotel Dip Ingredients Needed:

This recipe is made with simple ingredients! See the recipe card for the amounts needed.

• Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef as this gives the best beefy flavor without the unnecessary fat. If you use regular ground beef, you may want to drain it before continuing with the recipe.
• Flour: All Purpose Flour works best for this recipe. Flour binds with the any fat from the beef to thicken our dip and make it creamy.
• Taco Seasoning: You can use chili powder as an alternative. See below for homemade taco seasoning instructions.
• Half and Half: Makes the dip creamy and gives it a great consistency. You can swap for any other cream or even whole or evaporated milk. The heavier the cream, the richer the dip will be.
• Rotel Tomatoes: You need one can of Rotel tomatoes. Use the original or mild if you prefer.
• Cheese: I use cheddar cheese, but you can also use other types such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack or whatever you’ve got kicking around in your fridge!
• Salt: To enhance the flavors. You may want to reduce the added salt if your taco seasoning is quite salty.
• Tortilla Chips: These are for serving, so you can use plain, lightly salted, cheesy, or a variety of flavors for your guests to choose.

How to Make Rotel Dip:

This Rotel cheese dip just takes 20 minutes to make! See the complete recipe down in the recipe card.

1. Brown ground beef: Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
2. Add flour and seasoning: Add the all-purpose flour and taco seasoning and stir until no white remains.
3. Add tomatoes. Add half and half and tomatoes. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened.
4. Add cheese and season. Stir in cheese until melted. Taste and add salt or adjust seasonings as desired. Serve.

What to Serve with Rotel Dip:

• Crackers: Try this dip with your favorite crackers! Try Triscuits, Ritz, pretzels, you name it.
• Chips: Tortilla chips are a classic side to Rotel dip. I like the lightly salted kind, but also other flavors like cool ranch or cheesy Doritos with it too.
• Bread: This dip works well on slider buns or baguette slices. Take it up a notch and toast the bread, add the dip and top with some chopped cilantro!
• Other Appetizers: Chicken Tenders, Flatbread Pizza, Mozzarella Sticks, or Tater Tots.

How to Make Rotel Dip in a Slow Cooker

This easy dip recipe can also be cooked in a slow cooker! It is super easy to do, and can make this easy recipe even easier, as there is very little prep.

Simply cook the ground beef until browned and drain the excess fat. Put all the ingredients into a slow cooker or Crock Pot, and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to melt cheese evenly. Once the cheese has melted, turn heat to a warm setting and serve.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

You can use store-bought taco seasoning, but making your own taco seasoning means you can adjust the flavor to exactly how you like it. Save time by making a big batch of this seasoning and storing it in a labeled jar to use it in other dishes! For homemade taco seasoning, mix together:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 pinch of black pepper

Rotel Dip FAQs

Variations and Substitutions

• Add a little heat. Customize this dip to your preference for spiciness. Add in diced jalapeños, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce for added heat!
• Use different kinds of cheese. Substitute some of the cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese to add some extra heat as well.
• Swap the meat. Instead of ground beef, you can use ground sausage meat, ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even shredded turkey. It can be a useful recipe to have on hand to use up those Thanksgiving turkey leftovers!
• Substitute the half and half. Use evaporated milk, whole milk or greek yoghurt instead of half and half, but the quantities for each may vary depending on the type used.
• Fresh veggies: Add some finely diced veggies into the dip, or serve with fresh veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and cucumber.

More easy appetizer recipes you’ll love:

Appetizers

Taco Dip

Appetizers

Baked Chicken Wings

Dinner

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Dinner

Honey Lime Chicken Quesadillas

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Rotel Dip

This Rotel Dip is made with fresh ingredients for the best flavor. This classic creamy dip is made with ground beef, Rotel tomatoes, Mexican seasonings, half and half, and cheese.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12 servings

Calories 153cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon chili powder or taco seasoning
• 1½ cups half and half (you can sub evaporated or whole milk)
• 1 can Rotel tomatoes (original or mild) 284 ml
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• salt to taste
• tortilla chips for serving

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned.
• Add flour and seasoning and stir until no white remains.
• Add half and half and tomatoes. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened.
• Stir in cheese until melted. Taste and add salt or adjust seasonings as desired.
• Serve with tortilla chips.

Video

Notes

• Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove top at low heat. Add in some half and half or milk if it is too thick.

Nutrition

Calories: 153cal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 221mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 230IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Homemade Rotel Dip appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

These Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern-inspired dish made in just one pot! Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, then simmered in a rich and flavorful bacon gravy.

Got more pork chops? Try these incredibly juicy Baked Pork Chops, these quick-cooking Air Fryer Pork Chops or these Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops.

Pork chops get a bad rep, but after perfecting these Baked Pork Chops I was inspired to make some more!

I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve to make sure you have the juiciest pork chops ever 😉

Pork has a tendency to dry out quickly, but both my baked pork chops and these rich and flavorful Smothered Pork Chops stay so moist and juicy, they have converted our family of so-we-thought pork chop critics.

In this recipe, the pork is seared first to lock in the moisture, then it is simmered in a rich and creamy gravy to add tons of flavor and moisture and make it so delectably tender.

Oh, and it’s all made in just one pot! And we all know I love One Pot Meals

Ingredients Needed:

• Pork Chops: use thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook and I haven’t yet tested this recipe with them. If your pork chops are cut thinner they will dry out more quickly.
• Flour: coating the pork chops in flour absorbs moisture and creates that perfect sear.
• Seasonings: we’re mixing the flour with a blend of seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. It’s the perfect way to add tons of flavor to the pork chops.
• Bacon: diced thick cut bacon adds delicious saltiness and texture to the gravy.
• Onion: diced onion adds a touch of sweetness and even more texture.
• Butter: mixed with the flour and seasoning mixture to form a roux which helps to thicken the gravy. Use this only if your bacon did not create enough fat to absorb the flour.
• Chicken Broth and Heavy Whipping Cream: creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for our gravy. Be sure to use low sodium broth, or your sauce may be too salty.

How to Make Smothered Pork Chops

These Smothered Pork Chops are ready in under 30 minutes! More detailed instructions can be found in the recipe card below.

1. Dredge the pork: In a bowl, mix together flour and seasonings. Coat the pork in the flour mixture.
2. Sear: Heat oil in a large skillet, then add in the pork. Cook until golden, then transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Cook the bacon and onion: To the same pan, add bacon and cook until crispy. Add butter, let that melt, then add in onion and cook until soft.
4. Make the sauce: To the same pan, stir in the flour mixture. Cook and stir until no white remains, then add chicken broth and cream. Place the pork chops back into the sauce and simmer until the sauce is thickened and the pork is cooked through.

Smothered Pork Chops FAQs

What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?

Smother them! Seriously. Smothering (like braising) is a cooking technique in which you cook food in a liquid over low heat. Smothering pork chops is such a great way to make sure they’re incredibly moist and tender.

Why are my Smothered Pork Chops tough?

If your pork chops are tough, then they’re likely overcooked. I recommend keeping a close eye on them when they’re simmering to make sure that this doesn’t happen. They will likely only need 4-5 minutes to cook all the way through. As soon as the internal temperature reaches 145ºF, remove the pork from the heat.

How to store leftover Smothered Pork Chops:

Leftover Smothered Pork Chops will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on low on the stove until everything is heated through.

Tips and Notes for Pan Fried Pork Chops

• Use thick-cut pork chops. Aim for chops that are about 3/4-1″ thick. These cook at just the right rate!
• Bring the pork to room temp. I recommend setting the pork out on the counter roughly 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Check the temp. Use a meat thermometer to double check the internal temperature of the pork before serving. It should be 145ºF.

Serving Suggestions

These Smothered Pork Chops can be paired with so many different side dishes! I love to serve them alongside Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon, a pile of rice, a slice of cornbread, or Homemade Dinner Rolls.

For more ideas, check out my 25 Easy Sides for Pork Chops!

More Pork Chop Recipes to Try

Dinner

Baked Pork Chops

Dinner

Instant Pot Pork Chops with Gravy

Dinner

Air Fryer Pork Chops

Dinner

Glazed Crock Pot Pork Chops

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Juicy Smothered Pork Chops Recipe

These Smothered Pork Chops are a classic Southern dish made in just one pot! Tender and juicy pork chops are seared until browned, then simmered in a rich and flavorful bacon gravy.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 375cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 1 lb thick cut boneless pork chops (aim for ¾-1" thick), room temperature
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 1½ tablespoons seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 slices thick cut bacon (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 tablespoon salted butter (optional)
• ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Place pork chops on the counter to come to room temperature.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour, seasoning salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, thyme and pepper.
• Dredge pork chops in flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Reserve remaining flour mixture. Place in the preheated pan and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until golden. Once browned, remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
• In the same pan, cook bacon until crispy. Add butter and allow to melt.
• Stir in onion and cook until softened.
• Stir in 2 tablespoons of the reserved flour mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, until no white remains. Add additional butter if needed.
• Add chicken broth and cream and stir until combined.
• Add the pork chops back to the pan and simmer until the sauce has thickened and the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F — be careful not to overcook! — about 4-5 minutes.
• Serve.

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Pork Chops: use thick-cut, boneless pork chops. Bone-in pork chops will take longer to cook and I haven’t yet tested this recipe with them. If your pork chops are cut thinner they will dry out more quickly.
• Flour: coating the pork chops in flour absorbs moisture and creates that perfect sear. You can also use corn starch.
• Bacon: diced thick cut bacon adds delicious smokiness and texture to the gravy. You can leave it out if you prefer.
• Butter: mixed with the flour and seasoning mixture to form a roux which helps to thicken the gravy. Use this only if your bacon did not create enough fat to absorb the flour.
• Chicken Broth and Heavy Whipping Cream: creates a rich, creamy, and flavorful base for our gravy. Be sure to use low sodium broth, or your sauce may be too salty.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 375cal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 111mg | Sodium: 2833mg | Potassium: 608mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 565IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Juicy & Flavorful Smothered Pork Chops appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is SO easy and flavorful, you wouldn’t believe it only has just a few ingredients! The perfect easy crockpot chicken recipe for busy weeknights!

If you’re looking for more crockpot chicken breast recipes, check out this Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken or this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken!

Life is busy and I’m busting out all the easy slow cooker, one pot and Instant Pot recipes to keep us sane! This Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is well-loved here around the dinner table.

Chicken is such a versatile protein so we always have a stash in the freezer!

This slow cooker chicken recipe comes together in no time with just a handful of ingredients that we usually have on hand — which makes it a win in my books!

The creamy tomato flavor combo is always a hit, and we love this chicken over a plate of spaghetti but it can really be a stand alone meal with a side salad if that’s your thing!

If you love this recipe, you might enjoy this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast or this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings — they are both easy Crockpot meals!

Why we love this Slow Cooker Chicken Breast recipe:

• it’s a Real Life recipe: it’s easy to prep, mostly hands off and the family loves. We all need more of that!

• it’s a slow cooker win: with a lot of slow cooker recipes, I find you sacrifice either flavor or texture or both. With this chicken you dump and go, and the sauce is the perfect consistency when it’s done and the flavor is awesome!
• it’s quick to prep: being a dump and go slow cooker, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, which is a plus on busy weeknights!

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Ingredients:

• Chicken breasts: we always use chicken breasts for this recipe but boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work well. If you choose bone-in chicken the cook time will increase significantly.
• Tomato pasta sauce: this is simply a tomato sauce that you would use on pasta with herbs and seasonings, i.e., a marinara or something similar. This is not tomato paste. Choose your favorite well-seasoned brand!
• Diced tomatoes: If you don’t like the chunks of tomato you can sub this out with an additional cup of tomato pasta sauce.
• Garlic and seasonings: I’ve kept things simple, but feel free to experiment if you prefer. Add some red pepper flakes if you like things spicy!
• Cream: I recommend heavy cream or evaporated milk in this recipe. I find that they have the lowest chance of curdling when cooked with the acidic tomatoes. I do not recommend low fat cream or milk, but you are always welcome to try!
• Corn starch: A little corn starch helps to thicken our sauce. You can swap this out with flour if you don’t have any.
• Fresh basil: fresh basil can be hard to find in the cooler months. Basil pesto is my favorite swap because it adds more of that fresh flavor than dried basil.

How to make Creamy Tomato Basil Crockpot Chicken Breast:

This is a simple overview to help guide you! Scroll down to find the detailed recipe in the pink recipe card.

• Stir together sauce, tomatoes and herbs.
• Whisk the corn starch into the cream.

• Add the cream to the slow cooker and stir.
• Add the uncooked chicken and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

How long to cook chicken breasts in the crockpot?

Not overcooking slow cooker chicken breasts is the key to having juicy and flavorful chicken.

I usually recommend 3 hours on low — this might be a little less if your chicken breasts are small or a little more if your chicken breasts are large.

If you’re cooking on high, check the internal temperature at 2-2.5 hours and add time as needed.

Can I use half and half or milk?

Low fat dairy has more of a tendency to curdle.

For that reason, the addition of the tomatoes and the long cook time, I prefer not to take the chance. My exception is low fat evaporated milk, which I find works really well in slow cooker recipes.

You are always welcome to try it!

What kind of tomato pasta sauce do I need?

Choose your favorite brand of tomato-based pasta sauce, i.e., marinara sauce or something similar.

You’re looking for a relatively smooth and well-seasoned tomato sauce, rather than a can of plan crushed tomatoes.

Tips for making this slow cooker chicken recipe:

• Don’t overcook it — I find 3 hours is plenty for the usual size of my chicken breasts. I recommend checking the temperature at 2.5 hours for smaller breasts, and 3 hours for larger breasts, and adding time as needed.
• I made this recipe in a 4 quart slow cooker — if you want to double it, I suggest a 6 quart slow cooker (I have both, and use them for different things!).
• I really, really love using slow cooker liners. I will gladly pay the 50 cents or whatever they cost to not have to wash that beast!
• Please always, always check the temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer before serving just to be safe! All slow cookers cook differently.

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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is SO easy and flavorful, you wouldn't believe it only has a few ingredients! The perfect easy dinner recipe!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 210cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 14 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (398 ml)
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Add tomatoes, pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, basil and pepper to a 3-6 quart slow cooker. Stir.
• Whisk together cream and corn starch and add to the slow cooker.
• Add chicken breasts and press down into the sauce.
• Cook on low for 3-5 hours, until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. The exact cook time will depend on your slow cooker — a fuller slow cooker will take longer to cook, so a larger one will cook faster.
• Stir in fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or with a salad and veggies!

Video

Notes

*Some sauce was removed from the pictures in the slow cooker to show detail. The recipe makes plenty of sauce for pasta!

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Chicken: this recipe will also work with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or try it with chicken meatballs, sausages, or another cut for something unique!

Tomato pasta sauce: choose any tomato marinara-style sauce you like. The more flavor in the pasta sauce, the more flavor your chicken will have. 

Diced tomatoes: if you don’t like the chunks of diced tomatoes, I recommend just swapping with additional tomato sauce.

Cream or evaporated milk: Heavy cream or evaporated milk will work best because they do not curdle. Please do not use regular milk or a light cream. 

Herbs & seasonings: feel free to adjust the herbs and seasonings to your tastes. Like it spicy? Add some cayenne or red pepper flakes!

Fresh basil: we make this recipe all year round but fresh basil can be impossible to find. I like to swap with basil pesto for that fresh basil flavor.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 210cal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1099mg | Potassium: 977mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 657IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is cheesy, creamy, and so flavorful! Penne pasta is baked in the best homemade sauce and made hearty with bites of chicken spread throughout. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something comforting and easy!

Enjoy more of my favorite pasta recipes like Three Cheese Gnocchi Bake, Creamy Gemelli Pasta and Orecchiette Pasta with Sausage.

As the weather drops, it’s time to whip out all of our favorite comfort food recipes! This creamy chicken pasta bake is stick-to-your-ribs comforting in the very best way.

It checks all the right boxes – creamy, cheesy, chicken-y, and SO easy. There’s a whole lot to love about this Tuscan chicken pasta!

Why we love it:

• Easy-Peasy – Yes! This recipe really simplifies the process of making homemade pasta sauce. Once you’ve got your sauce, noodles and chicken ready, you just toss it all together and let the oven do the rest of the work for you.
• Cheesy and Creamy – Ingredients like parmesan, mozzarella and heavy cream come together to create the best cheesy flavor and creamy consistency.
• Sneaky Spinach – If you have a picky eater seated at the table, have no fear. The spinach in this pasta bake recipe is so sneaky, they might not even notice it in there!
• It’s make-ahead-able! This recipe can be prepped right up to the point of baking, then refrigerated or frozen until you’re ready to bake it. More on this below 😉

Ingredients Needed for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

• Pasta: It’s best to use a short pasta like penne, fusili or something similar so it really grips the sauce.
• Oil: Use a neutral oil like canola, olive or avocado.
• Chicken: As long as it’s boneless and skinless, it’ll work! Feel free to use either breast or thigh meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Just a few shakes of each, to taste.
• Butter: You can use salted or unsalted depending on what you prefer.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: This is what really creates that Tuscan flair! Be sure to thoroughly drain them before chopping.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred over pre-minced.
• Seasonings: You’ll need a simple medley of Italian seasoning, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth creates great flavor without adding any more salt.
• Heavy Cream: To maintain that thick and creamy consistency, I don’t recommend swapping this ingredient with any other dairy product. If you must, a lighter cream can work (but the sauce will be thinner) or a lactose-free heavy cream will also work.
• Parmesan Cheese: If possible, try to freshly shred your own parmesan right off the block for the best flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: This really seals the deal on that cheesy goodness!
• Fresh Spinach: for color and added nutrition!

How to make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

This pasta bake recipe comes together in no time! Here’s a little sneak peek at the process. Scroll down to the recipe card for more info!

Before you get started, make sure you have all of your ingredients prepared and ready. It’s a fast moving recipe.

• Cook pasta to al dente and add to the baking dish.
• Season your chicken with a little salt and pepper, then toss it into a pan over medium heat and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.

• In the same pan, melt some butter and add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings. Cook for just a minute or two before stirring in the flour and cooking until absorbed.
• Slowly whisk in the broth and heavy cream. Cook until thickened.

• Stir in the parmesan and spinach
• Combine sauce with pasta and chicken in the baking dish. Top with more cheese and bake!

Variations and Substitutions

• Add more veggies: This recipe is pretty versatile. Dress it up even more with some mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, or whatever else your heart desires!
• Change up the chicken: If you have any leftover Instant Pot Chicken Breast or Shredded Chicken, this is a great recipe to use it with.
• Broth: You can use vegetable broth instead if preferred. In fact, you can make the whole recipe vegetarian-friendly by omitting the chicken and swapping the broth.

How to store Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

Once it’s totally cooled to room temperature, you can store this chicken pasta bake in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warmed all the way through.

Can I make this ahead?

You can easily prep it and freeze it to finish making later!

Prep the recipe up to the point of baking, then cover with plastic wrap or tin foil. Refrigerate up to 4 days before baking!

Can I freeze Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake?

Yes, definitely! High fat dairy always freezes best, so I would avoid freezing this if you swap out the heavy cream.

Assemble the casserole as instructed, but without the cheese topping. Do not bake. Once it’s cooled to room temp, wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, add the cheese and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Serving suggestions:

Tuscan chicken pasta is pretty heavy, so lighten up your plate with a veggie side dish like Cheesy Baked Asparagus or Air Fryer Green Beans!

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake is cheesy, creamy, and so flavorful! Penne pasta is baked in the best homemade sauce and made hearty with bites of chicken spread throughout. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need something comforting and easy!

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 637cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 5 cups short pasta (340-390 grams) penne, fusili or similar
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken (about 2-3 breasts or 6 thighs)
• salt and pepper

Pasta Sauce:

• ¼ cup butter
• ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes drained and chopped
• 2-3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach

Pasta Bake

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Lightly grease one 9×13″ baking dish or two 8×8″ baking dishes. Turn the oven to 375 degrees F if cooking right away (instructions for making ahead or freezing below).
• Cook the pasta according to package directions (just to al dente), drain and place in the baking dish.

Make the pasta sauce

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Cut chicken into ½ – ¾" pieces.
• Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes). Place in the baking dish with the pasta.
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the sun dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes and cook 1-2 minutes.
• Stir in the flour until absorbed, and cook 1-2 minutes.
• Gradually whisk in the broth and cream until combined and smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
• Stir in the ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and spinach, then pour over the pasta and chicken in the baking dish. Stir to combine.
• Top with mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
• Follow directions below to store for later, or cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly, then broil to brown the cheese if desired.
• Serve.

Video

Notes

Ingredients and Substitutions:

• Pasta: any variety of pasta will work here, but I find short (but not too small) types work the best. Feel free to swap with gluten-free or whole grain pasta if desired.
• Chicken: we usually use chicken breasts in this recipe, but it’s also a great recipe if you have leftover Baked Chicken Breast or Crockpot Shredded Chicken. Feel free to leave it out for a meatless version or use Italian sausage, cooked bacon, or canned white beans instead.
• Broth: I always choose low sodium broth and adjust the salt as needed. If using salted broth, you may need to adjust the salt content. Feel free to swap for vegetable broth if needed. 
• Cream: heavy cream creates a rich sauce and doesn’t break when cooking. If you want to swap for a lighter sauce, choose evaporated milk instead of regular milk. Regular milk can curdle when cooked. 
• Spinach: fresh spinach adds a great pop of color and nutrition but there are lots of vegetables that work great in here! Tomatoes, mushrooms, kale, broccoli, peppers, and more. Be sure to cook the vegetables first unless they cook in just a couple minutes. 

To make ahead:

1. Refrigerator. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the baking instructions. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce.
2. Freezer. Assemble the casserole without the cheese topping, and don’t bake. Cool completely, then wrap in plastic wrap and foil and store in the freezer for 2-3 months. When you’re ready to serve, add the cheese. To reheat, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight for best results, then remove the plastic wrap and follow the baking instructions (recommended for the best texture.) 

 

Nutrition

Serving: 236grams | Calories: 637cal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 430mg | Potassium: 633mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1778IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 217mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Tuscan Chicken Pasta Bake appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.

This easy Crockpot Zuppa Toscana is a creamy Tuscan soup full of Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, and Parmesan. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfect for the colder months! There’s a step-by-step recipe video down in the recipe card, too!

For more delicious soup recipes, check out my Sausage Tortellini Soup, Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup, Ham and Potato Soup, and my Chicken Wild Rice Soup. 

I faintly remember those days when I used to go to Olive Garden for the Zuppa Toscana (all you can eat soup and breadsticks? Sign me up!).

But life gets busier and we need all the easy meals around here!

Since having kids, I’ve learned to make and enjoy more of our favorite restaurant meals at home, including this creamy soup. 

This easy Crock Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup is as delicious as the original recipe, if not better!

It’s made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, so it’s perfect for a lazy weekend or prepping for the end of a busy day. 

This delicious copycat soup is one of our favorite things to dip large chunks of bread into in the fall!

Why we love this Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana Soup:

• The Italian sausage is loaded with herbs and spices, which cuts down on the extra ingredients required!
• It’s got just the right amount of spice and sweetness (again, thanks Italian sausage!)
• Aside from browning the meat, I can just dump it and go, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Zuppa Toscana Ingredients:

• Sausage: use mild or spicy Italian sausage meat without the casings.
• Onion & Garlic: use freshly chopped onion and freshly minced garlic.
• Broth: I always use a low-sodium chicken broth, as it adds a depth of flavor and allows me to control the salt content of the dish better.  
• Potatoes: Russet or gold potatoes will work well here, but you can try other kinds of potatoes if you like. If you use smooth-skinned potatoes you can skip the peeling!
• Salt & Pepper: simple seasonings of salt and black pepper will give this dish a great flavor. 
• Red Pepper Flakes: a simple way to add some extra spice to this dish. 
• Cream: Use heavy cream or 10-30% cream for the best creamy flavor and texture. 
• Kale: chop the kale before you add it to the soup so you don’t end up with big clumps at the end.
• Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is perfect for this soup. 

How to Make Crockpot Zuppa Toscana Soup

1. Saute: Brown the sausage and onion in a pan.
2. Add garlic: Add garlic to the pan and stir.

3. Put in pot and cook: Add the sausage mixture, broth, potatoes, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes to the Slow Cooker and cook.
4. Mix in everything else: Stir in the kale, cream, and Parmesan and serve!

Zuppa Toscana Soup FAQs

Tips and Notes

• Dutch Oven. You can make this Zuppa Toscana Soup in a Dutch oven or soup pot if you prefer. Take a look at my Zuppa Toscana Soup recipe for more information. 
• Kale texture. We prefer the texture of kale with more bite, so we stir it in near the end of the cook time. If you want, you can always add it to the slow cooker at the beginning but it will be softer.

Crock pot Zuppa Toscana Soup Variations

• Bacon. Lots of recipes for Zuppa Toscana include bacon, but I find it an unnecessary addition. If that’s your thing, feel free to cook some up in the same pan you fry your sausage and add it to the slow cooker (or save your crispy bacon to sprinkle on top to garnish).
• Swap the kale. You can swap the kale for spinach if that’s what you have on hand, but spinach isn’t as tough as kale, so I would add it right before serving it. 
• Cream. If you want to use a lighter dairy option, you can swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk. I don’t recommend low-fat milk, as it can curdle when added alone to hot liquid.
• Change the meat. Swap the Italian sausage for ground beef or even ground turkey sausage, if preferred. Bear in mind that Italian sausage is heavily seasoned, so if you use another meat, you will want to add more seasonings yourself!
• Add more veggies. Add more veggies to the soup for more nutrients and color. Sauté some peppers, mushrooms, or any other veggies with the onion and Italian sausage. Or you can add veggies with more structure, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots, when you add the potatoes.
• Low-carb. To make this soup a low-carb option, use cauliflower instead of potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

​Zuppa Toscana soup is comforting and filling all on it’s own, but we love dipping some bread in there to soak up all the juices!

Try these Homemade Breadsticks (Olive Garden Copycat), my No Knead Artisan Bread, or this classic Garlic Bread. 

You can also serve some yummy sides with the soup like these Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks, or veggies like my Air Fryer Green Beans, or Roasted Carrots. 

More Easy Soup Recipes To Try

Dinner

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

Chicken

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Dinner

Pasta Fagioli (Pasta Fazool)

Dinner

Easy Taco Soup recipe

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Crockpot Zuppa Toscana

This easy Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana is a creamy Tuscan soup full of Italian sausage, kale, potatoes, and Parmesan. It's hearty, creamy, and perfect for the colder months! There's a step-by-step recipe video down in the recipe card, too!

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 4 hours hours

Total Time 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 579cal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

• 375 grams Italian sausage meat without casings, mild or spicy (¾ lb)
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1½ lbs Russet or gold potatoes about 4 medium, peeled and diced
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional, for extra spice
• ¾ cup cream (10-30% will work fine)
• 2 cups chopped kale
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large frying pan, brown the Italian sausage with the onion over medium-high heat (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute.
• Add the sausage mixture, broth, potatoes, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes to the Slow Cooker (4-6 quarts).
• Cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for about 2 hours (cooking times vary by slow cooker).
• Once potatoes are tender, stir in kale, cream, and Parmesan.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Video

Notes

Storage

Store: Store leftover Zuppa Toscana in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave stovetop until piping hot.

Freeze: Freeze this soup for up to 1 month. The texture of potatoes will change with freezing and defrosting, so if that is something that bothers you, I’d advise against it. To reheat it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Serving: 422grams | Calories: 579cal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 1170mg | Potassium: 1303mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 3445IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 172mg | Iron: 4mg

The post Crockpot Zuppa Toscana appeared first on The Recipe Rebel.