Been a while?

Holy guacamole Batman! It's beena while since I have been on. My whole reason for getting on today was to share a recipe for those of you who come here looking for new ideas (or old ones you forgot about). I am realizing just how long it's been and thinking that I need a little less Facebook time and a bit more blogtime! I do have quite a few new recipes to get down on here, but today only one will make the cut. Years ago in a cooking mag that came out post-Thanksgiving, there was a section of what to do with all that leftover turkey! I have since found this recipe not only works with leftover turkey but chicken as well. It also is a good way to get all those sides of steamed veggies gone from your fridge. Everyone...meet my improved Chicken Ranch Pasta!

Chicken Ranch Pasta

left over chicken / 2 chicken breasts - cut up or shredded (omit if you want to go veg!)
1 box elbows or rotini (use different varieties for allergies...spelt, br rice, millet, etc)
1 sm bag frozen mix veg OR the leftover veggies in your fridge
1envelope ranch seasoning
1.5 sticks butter/marg/alternative (it's butter, not crack...stop freaking out...this makes a ton!)

Boil and drain pasta, meanwhile in the pan melt butter and add veggies, ranch and chicken. Cook on med-hi for 3-4 minutes til frozen veg are cooked through (but before they are mush...capiche?) Stir the whole lot together and serve with parm cheese over. This will make alot, so prepare to freeze, share or eat it tomorrow!

This is a great meal for a quick and easy clean out of the fridge. It's also very flexible to be a vegetarian dish using more veggies and beans as well. (black or garbanzo)