adapted from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food July/August 2009
one 8oz box short pasta
2 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 cup low fat plain yogurt
1/3 cup reduced fat mayo
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup coarsely chopped parsley and cilantro
2 tbsp toasted almonds, coarsely chopped
1. I used the split breast chicken I had gotten on sale last week, so I boiled the chicken in enough water to cover it until the meat was tender and falling off the bones.
2. In another pot, cook the pasta until al dente in boiling, salted water. Drain pasta, then rinse under cold water. (Try to remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water- I didn't and never do!)
3. In a large bowl, stir together pasta, chicken, yogurt, mayo, raisins, parsley, cilantro, and almonds. (in the recipe was 2 tbsp lemon juice & 1 tsp lemon zest which I forgot- probably would have been a good addition). Thin sauce with pasta water if needed (I didn't). Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
results- none of the kids liked it- at all. In fact I had to feed them the rest of the chicken I was going to make into salad for their dinner. At first I made it with just the yogurt, I wasn't crazy about the tang of it. Then I mixed in the mayo and it was much better. I didn't have enough parsley, so that is why I added in the cilantro. I dry roasted some flavored almonds I had in the fridge- delish! I love toasted almonds, they gave a nice crunch and the raisins added a little sweet in some bites. I can't wait to have it for lunch today to see how the flavors have blended.
I won't bother totaling the cost since I was the only one to eat it- but it was cheap!!
I am going to try to enter this in Presto Pasta Nights since I have not participated in that in a while. This week it is hosted by Helen of Fuss Free Flavours.
Well, you can't always please everyone. If there's one thing I've learned from living with my parents - it's that. It sounds good to me though, I love dried fruit in pasta!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting recipe, but I kept waiting for an Indian spice to be added. It's great you liked it. It's rough when you're the person who has to finish a dish because the kids won't eat it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you back at PResto Pasta Nights. Looks delicious and I do sympathize. It's not nearly as much fun to cook for one or cook different dishes for a meal.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pasta water...I too forget to save some. But I just saw a Jamie Oliver show and what he does is drain the pasta over a bowl. That way there's always pasta water if you need it.
Thanks again for sharing your tasty dish with Presto Pasta Nights.
Cooking for other people can be very difficult. I totally understand. My hubby and daughter are both very picky and my youngest would eat anything, but is allergic to most everything. I LOVE cooking for my mom. She loves everything and appreciates it so much! I think this sounds great, especially with toasted nuts and dried fruit. I also love the everyday mag.
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