Parmesan Pasta and Breadsticks

This is another family favorite that even my picky eaters load up on! This is a fairly quick meal to get on the table and people will think you slaved all day! The pasta takes only about 15 minutes to make, and the breadsticks take about 45 when you include rising time.

Parmesan Pasta
8 ounce package of spaghetti noodles
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 cup of olive oil
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Chicken or shrimp, cooked and chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking the pasta, saute the garlic in olive oil until golden and tender. This happens very quickly, garlic will only need to be sauted for about a minute! Add cooked chicken (be sure both pasta and chicken are warm) to the pasta. Pour garlic and oil over pasta, add parmesan cheese and toss gently to coat. Serve warm!

Breadsticks
1 cup warm water
3 Tbs butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 cups flour
2 Tbs sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 1/4 tsp active dry or rapid rise yeast (or 1 single package)
Breadstick topping
2 Tbs olive oil
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs parmesan cheese

In a medium bowl, mix water, sugar and yeast. Stir and allow to sit for 10 minutes until foamy. In a seperate bowl mix salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and flour. Into yeast mixture, add melted butter and stir. Add flour mixture and stir. Knead until smooth and elastic. Divide dough in half. Cut each half into about 12 pieces and roll out into 4 - 6 inch ropes. Place onto a baking sheet, cover and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 15 minutes. Brush with topping mixture and serve warm.

I guarantee this meal won't dissapoint. It is extremely easy to make and tastes gourmet. And as far as homemade baked goods go, there isn't a long rise time so it is fairly quick.

Kid friendly scale - this meal gets 5 stars for kid friendliness in our house. Both of my kids can be picky, but they both take seconds on this meal!

Budget friendly scale - this meal is pretty budget friendly, but with a few minor substitutions can be even more budget friendly. Skip the shrimp and use chicken if your watching your budget. I normally use chicken breast, but when times are tough, boiled and shredded chicken thighs work great too. If olive oil isn't in your budget, you can substitute regular vegetable oil without sacrificing too much taste!

This is one of our family favorites and it is suprising light, even though it contains oil! Enjoy!