[Image] Quick and easy meals are perfect when you're short on time but still want to serve your family a delicious home cooked meal.  One of the suggestions my readers always have for me is to post more simple dinner ideas for busy weeknights.   
I remember the days of working full time outside the home and trying to throw dinner together as soon as I walked in the door.  Most days it was a challenge so we just ended up ordering takeout. Today I am blessed to be able to work from home, so I have more of a consistent routine when it comes to meal planning. 
I do still have those over scheduled days and endless errands that sometimes keep me from getting a hot meal on the table. Those are the days that I'm thankful for semi- homemade meals like this Cheesy Bruschetta Chicken & Pasta. This easy chicken recipe is part of a new series called Simple Meals at Walmart. 

All of the meals featured on the simple meals section are dishes that can be prepared in less than 45 minutes. Each recipe has a grocery list feature to add and print the required ingredients for each meal. I normally cook most of my meals from scratch, but I do tend to use convenience items to simplify a few of our favorite meals.  
[Image]  Some folks frown upon that, but I think it's still better then stopping for takeout or picking up fast food. As a Walmart Mom I was asked to try out a meal from their website and share it with you. I chose to make the One-Pot Creamy Bruschetta Chicken, but adapted the recipe using a Knorr Pasta side instead of rice. 

My daughter loves the packages of Alfredo pasta, so this meal worked out perfectly. I did tweak the bruschetta recipe a bit to give it more flavor, and I also used Kraft's Italian five cheese blend, because that's my favorite shredded cheese.   

I can say not all of these simple meals will make an appearance on my table, but there are a few recipes that would be great when I'm in a pinch for time. It's all about taking fresh ingredients and making each of the recipes your own. If you're looking for easy and time saving recipes check out Simple Meals at Walmart.

[Image] Lets get started with the step by step. In a large skillet heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium - high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through. While the chicken is cooking prepare the bruschetta topping. 

Remove the cooked chicken to a serving plate and cover to keep warm. Prepare the Knorr Pasta Sides according to packet directions using the same skillet (rinse and clean skillet first). Stir in half of the cheeses into the Knorr Pasta sides - Alfredo until melted, then turn onto a serving platter. 

[Image] Arrange chicken over pasta, and top with the remaining cheeses, and bruschetta topping. Pair with a vegetable and a loaf of Bakery fresh french bread to complete the meal.  



Three Cheese Bruschetta Chicken & Pasta

1 - tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil, separated 
4 - boneless, skinless chicken breasts, split or cut into smaller pieces
onion and garlic powder, to taste
2 - packages Knorr Pasta Side, Alfredo, prepared 
1 - cup Kraft Shredded Italian Five Cheese Blend, separated
1 - pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 - clove garlic, minced
2 - tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped 
splash of balsalmic vinegar
fresh ground pepper, to taste

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium - high heat.  Season the chicken with garlic and onion powder. 

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, turning until lightly browned, and the chicken is cooked through. While the chicken is cooking prepare the bruschetta topping. 

In a small bowl add the chopped tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, one teaspoon olive oil, splash of balsalmic vinegar, and pepper; lightly mix to combine and set aside. 

Remove the cooked chicken to a serving plate and cover to keep warm. Prepare the Knorr Pasta Sides according to packet directions using the same skillet (rinse and clean skillet first). 

Stir in half of the cheeses into the Knorr Pasta sides - Alfredo  until melted, then turn onto a serving platter. Arrange chicken over pasta and top with the remaining cheeses and bruschetta topping. 

Servings: 4 

Cook's Note: The cut up cooked chicken can also be added into the pasta instead of arranging on top. 


For more Simple Meal Ideas check out my fellow Walmart Moms and their recipes.

30-Minute Loaded Baked Potato Soup - from Unsophisticook Chilled Swiss Oatmeal - from Rockin Mama


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