Skillet Bow-Ties

Jan here, in the sagging end of January. Smack dab in the middle, between Christmas and the Black Hills Stock Show. Nothing much going on except writing and cross-stitching. (Doesn't sound bad, does it?)

Actually, I love winter, so January is one of my favorite months. But this is also the time of year when friends and family start heading south, and my Facebook feed is filled with pictures of sunshine and beaches, while at our house, it looks like this:

And this:

Okay, so that last one wasn't really at our house...it's from Custer State Park a couple years ago. Those bison are munching on the super nutritious grass that makes the western prairies famous.

But on a cold, cloudy weekend like we just had, I'm longing for some color. Especially in my food.

That's where this recipe comes in. It's filled with delicious, colorful veggies, and has a light sauce that won't slow you down.

Skillet Bow-Ties
serves 2

ingredients:

1 cup uncooked bow tie pasta
1 cup diced, cooked chicken breast
1 small zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
1/4 cup red pepper, diced
3 Tablespoons butter, divided (I use coconut oil to make it dairy free)
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tablespoon chicken broth
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional, if dairy free)
1 teaspoon dried basil, or 1 Tablespoon fresh

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet (I use my Dutch oven), stir fry the chicken and veggies in 2 Tablespoons butter for 4-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. Add the lemon juice and broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes.

When the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet, tossing it with the remaining Tablespoon butter to combine the pasta and veggies. Add the Parmesan cheese and basil.

One thing I love about this recipe is that you can change it up to use the veggies you have in your fridge. Broccoli (fresh or frozen - I steam mine before adding it), carrots cut in matchsticks, green onion slices...you name it!

And if you want to make it a vegetarian dish, substitute tofu for the chicken, or use edamame for one of the veggies.

I also like to add diced greens to the chicken/veggie mixture. They cook down to almost nothing, but add a nutritional punch to the dish.

How about you? Do you love January, or hate it? Is it a time to cozy up by the fire, or a time to get through while you're waiting for spring?


And while you're waiting for spring, don't forget that "The Amish Nanny's Courtship" is coming in March!

Preorder your copy here!

Love in Plain Sight 

As nanny for her nephew, Judith Lapp’s finally part of a vibrant, joyful Amish community instead of living on the outskirts looking in. But teaching her neighbors’ Englischer farmworker to read Pennsylvania Dutch wasn’t part of her plan. And the more time she spends with Guy Hoover, the more he sparks longings for a home and family of Judith’s own.

Guy figured he would never be truly accepted by his Amish employers’ community—even though the Mast family treats him like a son. But Judith’s steadfast caring shows him that true belonging could be within his reach…if he and Judith can reconcile their very different hopes—and hearts.

Jan Drexler lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota with her husband and growing family. When she isn't writing, she loves hiking in the Hills or satisfying her cross stitch addiction.

You can find Jan on Facebook, Jan Drexler, author, or her website, Jan Drexler.com.