In The Kitchen

It’s comfort food season and during this season there’s nothing I love more than a hearty , flavor packed pasta and chewy brown sugar cookies. 

Comfort Zone Pasta 

• 10 oz dry spaghetti pasta
• 2 teaspoons of Olive oil 
• 1 pound Skinless chicken breast, diced into cubes
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped green peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped red peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped onions I used white onions.
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese softened at room temp. 
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream See notes.
• 15.5 oz fire roasted tomatoes  drained 
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese I used sharp.
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Cook the spaghetti in accordance , meanwhile prep your veggies and chicken. 
2. Place a large pot on medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and  season with 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook  throughly  on both sides. Remove the chicken and set it aside
4. Add an additional teaspoon of olive oil  with the green peppers, red peppers, and onions . Sauté until the veggies are translucent and fragrant.
5. Remove the vegetables and set them aside.
6. Reduce the heat on the stove to medium add the butter. Once melted add the garlic.
7. Allow to cook for two minutes  and then add a few tablespoons of the broth to the pot. 
8. Deglaze the by incorporating the brown bits stuck to the pain ,it has  flavor. 
9. Add in the remaining broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, fire-roasted tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt & pepper.
10. Stir constantly and cook until the cheese melts.
11. Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetables back to the pot & stir. 
12. Reduce  heat to low , place the lid on the pot. Allow to simmer  for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce and pasta are well incorporated.

Brown Suga Cookies 

• 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (or 1 ¾ sticks)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
• 2 cups flour , plus 2 tablespoons
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 

Directions : 

1. First , preheat  oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a skillet melt 10 tablespoons of butter over medium high heat. Whisk constantly until butter starts to brown. Now Pour into bowl, add remaining butter to same bowl and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and the baking powder.
4. Add the remaining brown sugar and add to salt to butter and whisk until smooth. 
5. Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. 
6. Combine butter mixture with dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
7. Either roll dough out to 1/2-inch thick and use a cookie cutter, or you can roll  into a ball and place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar.
8. Bake the cookie dough for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cookies have set.