Source: Closetcooking.com

Casserole featuring White Chili Chicken and Fritos

**White Chili Chicken Frito Casserole: A Delicious Treat**

White Chili Chicken Frito Casserole offers a delightful variation on classic chili, merging the savory tastes of chicken and beans with the tangy kick of salsa verde. This meal is ideal for those who appreciate a filling dish with a little crunch. It’s topped with crispy corn chips and a hearty layer of melted cheese, making it a cozy and gratifying option for any occasion.

**Ingredients and Preparation**

The essential components for this casserole consist of chicken, beans, sour cream, and green chilies, all of which are foundational in white chicken chili. The addition of salsa verde sauce introduces a distinct tanginess that enhances the savory aspects of the dish. For preparation, the chicken and bean chili is simmered in the salsa verde sauce, then covered with corn chips and cheese before being baked until the cheese reaches the perfect state of meltiness.

**Why You’ll Adore It**

This recipe is notable for its ease and efficiency. It can be made in roughly 30 minutes and needs just one pan, simplifying cleanup significantly. The interplay of flavors and textures—from the creamy chili to the crunchy corn chips and oozy cheese—results in a fulfilling meal that is bound to delight both family and friends.

**Serving Suggestions**

White Chili Chicken Frito Casserole offers versatility and can serve as a main course or as part of a larger meal. Combine it with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables for a well-rounded dining experience. For those who prefer an extra kick, adding jalapeños or hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.

In summary, White Chili Chicken Frito Casserole is a tasty and straightforward dish that combines the finest elements of chili and casserole cooking. Whether you need a swift weeknight meal or a dish to wow guests at a gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to become a beloved choice.

31 Mouthwatering Pumpkin Dishes to Experiment With

**31 Simple Pumpkin Recipes for October: A Month of Pumpkin Pleasures**

October marks the time when pumpkins dominate the scene, and there’s no better way to honor the month than by trying out an array of pumpkin recipes. Whether you’re working with freshly roasted pumpkins or the ease of canned pumpkin puree, these recipes will allow you to savor the season’s bounty. From sweet to savory, here are 31 pumpkin recipes to relish all through October.

1. **Traditional Pumpkin Pie**: Kick off the month with a classic pumpkin pie, a beloved dessert that always satisfies.

2. **Pumpkin Spice Latte**: Cozy up with a homemade pumpkin spice latte, ideal for brisk autumn mornings.

3. **Pumpkin Pancakes**: Light and spiced, these pancakes offer a delightful breakfast experience.

4. **Pumpkin Soup**: A rich and soothing soup that’s perfect for cool evenings.

5. **Pumpkin Bread**: Tender and flavorful, pumpkin bread serves as an excellent snack or breakfast choice.

6. **Pumpkin Muffins**: Simple to prepare and great for quick snacking.

7. **Pumpkin Risotto**: A savory delight that merges creamy risotto with the gentle sweetness of pumpkin.

8. **Pumpkin Cheesecake**: An indulgent dessert that’s bound to wow your guests.

9. **Pumpkin Curry**: Enhance your curry with pumpkin for a wholesome and tasty meal.

10. **Pumpkin Scones**: Ideal with a cup of tea, these scones make for a lovely afternoon snack.

11. **Pumpkin Chili**: A filling and comforting dish, perfect for a snug dinner.

12. **Pumpkin Smoothie**: A nutritious and revitalizing way to kick off your day.

13. **Pumpkin Lasagna**: Layers of pasta, cheese, and pumpkin create a deliciously distinct lasagna.

14. **Pumpkin Cookies**: Soft and spiced, these cookies are loved by both children and adults.

15. **Pumpkin Gnocchi**: A tasty meal that pairs wonderfully with sage and brown butter sauce.

16. **Pumpkin Hummus**: A refreshing take on the classic dip, great for gatherings or snacking.

17. **Pumpkin Oatmeal**: Begin your day with a cozy bowl of pumpkin-spiced oatmeal.

18. **Pumpkin Quiche**: A savory pie that’s perfect for brunch or lunch gatherings.

19. **Pumpkin Brownies**: Decadent and fudgy, these brownies are a dream for chocolate enthusiasts.

20. **Pumpkin Ravioli**: Stuffed with pumpkin and ricotta, these ravioli are a gourmet delight.

21. **Pumpkin Granola**: A crunchy and tasty topping for yogurt or a standalone snack.

22. **Pumpkin Waffles**: Crispy outside and fluffy within, these waffles are a breakfast favorite.

23. **Pumpkin Mac and Cheese**: A creamy and cheesy dish with a touch of pumpkin flavor.

24. **Pumpkin Donuts**: Either baked or fried, these donuts are a sweet treat.

25. **Pumpkin Salad**: Roasted pumpkin brings a sweet element to a fresh salad.

26. **Pumpkin Bars**: Simple to create and ideal for sharing, these bars are sure to please.

27. **Pumpkin Pizza**: A savory pizza adorned with pumpkin, cheese, and herbs.

28. **Pumpkin Ice Cream**: A refreshing and creamy dessert with a hint of spice.

29. **Pumpkin Enchiladas**: A creative take on a traditional dish, filled with pumpkin and cheese.

30. **Pumpkin Fritters**: Crunchy and flavorful, these fritters are a wonderful starter.

31. **Pumpkin Tart**: Conclude the month with a stunning and delicious pumpkin tart.

These recipes highlight the flexibility of pumpkin, giving you the opportunity to enjoy its flavors in numerous dishes throughout October. Whether you lean towards sweet desserts or hearty meals, there’s a pumpkin recipe for each day of the month. Relish the season and happy cooking!

Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Dish

Alfredo Pasta with Butternut Squash

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total Duration: 40 minutes Yield: 4

Pasta enveloped in a rich parmesan sauce blended with pureed roasted butternut squash!

ingredients

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup chicken broth (link) (or vegetable broth or cream)
• 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sage, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), shredded
• 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
• salt and pepper to taste

directions

1. Coat the butternut squash in oil, adding salt and pepper to taste, and spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Roast in a preheated 400F/200C oven until the butternut squash is tender, approximately 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. Blend the butternut squash with the broth in a food processor or blender.
4. In the meantime, begin cooking the pasta according to the package instructions.
5. Also, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Incorporate the garlic and sage and sauté until fragrant, about one minute.
7. Pour in the cream, bringing it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
8. Stir in the cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce.
9. Combine the butternut squash puree and nutmeg, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, optionally adding some reserved cooking water to achieve the desired sauce consistency.

Option: Roast an entire head of garlic alongside the butternut squash.
Option: Include 1 onion, cut into 8 wedges, roasting it with the butternut squash.
Option: Incorporate 4 ounces of bacon (or pancetta)! Omit the butter, cook the bacon, set it aside, and utilize the bacon grease instead of the butter.
Option: Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
Option: Mix in 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary along with the sage.
Option: Include 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme along with the sage.
Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes together with the garlic.
Option: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon with the nutmeg.

Oven-Roasted Chicken with Pesto Sauce

**Pesto Baked Chicken**

**Prep Time**: 5 minutes
**Cook Time**: 25 minutes
**Total Time**: 30 minutes
**Servings**: 4

**Description**: Chicken garnished with fresh basil pesto and cheese, baked until fully cooked and the cheese has melted, then finished with a fresh tomato topping!

**Ingredients**:
– 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup basil pesto
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese)
– 2 cups tomato bruschetta (optional)

**Directions**:
1. Position the chicken in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
2. Evenly distribute the basil pesto over the chicken, then sprinkle the cheeses on top.
3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F/180C until the chicken is thoroughly cooked (165F), approximately 25-35 minutes, then garnish with basil and savor!

**Notes**:
– Baking duration will vary based on the size of the chicken breasts; larger breasts may require more time; use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165F. If the topping appears to be darkening too much, cover it with foil.
– Option: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon onion powder alongside the salt and pepper.
– Option: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper.
– Option: Include 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese; spread it over the chicken prior to adding the pesto.

**Nutrition Facts**: Calories 338, Fat 24g (Saturated 6.6g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 207mg, Sodium 1026mg, Carbs 3.3g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 1.3g), Protein 27g

—

**Tomato Bruschetta**

**Prep Time**: 15 minutes
**Total Time**: 15 minutes
**Servings**: 4

**Description**: Fresh tomatoes combined with garlic, onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and basil!

**Ingredients**:
– 2 cups diced tomatoes, seeded
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 3 minced/grated garlic cloves
– 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
– 2 tablespoons thinly sliced basil
– Salt and pepper to taste

**Directions**:
1. Thoroughly combine all the ingredients and optionally allow it to rest for an hour before serving!

**Nutrition Facts**: Calories 52, Fat 3g (Saturated 0.3g, Trans 0), Cholesterol 0, Sodium 5mg, Carbs 4g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 2g), Protein 0.8g

Recipes That Require Just 6 Ingredients

### Simple and Fast Recipes with 6 Ingredients or Fewer

In the whirlwind of today’s life, having a collection of simple and fast recipes is invaluable. Whether you’re facing a hectic weeknight, surprise visitors, or simply wish to create something tasty without an extensive list of components, these recipes are ideal for you. Below are some of my preferred recipes that utilize six ingredients or fewer, yet are full of flavor and guaranteed to impress.

#### 1. **Garlic Butter Shrimp**
– **Ingredients**: Shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, parsley, salt.
– **Instructions**: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté until aromatic. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink. Drizzle lemon juice over, garnish with minced parsley, and season with salt. Serve right away.

#### 2. **Caprese Salad**
– **Ingredients**: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt.
– **Instructions**: Cut the mozzarella and tomatoes into slices. Arrange them alternately on a dish. Add fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add salt to taste.

#### 3. **Pasta Aglio e Olio**
– **Ingredients**: Spaghetti, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, parsley, salt.
– **Instructions**: Prepare spaghetti according to the directions on the package. In a skillet, warm olive oil and sauté sliced garlic until golden brown. Stir in red pepper flakes and the cooked spaghetti. Toss thoroughly. Top with chopped parsley and season with salt.

#### 4. **Baked Chicken Thighs**
– **Ingredients**: Chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.
– **Instructions**: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes until fully cooked.

#### 5. **Avocado Toast**
– **Ingredients**: Bread, avocado, lemon juice, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes.
– **Instructions**: Toast the bread. Mash the avocado with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture on the toast and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.

#### 6. **Chocolate Mousse**
– **Ingredients**: Dark chocolate, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, salt.
– **Instructions**: Melt the chocolate and allow it to cool slightly. Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks appear. Gently combine the melted chocolate and a dash of salt. Refrigerate before serving.

These recipes demonstrate that a lengthy list of ingredients isn’t necessary to prepare something delicious and fulfilling. Keep these in your cooking toolkit for those moments when you desire a quick, simple, and flavorful dish. Enjoy!

Robust Kielbasa and Corn Chowder Recipe

Corn Chowder with Kielbasa

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes Total Duration: 1 hour Servings: 6

A rich chowder featuring kielbasa sausage and corn!

Ingredients

• 4 ounces diced bacon (optional)
• 1 (14-16 ounce) kielbasa sausage, sliced or cubed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 cup flour (gluten-free option available)
• 6 cups chicken stock (link)
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 2 cups corn (can be fresh or frozen)
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the bacon until fully cooked, then set aside while keeping the bacon fat in the pan.
2. Add the kielbasa to the pan and cook until it is slightly browned, then remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, melt the butter, add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until soft, approximately 10 minutes.
4. Incorporate the garlic, thyme, and paprika, then stir well.
5. Sprinkle in the flour, stir, and cook for an additional minute.
6. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of the broth and deglaze the pan, scraping the brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon as the broth sizzles.
7. Pour in the rest of the broth along with the potatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
8. Stir in the cream and corn.
9. Incorporate the bacon and kielbasa, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving!

Note: If you choose to leave out the bacon, use 2 tablespoons of oil instead of the bacon grease for cooking the kielbasa.
Note: I prefer using russet or gold potatoes.
Option: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes together with the garlic.
Option: Include a dash of hot sauce, to taste, at the end.
Option: Stir in 2 green onions, thinly sliced, at the end.
Option: Swap the heavy/whipping cream for sour cream.
Option: Substitute the heavy/whipping cream with 4 ounces of cream cheese.
Option: Mix in 1/4 cup of grated parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese) at the end, letting it melt.

Pasta infused with Chicken Cheesesteak Tastes

Pasta with Chicken Cheesesteak

Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Overall Time: 30 minutes Yield: 4

A fast and simple pasta dish packed with the flavors of chicken cheesesteak sandwiches!

ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon (smoked) paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning (link))
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (link) (or water)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional) (use gluten-free or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) (choose gluten-free for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 tablespoon Montreal steak seasoning (link) (or adjust salt and pepper to taste)
• 1/2 cup cheese whiz (optional)
• 4 slices provolone cheese

instructions

1. Begin cooking the pasta according to the package instructions.
2. In the meantime, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken, seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until just tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Incorporate the broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasoning, bringing to a boil; then reduce heat and let simmer for a few minutes.
5. Turn off the heat, stir in the cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce.
6. Combine the pasta, adding some of the reserved pasta water for desired sauce consistency, and enjoy!

Alternative: Use ground chicken.
Alternative: Stir in 1 cup heavy/whipping cream, along with the cheeses.
Alternative: Introduce 4 ounces cream cheese to blend in with the cheeses to melt into the sauce.
Alternative: Incorporate 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese along with the cheeses for melting into the sauce.
Alternative: Mix in 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, along

Fast and Simple 20-Minute Recipes

**100 Simple, Family Dishes That Can Be Prepared in Under 20 Minutes**

In today’s hectic environment, carving out time to create a nutritious meal for the family can be daunting. Whether managing work, schooling, or after-school activities, a collection of swift and straightforward recipes is vital. Here, we’ve gathered 100 tasty dishes that can be served in less than 20 minutes, ensuring you never have to settle for less in terms of taste or diversity.

**1. Pasta Pleasures**
– **Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta**: Cook shrimp in garlic butter, mix with pasta, and top with a dash of parsley.
– **Pesto Chicken Penne**: Blend cooked penne with rotisserie chicken and a generous dollop of pesto.

**2. Salad Spectacles**
– **Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken**: Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta with strips of grilled chicken.
– **Asian Chicken Salad**: Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and rotisserie chicken with a sesame-ginger dressing.

**3. Burger Euphoria**
– **Classic Cheeseburgers**: Grill beef patties, add cheese, and serve in buns with your chosen toppings.
– **Turkey and Avocado Burgers**: Mix ground turkey with avocado slices and accompany with sweet potato fries.

**4. Soup Ease**
– **Tomato Basil Soup**: Blend canned tomatoes with fresh basil and cream, then heat up and serve.
– **Chicken Tortilla Soup**: Simmer chicken broth with shredded chicken, corn, and tortilla strips.

**5. Burrito Extravaganza**
– **Beef and Bean Burritos**: Fill tortillas with seasoned beef, beans, and cheese, then roll and warm.
– **Veggie Burritos**: Pack tortillas with sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans.

**6. Quesadilla Quick Fixes**
– **Cheese and Spinach Quesadillas**: Layer cheese and spinach in tortillas, cook until crunchy.
– **Chicken and Mushroom Quesadillas**: Stuff tortillas with cooked chicken and mushrooms, then grill.

**7. Pizza Excellence**
– **Margherita Flatbread**: Spread flatbread with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and fresh basil.
– **BBQ Chicken Pizza**: Smear BBQ sauce on a pizza base, add chicken, red onions, and cheese.

**8. Chicken Selections**
– **Lemon Herb Chicken**: Sauté chicken breasts with lemon juice and herbs.
– **Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry**: Cook chicken with teriyaki sauce and assorted vegetables.

**9. Wonderful Fish**
– **Pan-Seared Salmon**: Season salmon fillets and sear until fully cooked.
– **Fish Tacos**: Fill corn tortillas with grilled fish, cabbage, and lime crema.

These dishes are ideal for busy evenings when every second counts. With options spanning from hearty pastas to refreshing salads, and from flavorful burgers to satisfying soups, there’s something for everyone at the table. Relish the ease of these swift recipes without compromising on flavor or nourishment, and transform meal times into a hassle-free affair.

Mexican-Flavored Chicken and Zucchini Cooked in a Skillet

Skillet Chicken and Zucchini in Mexican Style

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 40 minutes Total Duration: 55 minutes Yields: 6

A simple skillet meal featuring taco-seasoned chicken and veggies, generously covered with melted cheese!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 2 zucchini, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 bell peppers (any color), chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (link) (or one packet)
• 1 (15 ounce) can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes (or 2 cups salsa)
• 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup cheese (like cheddar, monterey jack, etc.), shredded
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat, add the chicken, and cook for about 8-10 minutes before removing from the pan.
2. Add the zucchini and sauté until just tender, around 7-8 minutes, then remove it from the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers, cooking until slightly tender, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, mixing well and cooking until aromatic, about a minute.
5. Return the chicken, zucchini, beans, and tomatoes to the skillet, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Incorporate the corn.
7. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and allow it to melt.
8. Garnish with green onions and cilantro, then serve and relish!

Suggestion: Serve with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, guacamole, cheese, etc.