The Best Spring Chicken

Brother, Em, Mama and Daddy came over Friday night for family dinner.  I was so proud of my daddy for being patient enough to wait to eat until 8 because of Dell Harper's lack of desire to go to bed.  He is just smitten with that little cutie.  And obviously, he is not the only one. . .

Look at that pout of hers!  I could just die.

Anyway, y'all need to run out and make this chicken with angel hair pasta, because it is just too good!  I appreciate the fact that it can be made in steps during someone's nap time.   It's perfect for a dinner party or just an easy weeknight meal.  I served it with roasted asparagus.

The chicken recipe is floating around the webs, and the pasta comes from one of those recipe magazines at the checkout in the grocery store- "Taste of the South- the South's Best Comfort Food"

Parmesan Spring Chicken-

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mayo (or one cup mayo, one cup greek yogurt)
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan
• 3 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 6 chicken breast halves
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (1/2 a lemon)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees
Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and coat in the mayo mixture
Bake for 45 minutes
Squeeze the lemon over the chicken before serving

Springy Angel Hair Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 12 oz container of grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• 1 1lb. box angel hair pasta, cooked according to the directions on the box*
• 1 heaping tablespoon fresh Italian parsley

In a medium skillet melt the butter over medium heat.  Add the lemon juice and spices, stirring well to combine.  Add the tomatoes and green onions, and cook for two minutes- stirring frequently.  remove from heat and add the parsley, stirring to combine.  Add the butter mixture to the pasta and enjoy!

*Your pasta will taste immeasurably better if its cooking water is as salty as sea water, and has a generous glug of olive oil to prevent sticking.  I used the Barilla Plus angel hair which has some multigrain and protein action, but tastes completely normal.

Roasted asparagus is a perfect easy side dish, and can be popped in the oven with the chicken during the last 20 minutes of cooking time- just spread the asparagus on a baking sheet with some olive oil and kosher salt.  Yum!

Tulips and Italian Cream Cake in the background- always a delightful way to end a meal.