Lemon Chicken Orzo Salad

This is a great weeknight or weekend dinner when it's warm outside and you want something light and on the healthier side! For those that are vegetarians, just omit the chicken! It has a great flavor and would be perfect with a chilled crisp white wine while watching the sunset!

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked Orzo pasta

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest

6 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon honey

1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper

2 tablespoons of fresh dill weed, roughly chopped

2 cups of grilled and cubed chicken breast

1 English cucumber, peeled, sliced and quartered

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup (depending on your preference) of chopped sun dried tomatoes

Directions:

1. Cook Orzo pasta according to package directions and drain once ready. Set        aside to cool.

2. Whisk together lemon zest, juice, oil, salt, pepper, garlic and honey in small      bowl.

3. Combine all remaining ingredients in  a large bowl together with cooled orzo      and drizzle with the lemon mixture. Stir well to combine and serve!

Bon Apetit! Buon Apetito! Buen Provecho! Douzo Meshiagare!

Italian Sausage Caprese Pasta

Talk about quick and easy! Not to mention absolutely delicious and inexpensive! This is a great weeknight recipe that you can throw together in less than half an hour! It may look heavy, but actually it's filling but doesn't leave you feeling like all you want to do is take a two hour nap!

Ingredients:

Olive Oil
1 lb. ground Italian Sausage (we like sweet Italian sausage)
8 oz. Ditalini, Orzo, or mini bow tie pasta
3 cups of fresh baby spinach torn
1/2 to 1 lb. cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 package of fresh mozzarella  

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

1 Tsp. red pepper flakes
Salt and Pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced  

Directions:

1.  Bring pot of water to boil for pasta.
 
2.  Meanwhile heat an ovenproof skillet on medium.  Drizzle hot skillet with a little olive oil           and brown Italian sausage in skillet until cooked through.
 
3.  While sausage is cooking, cook pasta according to package directions.  Once cooked,           drain the pasta. 
 
4.  Next, add the spinach to skillet (with sausage) to wilt and then add cooked pasta. 
 
5.  Stir in tomatoes and cook for a few minutes to soften the tomatoes slightly.  Add the red       pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste.
 
6.  Mix in fresh basil and shredded mozzarella until melted and well combined.
 
7.  Remove from heat and add sliced fresh mozzarella on top. 

8. Put in oven with broiler on high until mozzarella slices melt. About 5 minutes. 

9. Remove from broiler and serve!

Bon Apetit! Buon Apetito! Buen Provecho! Douzo Meshiagare!