Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Whole Wheat Orzo Pasta

Do you think it's abnormal that food makes me so happy?

Probably. I'm okay with that. Two side notes before I get started...actually, 3:

1. Blogger changed their layout. Not. happy.

2. This page has had over 1,000 views (the new layout allowed me to see this)! You guys are SO awesome!! I am really glad you keep coming back for more of my crazy :)

3. My dog ate...probably a solid 4 ounces of fontina cheese and crackers this weekend when we turned our backs. Is it weird that I was oddly proud of her? She's got good taste.

So, this recipe. Really delicious. I made the chicken with my crock pot, but if you don't have a crock pot (Nicole, notes like this are for you), I have put an alternative way to cook the chicken.

Also, I am going to put down the measurements I used, but the suggestions for what I would do differently. Summary: too much chicken, not enough pasta.

Here is what you need (from How Sweet It Is):

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts **

4 tbsp olive oil

6 tbsp of dry white wine

Salt

Pepper

5-6 garlic cloves, minced finely

1 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried parsley

1/4 cup of fresh grated parmesan

1 cup of whole wheat orzo pasta, uncooked

Vegetable of choice (I used peas - I love them)

**Next time, I will only use 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and probably about a 1 and 1/2 cups of whole wheat orzo.

*The non-crock pot directions are on the bottom!

Here is what you do...

1. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Combine garlic, 3 tbsp of olive oil, 3 tbsp of white wine, the garlic, basil, parsley and parmesan cheese in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken and let marinate overnight.

2. The next day, throw your chicken in the crockpot with the remaining 3 tbsp of wine and cook on low 6 hours.

3. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the directions on the bag. Drain and add 1 tbsp of olive oil and 2-4 tbsp of parmesan.

4. Cook your veggie (I highly recommend peas) and throw those into the pasta.

5. Shred your chicken and add into pasta as well.

6. Sprinkle a little more parmesan on top, and enjoy!

*If you don't have a crock pot, purchase a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Pull the breast meat off and set aside. Sauté your garlic in a large pan with olive oil for a few minutes, then add all the wine, basil, and parsley. Stir for a few minutes, then add chicken and simmer until wine is mostly absorbed. Add to pasta/veggie mixture.

I start finals in a week, so I apologize in advance if I go MIA for a bit.