Chicken and Macaroni Bake Creamy Chicken and Macaroni Cheese Bake with a Golden Crust Ingredients: 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached) 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups milk 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ½ cup mozzarella cheese ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon paprika Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional topping) Chopped parsley for garnish Directions: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and cheese is fully melted. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over and mix to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #chickenmacaroni #comfortfood #macandcheese #easybake #cheesybake #pastabake #familydinner #homestylecooking #ovenbakedpasta #chickendinner #bakedmacaroni #cheeselovers #mealprepideas #chickencasserole #simplemeals #weeknightdinner #creamybake #cheeseaddict #parmesancrust #bakedgoodness Creamy, cheesy, golden, and comforting! This Chicken and Macaroni Bake is the weeknight dinner your whole family will devour.

Southern Chicken and Waffle Pasta Crispy Chicken & Maple Cream Pasta with Waffle Crumble Ingredients: 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1/2 cup buttermilk 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil for frying 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for roux) 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/3 cup maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 Belgian waffle, toasted and crumbled (or 1 cup mini waffle pieces) Fresh thyme or chopped chives for garnish Directions: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. Slice the chicken breasts into strips, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes. Dredge chicken in flour and fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in maple syrup, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, and cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. Plate the pasta and top with crispy chicken and toasted waffle crumble. Garnish with fresh thyme or chives. Serve warm. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 680 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #southernpasta #chickenandwaffles #comfortfoodrecipes #maplecheddarsauce #crispychicken #soulfoodtwist #pastaideas #fusionrecipes #chickenpasta #cheesysauce #buttermilkchicken #wafflecrumbles #southerninspired #decadentdinners #creativecooking #pastanight #savorysweetcombo #maplesyrupmagic #brunchdinner #flavorfusion Pasta meets the South! This Southern Chicken and Waffle Pasta brings crispy buttermilk chicken, maple cheddar sauce, and waffle crumble together in one unforgettable dish

Scallop and Spinach Alfredo Creamy Scallop and Spinach Alfredo with Garlic-Parmesan Sauce Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine or linguine 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry Salt and black pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 3 cups fresh spinach 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional) Juice of 1/2 lemon Chopped parsley, for garnish Directions: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly (2–3 minutes). Add spinach and cook until wilted. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. Return scallops to the pan and gently stir to combine and warm through. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #scallopalfredo #seafoodpasta #creamyalfredo #garlicparmesansauce #spinachpasta #gourmetdinner #elegantmeals #homemadealfredo #pastarecipes #weeknightluxury #fancyfoodathome #searedscallops #comfortfood #pastaandseafood #easyalfredo #freshspinachrecipe #fettuccinedinner #parmesancream #quickgourmet #lemonyalfredo Indulge in the luxury of scallops and rich Alfredo cream—this Scallop & Spinach Pasta is pure elegance in every bite!

Moussaka Soup Hearty Moussaka-Inspired Soup with Eggplant, Ground Beef, and Creamy Herbs Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb ground beef or lamb 1 medium eggplant, peeled and diced 1 medium zucchini, diced 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes 4 cups beef or vegetable broth 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and black pepper, to taste 1/4 cup uncooked orzo or small pasta (optional) 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Grated Parmesan or kefalotyri cheese (optional topping) Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground beef or lamb and cook until browned, breaking up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in eggplant and zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, cinnamon, allspice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until vegetables are tender. If using orzo or pasta, add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking until tender. Stir in Greek yogurt just before serving for a creamy texture. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley and cheese, if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #moussakasoup #greeksoup #eggplantsoup #comfortsoup #heartyandhealthy #groundbeefsoup #zucchiniinspired #souprecipeideas #mediterraneansoup #fusioncomfort #greekflavors #soupszn #yogurtsoup #comfortfoodbowl #easyweeknightmeal #herbalsoup #homestylecooking #moussakabowl #southernmedflavors #onepotwonder Cozy up with a bowl of Moussaka Soup — everything you love about the classic Greek dish, transformed into a hearty, spoonable delight!

Chicken and Spinach Ricotta Pasta Creamy Chicken & Ricotta Pasta with Wilted Spinach and Parmesan Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 lb (450g) cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed 3 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped 1 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and black pepper to taste 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed) Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, lemon zest, fresh parsley for garnish Directions: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Stir in the shredded chicken and cook until heated through. Reduce heat to low, add ricotta, Parmesan, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve warm, garnished with crushed red pepper, lemon zest, or fresh parsley if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #chickenpasta #ricottarecipes #spinachpasta #comfortfood #easydinners #weeknightmeals #pastarecipes #creamychicken #cheesypasta #homecooked #familymeals #quickandeasy #highprotein #italianinspired #freshspinach #ricottapasta #pastaideas #easyentertaining #healthiercomfortfood #pastalovers Creamy, cozy, and oh-so satisfying! This Chicken and Spinach Ricotta Pasta is your new weeknight favorite. Ready in 30 minutes!