Baked Orzo, with Diced Chicken, Chicken Sausage and Vegetables

This was a last minute collaboration, of what I had on hand in my refrigerator and the food items most enjoyed by my husband. Plus who doesn't love a dish filled with warmth, and gooey cheese. So here is my version just made a little healthier.

Ingredients:

4 Chicken Breasts Diced
2 Chicken Sausage links (diced)
1/2 cup diced zucchini
1/2 cup diced squash
1-2 cups of marinara sauce + 1/2 set aside
1 TBSP Italian seasoning
1 cup low moisture shredded mozzarella
1/2 Cup Part Skim Ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups of orzo pasta
Olive Oil Spray (PAM)

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta according to box. Spray a baking dish with olive oil, and coat the it with your set aside marinara. Take your diced chicken, sausage, and vegetables and place them in the baking dish, toss with the sauce that is already in the dish and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. This process is going to allow you to cook all the ingredients together. Drain your orzo and set to the side. Once your chicken is done remove from the oven, add your orzo, ricotta, remaining sauce and mozzarella, stir together so everything blends. Place it back into the oven for another 15 minutes and serve. If you want you can sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. 

Tips:
This is a great well balanced complete meal, that the whole family will love, it is light on the stomach and you are not using a lot of cheese and adding extra vegetable. This can also be made ahead of time and frozen. So make one today and enjoy.

No-Bake Healthy Mac and Cheese

Alright it was time for Fit Cuisine to start trying out different healthy recipes for Mac and Cheese. So here is a light and healthy NO BAKE version to try.

Ingredients:
1 Box of Barilla Whole Grain Pasta Shells
1 12 oz Bag of Frozen Broccoli
1 1/2 cups of Fat Free Milk
1/2 cup of Almond Milk Unsweetened
1/4 tsp ground white pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 TBSP whole wheat white flour
2 Cups Shredded Low Fat Cheddar Cheese or (1%)
1/4 cup or so of Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Dijon Mustard

In a pot bring your water to a boil, and cook pasta according to box. Steam your frozen broccoli in the microwave or add it to the already boiling water and pasta, till it is just about tender. While that is cooking away heat 1 1/2 cups of milk in a large pot over medium heat until it just about simmers. Whisk in the 1/2 cup of almond milk, flour, garlic, and pepper, whisking it till it is about thickened. Remove from the heat and strain your pasta and broccoli. Add to the milk mixture your cheese, Parmesan, and mustard, then toss your pasta and broccoli stirring till everything mixes in well. Add back to the heat for another 1-2 minutes stir till all flavors are mixed and server.

Serving 4-6
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Fit Cuisine Notes:
This is a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables, it is loaded with fiber and protein. Pair it with a side salad and enjoy.