Express Weeknight Wonders

There is nothing better than coming home from a long day to a home cooked meal. However, I completely understand that it’s hard to get in the kitchen after a full day of work, class, meetings, or whatever else takes up time in your life. If you’ve been following me lately, you should know that I’m currently developing my line of fast and flavorful skillet meals. My focus is to create a one pot, well balanced meal with simple, flavor  packed ingredients. I wanted to share some of the results of my kitchen experiments with you, and get some feedback on where to go next in my expedition.

#kitchenoverview

I started with a spicy, southwest chicken penne. Start by boiling the pasta in salted water. Remember to always season the water, because it’s the only opportunity you’ll have to flavor the actual pasta. Halfway through the cooking process of the pasta, drop some broccoli florets into the pot. Let the pasta and broccoli go until the noodles are done and the broccoli is tender. Next, grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts and throw some garlic powder and black pepper on them. Saute them in some olive oil until golden brown. Drain the pasta and broccoli and run cold water over it to stop the cooking process. In a separate saucepan, combine your favorite alfredo sauce with chili powder, tomato sauce, and some low sodium taco seasoning. Throw in some red pepper flakes for some extra heat. Dice your chicken into bite sized pieces, and then combine everything in your largest pot. Throw it over medium heat, stirring constantly for five minutes. Do this to ensure the flavors marry together. Add salt and pepper for taste. Finally, serve the pasta in a bowl, topped with some Parmesan cheese. It should look something like this:

Finished Product

Another simple penne dish is my Pasta Carbonara with kale. Follow the same instructions as above, substituting the broccoli for kale. Rather than making a spicy sauce, I combined my favorite alfredo sauce with my favorite marinara sauce. I added extra dry parsley and Parmesan cheese for flavor.

Carbonara by Rowen

The carbonara pasta is one of my all time favorites to throw together for a busy weeknight. I want everyone to realize how simple it is to create well balanced, flavorful meals with staple ingredients that you probably have on hand. Try these pasta recipes, you’ll love them. I’m guaranteeing you that. I’ll never lead you astray in the kitchen.

Stay Hungry, Friends.

-RS

Rowen’s Travel Gems

It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I’ve been doing a lot of traveling lately in addition to the redesign of the site. Anyway, I wanted to share some of my favorite restaurants around the Midwest with you. I do like to get out of the kitchen every once in a while and enjoy somebody else’s cooking.

Whenever I’m home, I love going out to eat with my dad, the Bull. Since he’s a carnivore, and I pretty much follow suit, we love places that load up on the beef. Case in point: Chartroose Caboose Philly Cheesesteaks. Located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Chartroose specializes in the art of Philadephia style Cheesesteak sandwiches. I personally love to order the Pennsylvania style, with beef, Swiss cheese, and sauteed onions.

Who doesn’t love a good Cheesesteak?

My dad is partial to the Zephyr, which also includes sauteed mushrooms. We both love steak sauce on our cheesesteaks, like father like son. I also love to order a cup of cheese whiz to dip my fries in. If you’re ever in the 816 and want to hang out, this is one of the places I’ll take you.

Whenever I’m craving a great burger, I love to run over to Five Guys and grab a bacon cheeseburger. I’m sure you’re wondering why I didn’t use the word double, right? Well, all of Five Guys’ burgers are doubles, unless you order a little burger, which is a single patty. I don’t know why you would, but I don’t judge.

#ohpraisegod

Also, order the cajun style fries on the side. Just do it. Don’t ask me why, just do it. I’ll never lead you astray when it comes to food, so you’re going to have to trust me on this one. You’ll be glad you did. There are Five Guys locations all over the place, so there’s no excuse for you to not try one of these awesome burgers.

Another gem of mine is located in the 573, also known as Columbia, Missouri. The place is called Shotgun Pete’s BBQ Shack , and they have amazing pulled pork and brisket. If I say someone’s barbecue is good, it has to be. I hail from Kansas City, a.k.a. the barbecue capital of the world. The pulled pork wasn’t the only thing that pulled me into Shotgun Pete’s, it’s the way they used it that turned me into a loyal customer.

Nacho Love

The photo above is of Pulled Pork Barbecue Nachos. Do I need to repeat myself? Okay, Pulled Pork Barbecue Nachos. They’re smothered in barbecue sauce, cheddar queso, jalapenos, and habaneros. Needless to say, they were like heaven in a small plastic basket. If you’re ever in the CoMo area, check this place out. Tell them Rowen sent you.

Be sure to like Fantastic Flavor on Facebook, and follow me on Instagram @roweneugene for all of my latest food creations and travels. Stay Hungry, friends.

 

Much Love,

RS