Emma Approves

One of the most difficult parts of being a SAHM to two kids–for me–is dinner time. I’m sure there are other moms out there for whom this isn’t a huge deal and they’re able to get meals on the table lickety split. But I often have a Stage 5 Clinger on my leg and a big kid begging for a snack despite the fact that it’s dinnertime and he knows it.

So what I’m saying is that meals in this house have to be the kind that can be made quickly. Like Lemon Pepper Chicken Pappardelle, which sounds way fancier than it actually is.

And this is where Trader Joe’s comes in.

(Don’t worry. This isn’t a sponsored post. Unless by “sponsored” you mean I’m sponsoring my local Trader Joe’s by being a frequent flier. If that’s what you mean, then yes.)

Trader Joe’s has everything. Like cookie butter. And excellent prices on cheese. And fruit!

And also quick and simple recipes that I’m able to throw together in 15 minutes or less while my children pretend they’ve never eaten in their lives.

You’ll need:

1 package Trader Joe’s Lemon Pepper Pappardelle pasta
1 package Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast
Trader Joe’s Non-parielle Capers, in juice
Trader Giotto’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil

As you can see, everything you need for this recipe comes from your local Trader Joe’s. If you don’t live near a Trader Joe’s, move.

(Kidding! But you can still do everything by marinating and cooking the chicken yourself and using capers and olive oil you have on hand. Except the pasta. You may have to use plain pappardelle and wing it on a sauce. If this is you, let me know in the comments and we’ll come up with something.)

Directions:

Cook noodles according to directions on package. While noodles are boiling, slice chicken and microwave for 1.5 minutes. When pasta is cooked, drain and return to pot. Turn on low heat. Drizzle pasta generously with olive oil and toss to coat. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons capers with juice. (Feel free to add a tablespoon or two of just the caper juice.) Toss with noodles. Add chicken. Toss until heated through.

Serve. Eat. Pair with wine! Hooray dinner!

You can change this recipe up by tossing baby spinach into the pot after you drain the pasta and letting it wilt down. Or you could marinate shrimp and substitute for chicken. Or just leave it as is because as is is pretty freaking delicious.

Emma approves.