Author: ashleypacker

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Craving classic chocolate chip cookies just like your Mom or Grandma used to make? These classic chocolate chip cookies will do the trick. They are perfectly crispy on the edges and soft and gooey in the center. You likely have all the ingredients in your 

Shrimp, Corn and Andouille Sausage Soup

Shrimp, Corn and Andouille Sausage Soup

My family and I lived in Charleston, South Carolina for several years. If there is one thing that will come as no surprise to you, it is that the south has AMAZING food. Charleston in particular in know for their culinary scene. There are many 

Roasted Vegetable and Cream Pesto Pasta

Roasted Vegetable and Cream Pesto Pasta

The Packer household officially has a new favorite pasta dish! I had fooled my brain into believing that this was a healthy dish because it is loaded with vegetables, but as I was typing all of the ingredients out, I realized that it really isn’t healthy at all, but it IS delicious.

Last month I took my oldest to Disneyland as part of his senior gift. While we were there, we dined at The Blue Bayou, which is the restaurant inside the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I had their vegetable pasta, which was delicious. When I got home, I decided to recreate it.

This pasta has plenty of vegetables in it, but it is also loaded with cheese and best creamy pesto sauce you will ever taste. It will take a little bit of extra time to chop all of the vegetables and it does dirty several pans, but I promise you the end result will be worth a little bit of extra time in the kitchen.

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Roasted Vegetable and Cream Pesto Pasta
This indulgent pasta is bursting with flavor, loaded with fresh roasted vegetables and coated in a creamy pesto sauce.
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Roasted vegetables
Pasta
Creamy Pesto Sauce
Toasted Pine Nuts
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Roasted vegetables
Pasta
Creamy Pesto Sauce
Toasted Pine Nuts
Instructions
Roasted Veggies
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  2. In a gallon zip lock bag, combine the chopped zucchini, chopped eggplant, sliced mushrooms, chopped asparagus, chopped red bell pepper, minced garlic, 1/3 C. olive oil, kosher salt and pepper.
  3. Seal the zip lock bag and shake, to evenly coat all of the vegetables.
  4. placing the veggies in an even layer on a large baking sheet, bake for approximately 20-25 minutes.
  5. Veggies are done when they are tender, but not overcooked.
Creamy Pesto Sauce
  1. While the veggies are baking, combine 1 C. Heavy cream, 1/3 C. chicken broth, 3 Tbsp butter, 3/4 prepared pesto and 1 clove minced garlic in a sauce pan. Stir constantly until it comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and add 1 C. shredded parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and set aside.
Pasta
  1. refrigerated fettuccini cooks very quickly. Bring water to a boil and follow the package instructions, being careful not to overcook the pasta.
Toasted Pine Nuts
  1. Place 1/2 C. pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until the nuts turn golden brown and look slightly glossy, about 5-7 minutes.
Assembling The Pasta
  1. Now that the veggies are roasted, the pasta is cooked al dente, the sauce is simmered and the pine nuts are toasted... it is time to toss everything together to create this amazing italian meal.
  2. In a large bowl, add the cooked fettuccini, the roasted vegetables and the creamy pesto sauce. toss to combine. Top with an additional 2/3 C. shredded parmesan and the toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Manicotti

Manicotti

Growing up, my Mom would let us pick what she made for dinner on our birthdays. It was always fun to choose our favorite dish. Often times, this was my dinner of choice on my birthday. It’s hard to not love manicotti. When I left 

Copycat Olive Garden House Salad

Copycat Olive Garden House Salad

I don’t know about you, but I could go to Olive Garden and be completely satisfied just eating their salad and breadsticks. Anyone else?? This salad is a cinch to throw together and will give the restaurant’s version a run for their money. All you 

Double chocolate, peanut butter chip cookies

Double chocolate, peanut butter chip cookies

I am always in the mood for chocolate and peanut butter. These are one of my top 5 favorite cookies. This rich, chocolate cookie is loaded with peanut butter chips and white chocolate chips and pairs perfectly with a tall glass of milk.

Side note: This cookie dough might be better than the actual cookie. Keep in mind that there are raw eggs in the dough, so proceed at your own risk.

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Double chocolate, peanut butter chip cookies
If you are a lover of all things peanut butter and chocolate, this cookie will be right up your alley. This rich chocolate cookie is loaded with white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Pair it with a glass of milk for the perfect way to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Course desert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Passive Time 5 minutes
Servings
dozen
Ingredients
Course desert
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Passive Time 5 minutes
Servings
dozen
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Cream together the butter flavored shortening, butter, brown sugar and granulated sugar.
  3. Add the vanilla and eggs, until fully combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together all remaining dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the mixing bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
  5. fold in the white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips.
  6. Using a cookie dough scoop, drop dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes, being careful to not overtake. Allow them to cool for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.
Mexican Meatball Soup

Mexican Meatball Soup

I just got home from a long weekend at Disneyland. It was so much fun and the perfect temperature in southern California. We returned home to Idaho and I encountered 2 major problems! 1: It is FREEZING cold. 2: I am in dire need of 

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice

One thing you will learn about me is that I don’t use a lot of canned soups in my recipes. There are a few dishes that are an exception to that rule, but for the most part, I prefer to use wholesome ingredients from my 

Instant Pot Meatloaf

Instant Pot Meatloaf

Don’t keep scrolling just because you saw the word “meatloaf”. Trust me, I understand, I didn’t used to love meatloaf either. In fact, I really didn’t even LIKE meatloaf! When I was growing up, I wasn’t particularly fond of meatloaf, so when I got married and had a family of my own, I chose to not make it… like ever!

Fast forward about 15 years after I was first married. It was one of those evenings you get home from work and realize that you have a starving family and really, really need to go to the grocery store. Insert… what can I make with 2 pounds of ground beef and whatever else you might find in my empty pantry?? Answer: Meatloaf! I bit the bullet. I hopped on Pinterest to see if I could find a meatloaf recipe for the Instant Pot. I didn’t like what I found, so I adapted my own and guess what happened? It was delicious. My entire family has now converted to the meatloaf loving side.

What is the point of my story? I actually CHOOSE to make meatloaf now and my kids ask me to make it. The best thing about it? I always have the ingredients on hand at home, which make this meal a go-to when I am in dire need of a trip to the store and can’t force myself to do it. The other plus, it is made in your Instant Pot, so you can literally have dinner on the table in less than 40 minutes.

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Instant Pot Meatloaf
Meatloaf is not always everyones favorite meal, but this recipe will change that. It is cooked in the Instant Pot, which accomplishes two things. It is guaranteed to be delicious, flavorful and not dried out and dinner will be on the table in a snap. Win, Win!
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Servings
people
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, shredded parmesan cheese, dried onion, egg, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Use your hands to combine, so you don't over mix.
  2. Form the beef mixture into a loaf and set aside.
  3. Using the sauté feature on your Instant Pot, on the high setting, add the olive oil. When hot, add the onion. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the onion is fragrant and translucent.
  4. Turn off the heat and add the ketchup and beef broth. Stir to combine. Remove about 1 cup of sauce and set aside.
  5. Add the meatloaf to the Instant Pot.
  6. Top with remaining sauce.
  7. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, close the vent and cook on high pressure for 17 minutes. When done, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. Serve immediately, topped with the remaining sauce from the cooker.
Beef Stroganoff

Beef Stroganoff

This is one of those recipes that has been around for ages. It never gets old and there is no reason to change it. Comfort food at its best! The majority of the ingredients are probably already in your fridge and pantry, so run to