Hawaiian Chicken with Citrus Cilantro Rice

This is a great recipe for you ladies to have your men to put together. My husband was on vacation this week so I had him marinade the chicken while I was at work. When it came to dinner time I had him man the chicken while I took care of the rice. This chicken was very delicious and flavorful. I find ginger can be overpowering at times but it was just the right amount that added subtle flavor. I can't wait to make this chicken for a summer bbq!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons lower-sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons minced peeled ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• Cooking spray
• 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups hot cooked rice (I use brown rice) but use whatever you prefer
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 lime

Directions

1. Combine first 5 ingredients. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade, placing remaining marinade in a zip-top plastic bag. Add chicken to bag, seal. Chill 4 hours.
2. Heat a grill pan or bbq over medium high heat. Coat pan or grill with cooking spray. Remove chicken from bag, discard marinade in bag. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Add chicken to grill pan or bbq, baste with 2 tablespoons of reserved marinade. Cook 6 minutes. Turn chicken over, baste with 2 tablespoons reserved marinade. Cook 6 minutes.
3. Combine rice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, cilantro and juice from 1/2 lime.

Penne with Shrimp

We made this dish for New Years, and it was the perfect dish to celebrate the New Year. This dish was easy to make and so good. We couldn't stop giggling while we were eating it because it was just that yummy! You may see whipping cream and think this is a heavy sauce, but don't be fooled it is light and so flavorful!

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
• 1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/3 cup chicken stock
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and set aside.

Add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup parsley, and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine, chicken stock, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the cooked shrimp, the cooked pasta, and the remaining herbs. Toss together until all ingredients are coated. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.