September 20, 2014

It’s officially true. Fall is setting in. For many of you, this may be exciting: cold weather, sweaters, boots, jeans and leaves changing colors. For me, it means winter is just around the corner. Boo…

Harsh midwestern winters figured prominently in my decision to move south (or west) for college when the time came. Then once I moved to Atlanta, my blood thinned even more and going anywhere further north  seems almost out of the question entirely. It would have to be quite an opportunity… but that’s for another post.

The point I’m trying to get to is food. It’s one of the highlights of fall and winter. Specifically, heartier, more stick-to-your-ribs types of food. Like my chicken and sweet pepper fettuccine.

This recipe for chicken and sweet pepper fettuccine is just light enough to be good in the spring and fall, and just heavy enough to really fill you up for a good bit of time.

When you’re not in the mood for stew, this makes a perfect substitute with just enough oomph to carry you through the day. Even better, the leftovers reheat like a dream the next day minus the possibility of overflowing a soup bowl like stew is want to do in the microwave.

The recipe doesn’t require any fancy spices or foods, many are staples you might already have in the pantry. It’s low-fat, quick to prepare, full of flavor and makes large servings – I guarantee you’ll be full. You can always put some salad alongside or another veggie, but the portion sizes are big enough, it’s certainly not necessary.

I hope you enjoy!

Chicken and Sweet Pepper Fettuccine

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 16 oz uncooked, whole-wheat fettuccine noodles
• 1 bag (8 oz) of mini sweet peppers
• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 lbs. uncooked chicken breast
• 2 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. Tony Chachere’s Original Seasoning
• Dash of salt, dash of pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Add 1 tbsp. olive oil to a large, deep skillet and heat over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for two minutes.
2. Cut up chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, add to skillet and season with paprika, oregano and Tony’s seasoning and cook, stirring frequently until chicken’s cooked through – about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Toss peppers with the other tablespoon of olive oil and lay on a baking sheet with tin foil. Broil 5 minutes per side or until blistered.
5. Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and set aside.
6. Once the peppers have cooled enough to handle, cut off the tops and quarter the peppers.
7. Add peppers and pasta to the large skillet with the chicken, and cook for two more minutes so everything’s thoroughly heated, tossing to combine.
8. Divide up pasta into six servings and sprinkle each with 2 – 3 tbsp of shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Dinner time!