Chicken Parmesan Bites – The Perfect Toddler-Approved Meal

February 27, 2018 by 6 Comments

These chicken parmesan bites are the perfect toddler-approved meal for busy weeknights! They come together in less than 30 minutes and pair perfectly with spaghetti and marinara sauce and vegetables. 

I have been trying to come up with healthy, fun dinners that my preschooler would be more interested in. Lately, all the kids want are carbs and sweets so turning a typical chicken dish into more kid-friendly meals is my goal. I’m pretty sure I’ve succeeded in that goal with the help of some inspiration from Lady and The Tramp. 

A craving for chicken parmesan hit when we were watching Lady enjoy a big bowl of pasta with Tramp and it hit me! Why not turn chicken parmesan into chicken parmesan bites!? Put a side of noodles and sauce on the plate and I had a meal that all of the kids would enjoy. Including the preschooler. Right? Right!

So the next night as we were watching Lady and the Tramp again for the 3rd time since receiving it to review, I plated up these delicious chicken parmesan bites for the kids to enjoy with a side of spaghetti noodles topped with marinara sauce and a scoop of broccoli florets. I placed the plates of dinner in front of the kids and they went to town! And the best part? I used only 2 chicken breasts to feed the whole family dinner. Isn’t that awesome? And budget friendly! Plus the kids will love helping put this meal together. 

Chicken Parmesan Bites 

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
  • 4 tablespoons 1% milk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 cup Italian-Style Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons table salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Place chicken breast pieces in a bowl and cover with milk. Let soak for a few minutes while prepping the other ingredients. Place 1/2 cup of flour into a gallon size zippered plastic bags. Measure out 1 cup of breadcrumbs and place into a container with salt and pepper. Grate 1/2 cup parmesan cheese into the same container, stir to combine and set aside. Place egg white in a small bowl.

Take chicken and place in bag with flour. Shake vigorously until the chicken is well coated. Put coated chicken in the bowl with egg white and stir to coat chicken. Place bread crumb mixture in the bag you just used for flour. Put chicken back in the bag and shake again coating the chicken with breadcrumbs.

Heat oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add coated chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown, about 15 minutes. When chicken is cooked thoroughly remove from pan and serve with spaghetti and marinara sauce. Add some steamed veggies or a nice salad to make this a complete meal.

How are you getting your little one involved in different foods? 

Make sure to pick up your own copy of The Walt Disney Signature Collection Lady and The Tramp now available on Blu-ray and enjoy your own pasta experiences with the family! 

For some fun activities to do with the kids, click on the button below:

Love this recipe? Try these other toddler-friendly meals, tips, and ideas!

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Creamy Avocado Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

March 29, 2017 by Leave a Comment

This creamy avocado pasta with lemon and garlic is ready in less than 30 minutes with the help of our sponsor, Barilla, available at Walmart. 

You know when you’ve been so busy the whole weekend and then realize you completely forgot to come up with a game plan for dinner on Monday night? This is the meal I make when that happens. And wouldn’t you know? it happens more often than not. 

Luckily avocados are in season right now and we can go pick a few off our neighbor’s tree (after asking of course) to use when we need them. Our lemon tree is doing quite well too so pairing the two flavors together make for a pretty delicious meal pairing. 

One thing I love about this meal is that it uses ingredients I either always have on hand or have readily available with little effort. We try and stock our pantry with must-have items like Barilla Whole Grain pasta and sauces. Not only are they great for meals in a pinch, but I also know that my family is getting a meal that meets their nutritional needs. 

Barilla Whole Grain pasta is a great source of fiber and is made with 100% whole wheat. My family is getting 56g of whole grain in each serving of pasta. It also pairs perfectly with lean proteins like salmon or chicken but can hold it’s own as a full meal as well, just like this recipe. 

Normally we make creamy avocado pasta and pair it with salmon when we have it on hand, but if we don’t, we can forgo the lean protein and just eat this dish as a full meal. I’ve also been known to throw some shrimp into the dish as an alternative option. The creaminess of the avocado adds to the delicacy of the seafood. And who doesn’t love the flavor of garlic and lemon with salmon and shrimp? 

Creamy Avocado Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

  • 6 ounces Barilla Whole Grain Linguini
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil (divided in half)
  • 1/4 cup onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Barilla pesto
  • 1/2 avocado (diced & mashed)
  • salt to taste
  • Saute onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
  1. Saute onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
  2. Cook Barilla Whole Grain Linguini according to package directions. Drain and add to a heated pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. Add sauteed onions and garlic and Barilla pesto to pasta and cook 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add mashed avocado and stir to combine. Remove from heat and serve.

Serving size: 1/2 cup of pasta

What’s your favorite springtime flavor to pair with pasta? 

Looking to save a little more than time on this quick and easy dinner? Grab a coupon from Ibotta to use at Walmart when you’re stocking up on your favorite Barilla pasta and sauces! 

Find more great recipes to enjoy with your Barilla pasta and sauces by following this Pinterest board for simple, delicious pasta dishes inspired by Barilla. 

Love this recipe? Check out a few more: 

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Shrimp Marinara Spaghetti

January 7, 2015 by Leave a Comment

Shrimp Marinara Spaghetti Recipe

One of our family favorites in this house is spaghetti. It’s the one dish I can get everyone to eat without complaining. But sometimes I’m just not in the mood for a meat sauce. I want a different flavor.

This dish is not only tasty, but it’s pretty healthy too! And the best part is that all of the ingredients are usually in my pantry or fridge at all times. Meaning I can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes without having to make a special trip to the grocery store.

I used a bag of frozen cooked shrimp from Trader Joe’s instead of fresh but it worked great. And I can always keep some in the freezer so consider this an official staple meal in this household! [Read more…]

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Lemon Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time

October 15, 2014 by 11 Comments

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time

One thing I depend on as a busy mom (and exhausted pregnant lady) are the kitchen hacks I’ve come to learn over the years. One of my favorites depends on a well stocked pantry and freezer. I’ve been saved countless nights from the dreaded “what’s for dinner” question by having go-to pantry meals to serve for dinner.

Now I’ve been buying Dorot frozen crushed garlic and chopped basil for years now but during a recent grocery trip I was surprised to find sautéed glazed onions next to my beloved garlic and basil. I may have shed a small tear of joy (because I wouldn’t have to chop onions anymore!!).

By stocking up on Dorot products I bypass the time it takes to chop up herbs, garlic, and now onions before preparing my meal. That’s like 5-10 minutes of savings!

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time like frozen herbs and onions

I also try and keep items like marinated artichoke hearts in the pantry for my favorite fresh AND easy 30 minute meals – like this lemon artichoke chicken pasta.

Being able to simply dump out a jar of artichoke hearts into the basil, garlic and onions already cooking is far easier than adding the various seasonings needed to get the delicious flavor these marinated artichoke hearts give to the dish.

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time - thin chicken saves cooking time

Bonus Tip: Another great time saving kitchen hack? Pound your chicken breasts into thin cutlets so they cook faster!

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time - dredge chicken in flour

What I love about recipes like these is that I literally have everything I need right in my pantry and freezer! The only thing I added was a fresh squeeze of lemon but if you have lemon juice in the fridge you’re good to go!

The only thing I have to remember? To take the chicken out of the freezer! You’d be surprised at how hard this step is when you’re running around all day.

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time - reduce sauce

Pasta is a great go-to on busy nights. And sauces like this don’t have to be complicated. A few simple ingredients that lend themselves to one another can create a stellar dish even picky eaters like mine will enjoy.

Or you can always reach for my other pantry staple – marinara sauce. With the holidays coming up I foresee a busy time ahead and will need all of the hacks I can use!

If you’re looking for more kitchen hacks I highly suggest checking out the Hacks of Life pinterest board. So many great ideas and a TON of genius cooking hacks.

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time - simple and easy pantry meal

Lemon Artichoke Chicken Pasta

  • 1 box angel hair pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • flour (for dredging)
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 Dorot crushed garlic cube
  • 1 Dorot chopped basil cube
  • 1 Dorot Sautéed Onion cube
  • 1 jar Fresh & Easy marinated artichoke hearts
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  1. Set pot of water on the stove to boil. Sprinkle in some salt.
  2. While waiting for water to boil, place chicken breast (1 at a time) in a quart size zippered bag and pound to about 1/2 an inch thin.
  3. Heat a large pan on medium and add olive oil.
  4. Add salt and pepper to flour and dredge thin chicken breasts in it on each side. Place chicken in olive oil once heated and brown on both sides. Take chicken out and set aside.
  5. By this time your water might be boiling. Add pasta and cook as directed on the packaging.
  6. Add garlic, basil, and onions to the pan and sauté until thawed. Add the jar of artichoke hearts and cook for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and let cook until pasta is done, allowing sauce to reduce.
  7. Chop chicken into strips or small pieces, whichever you prefer.
  8. Once pasta is done, drain and add to the sauce pan. Sprinkle with juice of 1/2 a lemon.Toss, serve in a bowl, and top with chicken.

 

Artichoke Chicken Pasta + Pantry Staples to Save Time with Dinner

What’s your favorite kitchen hack?

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Grown Up Mac and Cheese with Bacon

July 23, 2014 by 2 Comments

Grown Up Mac and Cheese with Bacon

This adapted mac and cheese has been a favorite of mine since I first started making it back when I was pregnant with my son. It’s the ultimate comfort food and is something I know will always please a crowd.

With the addition of bacon, and the panko crust, this mac and cheese is taken from ordinary to extraordinary. But I really think that the secret ingredient is the pinch of nutmeg. It really does change the flavor for the better!

If you’re a huge fan of mac and cheese I highly suggest you try this grown up mac and cheese with bacon. It’s well worth it.  [Read more…]

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Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

June 26, 2014 by 4 Comments

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

In the summer I’m all about easy side dishes. Especially when barbecue season rolls around and we have an invitation to something every other weekend. This bacon cheddar ranch pasta salad is my go-to when I’m in a rush and need something quick. Plus it’s absolutely delicious!

If you’re looking for a great dish that has fantastic flavor (come on… bacon and cheddar!?) then this is the side dish for you. Make a double batch or stick with a single for just your family. But whatever you do don’t just sit down with the whole bowl and a fork. Because it will disappear fast! [Read more…]

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Easy To Make Roasted Red Pepper Chicken and Linguine with White Wine Sauce

May 6, 2014 by 12 Comments

The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This #InspireMyDinner shop featuring Roasted Red Pepper Chicken and Linguine with White Wine Sauce has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser.

Easy To Make Roasted Red Pepper Chicken and Linguine with White Wine Sauce

Date nights are an important part of my relationship with my husband. They allow us to reconnect, chat about life, and spend time together without the kids. Whether we’re heading out for a night on the town or settling in at home for an easy to make meal together, the time we spend during date night helps us rekindle that spark.

Since we’ve finally decided we need to expand and are starting to look for potential houses to move into we’ve been on a tighter budget than normal. That means more meals at home… including date night meals. But that doesn’t mean I have to make some elaborate dish that takes hours to make.   [Read more…]

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Hawaii-Inspired Pasta Puttanesca with Seared Ahi Recipe

February 2, 2014 by 21 Comments

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. #ChooseSmart

pasta puttanesca with seared ahi

February is the month of love. And this month I plan on making sure my husband knows exactly how much I appreciate him. While we don’t have a lot of time to go out together one-on-one anymore, I can create a great evening just for the two of us with a special recipe inspired by our favorite places to travel: Hawaii and Italy.

We’ve both loved Hawaii since we were dating and took a trip there with my family. Then we went again for our Honeymoon. And again with our two kids two years ago. The culture, the ambiance, the relaxation. It all screams the perfect vacation to us.

We’re also very interested in exploring and going on adventures and Hawaii is a great place for just that. But so is another country I’ve come to love after traveling there together when I was pregnant with our son. That special place is Italy. So in the spirit of the month of love I’ve combined our two favorite places to travel into this one dish. [Read more…]

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Social Fabric is Like a Lasagna Recipe #LuvSoFab14

January 29, 2014 by 39 Comments

lasagna recipe social fabric layers

Sometimes it takes a while to find out where you belong. What you want to do when you grow up, who your friends are, how you better yourself on so many different levels. And I think I’ve finally succeeded on figuring these out with the help of Social Fabric and Collective Bias.

Friends, community, support. These are the words that come to mind when I think of Social Fabric and what the SoFab community has done for me.

Now I have the chance to finally meet the SoFab family I’ve come to love in person at SoFabCon’14 in Arkansas this May.  [Read more…]

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Turkey and Zucchini Lasagna

January 21, 2013 by 5 Comments

Turkey and Zucchini Lasagna Turkey and Zucchini Lasagna

One of my favorite dishes to make is lasagna. But because it’s loaded with delicious calories and carbs I tend to make it only 2-3 times a year. But with a few changes I’ve made my favorite dish slightly more forgiving on the calories. This turkey and zucchini lasagna is flavorful, easy to prepare, and worth every extra point I used on it!

My original plan was to use the zucchini as noodles but I didn’t find enough good looking zucchini to do that so that plan will have to wait. And if you try this with my bolognese sauce (recipe to come) I just know you’ll fall in love with this dish.

I think the best part of a lasagna is the re-heating factor. We made enough to serve 6 so we had lunch for the rest of the week! It tasted fabulous heated back up in the oven or the microwave.

[Read more…]

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