Italian Feast with Caprese Salad and Italian Sausage Soup

Let me start off by saying YUM! This one is a winner. I know this by my own tastebuds reaction but also confirmed by hubs going back for seconds and requesting I make it again before he was even done! The caprese salad is easy and fresh and the soup is great for flavor and substance. And it's an easy meal to make with the help of the handy-dandy Crock-Pot. Oh, and bread is a must for dipping!

Caprese Salad - Serves 4

Have it:
1 ripe beefsteak tomato (make sure its a good one)
4 fresh basil leaves
fresh mozzarella, sliced or buy it pre-sliced
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper

Do it:
1. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella. Layer the basil leaves, tomato and mozzarella.

2. Season with salt & pepper. Mix 1 tbl. balsamic vinegar with 1 tbl. olive oil. Drizzle over the salad. Serve.

Italian Sausage Soup - Serves 4-6

Have it:
Sausage Meatballs
1 lb. Italian sausage, casings removed (I used hot sausage which added a lot of flavor)
1/2 c. dried bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c. milk
1 egg
1/2 teas. dried basil
1/2 teas. black pepper
1/4 teas. garlic salt

Soup
4 c. hot chicken broth (I used Pacific Foods organic low-sodium broth and heated in the microwave)
1 tbl. tomato paste
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teas. red pepper flakes
1/2 c. mini pasta shells (you can use any tiny pasta)
1 10 oz. bag baby spinach leaves grated parmesan cheese

Do it:
1. Combine meatball ingredients. Form into marble size balls.

2. Combine broth, tomato paste, garlic and red pepper flakes in 4 1/2 quart Crock-Pot slow cooker. Add meatballs. Cover; cook on low 5 to 6 hours. So easy!

3. Thirty minutes before serving, add pasta. When pasta is tender, stir in spinach leaves. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

I love the spinach in this dish. Adding it right before serving allows it to wilt without being soggy. With there only being the two of us, we were able to have this a second day and it tasted great heated up.

Source: Crock-Pot The Original Slow Cooker Recipe Collection

Chicken Marsala with Fettucine

Not your mama's marsala, this recipe adds cream and employs the use of your crock-pot. I'm already starting to drool remembering how delicious this one turned out. Rich sauce, juicy chicken breast and carb heavy pasta, ahhhhhhhhh. Alright, back to the important stuff, the how and what so you can make it too. I've included the full recipe for 4 servings but I reduced everything by half except for the liquid ingredients, which I reduced by a third, so it would be appropriate for two people without leftovers.

Chicken Marsala with Fettucine - serves 4

Have it:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbl. vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1/2 c. Marsala wine (I used a wine found near the vinegar, you can find selections in the wine section as well)

2 pkg. (6 oz. ea.) sliced brown mushrooms (I used mini-portabellas)

1/2 c. chicken broth

2 teas. Worchestershire sauce

1/2 teas. salt

1/2 teas. fresh groun pepper

1/2 c. whipping cream

2 tbl. cornstarch

8 oz. cooked fettuccine

2 tbl. chopped fresh parsley

Do it:

1. Coat 4 1/2-quart Crock-Pot slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Transfer to Crock-Pot slow cooker.

2. Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add onion. Cook and stir until translucent. Add Marsala and continue cooking 2-3 minutes or until mixture reduces slightly. Stir in mushrooms.

Add broth, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teas. salt and 1/2 teas. pepper. Pour mixture over chicken. Cover; cook on high 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 hours or until chicken is done. (I only cooked two pieces and checked at 1 hour, they were ready and tender at this point so I removed them.)

3. Transfer chicken to cutting board and let stand. Blend whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. Stir into cooking liquid. Cover; cook 15 minutes longer or until mixture is thickened. Add salt and pepper, if desired. ( I cooked the noodles during this part and it worked out great!)

Honestly, this was one of the most delicous meals as of late. The chicken was unbelieveably tender and juicy. And even better, the Crock-Pot made this a great weeknight meal!

Source: Crock-Pot The Original Slow Cooker Recipe Collection