Mama Mia I Heart Pasta!

If I had to choose one food to eat for the rest of my life it would be pasta!  I mean who doesn't love pasta? And there's so much that you can do with it.  It is a go to staple in my kitchen and I never feel like I'm eating the same thing over and over.  I love creating something fantastic with pasta but what I love even more is going out to eat and having it served to me on a big platter.  And when we go out for Italian I love going to Carrabba's. 


So in my day dreaming of plates of spaghetti and lasagna I went over to Carrabba's Facebook page and took their Pasta Personality Quiz. 
 My pasta personality is Spaghetti which means that I'm genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti.
I'd say that is pretty darn accuarate of my personality.

I do love me some spaghetti but one of my go to favorite dishes to make with pasta is
Creamy Tomato Chicken Spaghetti:
When I first got married I was constantly looking for recipes that would look homemade, taste like I slaved all day, but be easy peasy!  And this one always did the trick.  Poppa would always think I had this simmering away all day and praise me after he ate 2 bowls full.  I still haven't let him on the secret of how easy it is. 

What You Need
1/2 lb. spaghetti, uncooked


2 cups frozen stir-fry vegetables

1 Tbsp. oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup  Italian Dressing ( I prefer using the zesty kind)

1/2 cup  Cream Cheese or cream cheese Spread

1/4 cup  Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:
COOK spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package, adding stir-fry vegetables to the boiling water for the last 3 min.

MEANWHILE, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes and dressing and bring to boil. Simmer on medium heat for about 5 min., stirring occasionally. Add cream cheese and cook and stir until cream cheese is completely melted and mixture is well blended.
DRAIN spaghetti mixture; place in large bowl. Add chicken mixture; toss to coat. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Serve in pasta bowls with a side salad and garlic bread and viola you are going to get lots of kisses for the cook.


What's your favorite pasta recipe?  Ready to see what your personality would be?  Check out the Carrabba's Pasta Personality Test yourself.

Now that I probably have your mouth watering for some pasta, Carrabba's has got some amazing signature dishes and limited time offers to tease you with as well. 

Signature Pasta Meals, featuring seven distinctive dishes served with choice of soup or fresh salad starting at $10. There’s no better place than Carrabba’s to enjoy a complete Italian meal – any day of the week.




CARRABBA’S PASTA: Carrabba’s makes every pasta dish by hand with the freshest ingredients. Pasta is cooked perfectly every time and signature sauces are made from scratch daily. Creative flavors and combinations of ingredients are part of Carrabba’s authentic family recipes as well as new creations.



LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Now through July 2011.

Featured Signature Pasta Meal:

Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.



Other Limited Time Offers:

Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.



Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.



Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.



Now Introducing:

Peach Sangria – Carrabba’s new light and fruity Peach Sangria blends Copper Ridge White Zinfandel, Absolut Apeach vodka and Patrón Citrónge with a splash of citrus. Topped with a fresh lemon wedge and strawberry, it’s a taste of the Amalfi Coast in spring.



Locations: Visit www.carrabbas.com for the closest Carrabba’s location. There are more than 230 locations nationwide.

I know we all love making wonderful dishes for our families but when those time arise for you to be served and enjoy a meal out, consider Carrabba's and have an extra special family time together.   They will take the time to create something amazing for you and leave you singing Mama Mia I Heart Carrabba's!


Disclosure:

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”


Be sure to show Carrabba's some Love:
Follow Carrabba’s on Twitter: @Carrabba’s
Carrabba’s on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Carrabbas