Pasta La Vista, Baby: ’10 Thumbs Up! Pasta’ Recipe Is A Winner

The Gist: This recipe was given not one, not two, but "ten thumbs up" by my six-year old daughter, who notoriously hates everything I cook, yet loves everything anyone else cooks! She ate up every last bite of this dish, and when I asked her what she thought of the dish, she showed me all of her fingers and said "I give it ten thumbs up, Mommy!"

Backstory: Feeling too lazy to get dressed and make a run to the grocery store, I pretended that I was a contestant on MasterChef who was being eliminated by failing a challenge to create a dinner out of whatever was under the box, i.e. the "Mystery Box Challenge". In my case, the "box" was whatever was available in my pantry. I wanted to make some kind of pasta salad, so botta bing, botta boom, I made it happen!

This dish can be served cold or hot, and can work as either a side dish during the holidays or as a quick main meal on a school night. It only took me less than 15 minutes to make!

"10 Thumbs Up! Pasta"

Boil desired amount of orzo pasta according to box directions. (Anywhere from 10-12 minutes.) Drain; rinsing is okay, but not necessary.

Add one can (or two) of white chicken, drained.

To the chicken and pasta, thoroughly mix in mayo, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic salt and a dash (or two) of paprika.

Stir in mixed veggies (rinsed). Pick out the green beans if you don't want them (like me)!

Garnish with shredded cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.

 

Optional: Add small bits of croutons, diced tomatoes (cherry tomatoes would be awesome) and/or diced avocado.

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

(Serving size: At least 2 hungry people)

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups Orzo Pasta
• 1 to 2 cans of White Chicken
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup of Ranch Dressing
• 1 cup (frozen) mixed vegetables (thoroughly rinsed)
• 2 to 3 teaspoons of salt
• 2 teaspoons of pepper
• 1/4 tablespoon of garlic salt
• 1/8 to 1/4 of paprika

Add as much ranch dressing as you like, but don't get crazy!