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.
Tasha
Monday 27th of May 2013
Wish we had trader joes in Canada :(
Miranda
Monday 27th of May 2013
Oh man. They need to get there, STAT! Until they do, here's how I've modified this recipe to make it without using their stuff:
Put your uncooked chicken in a Ziploc bag, quart or gallon sized depending on how much chicken. Salt and liberally pepper the chicken in the bag. Also add onion powder and garlic powder. (You could also do fresh garlic for extra punch.) Add a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Add the juice of two lemons, plus lemon slices to the bag. Close the bag and squish the chicken and marinade all over and let it sit for a few hours in the fridge. Grill, slice and serve with pappardelle pasta adding a tsp or so of Italian seasoning and the juice of another lemon to the olive oil/capers after you've cooked and drained the pasta. Oh, and salt the pasta water. I don't salt the water when I cook the lemon-pepper variety from TJs, but for plain pappardelle, I would.
I hope this helps!
Lindsey, the Redhead Baby Mama
Wednesday 6th of March 2013
You're making me hungry!
Miranda
Thursday 7th of March 2013
I'm not responsible if you lick your screen.
Katherine G
Wednesday 6th of March 2013
It looks so delicious!!!
Miranda
Thursday 7th of March 2013
Thanks! It really is!
John (Daddy Runs a Lot)
Wednesday 6th of March 2013
I wish I had a Trader Joes near me :-(
Miranda
Thursday 7th of March 2013
Like I said, move :)
TheNextMartha
Tuesday 5th of March 2013
I've used that pasta with shrimp before. Season shrimp, parm cheese, a little butter. Voila. Since I've reduced my gluten intake I can't have pasta like I used to. But now I want it.
Miranda
Wednesday 6th of March 2013
I think I might throw in shrimp next time to change it up!