comfort foods...

My comfort food is definitely pasta. I love everything about a pasta dish... the flavors, the textures, the creamy sauces, the feeling of sleepiness that comes over you after you down a big bowl... everything!

this is a recipe I've been eating pretty much all my life - and it is definitely one of my favorite things my dad cooks. He is a wonderful cook! This is also one of those recipes that is hard to get down on paper since it is filed away in my dad's head so you have to figure out your own about of chicken & pasta - he just wings it :)

Dad's Chicken Alfredo
chicken - the amount is up to you
16 oz cream cheese
2 sticks butter, cubed & softened
2 cups milk
10 shakes garlic salt
6 shakes Italian seasoning
1 bag Parmesan cheese
noodles, your choice - again, I change it up

Cube & cook chicken - season to taste - I typically throw on some olive oil, pepper, salt, onion powder and garlic powder to give it a little taste. Mix all ingredients, except for Parmesan in saucepan over medium heat. Cook noodles while sauce is thinning. Do not add the chicken to sauce until sauce is thin! Just before you serve dump in the Parmesan and give it a stir. Serve over pasta!

this is an Alyssa/Jill fav from a cooking magazine we tried out long ago when we were roomies :) ahh the memories - love ya Alyssa! I have played with this recipe a bit so it's not exactly the same - but it's delicious. If you don't like a lot of kick cut down on the Cajun seasoning.

Cajun Chicken Pasta
1 box Penne noodles
2 TBSP butter
4 tsp Cajun seasoning (divided 2 & 2)
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb. chicken, cut into strips/chunks... however you like it

Cook pasta & drain. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over med-high heat - when melted, add chicken and sprinkle 2 TBSP Cajun seasoning on top. Stir fry 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked - transfer to plate (I typically put it in the microwave or cover it to keep the warmth) and set aside. Pour heavy cream and remaining 2 TBSP Cajun seasoning into SAME skillet and boil GENTLY (continuous stirring is best). Add both cheese - stir a couple times and turn off the heat. Stir until cheese melts. Place drained pasta in large bowl - add chicken - then pour sauce on top. Mix & serve.

and what wouldn't comfort you like a slice of gooey warm chocolate chip pie with a dolop of dripping ice cream on top... hey, it's right out of the Toll House cookbook - but you can't mess with the best

Toll House Pie
2 eggs
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, room temp - not melted into liquid form!
6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips
9" deep dish pie shell, I use frozen kind or refrigerated one that rolls out

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl beat eggs until foamy - add sugars & flour until well blended. Add chocolate chips - stir. Pour into 9" deep dish pie shell. Bake 1 hour, then place on cookie sheet and bake 10 more minutes.
** I toss my chocolate chips in a TINY bit of flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the pie**

Hope my comfort foods bring a little comfort to you :)