Ravioli With Creamy Garlic Alfredo Sauce

Total time- 46 minutes

Prep.- 40 minutes

Cook- 6 minutes

Yields- 4-6 servings

Level- Easy



Ingredients

Dough:

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

- 1 cup very hot water

Chicken:

Cook chicken breast in chicken broth, garlic, sage, thyme till cooked through

Filling:

- 3/4 cup whole milk ricotta

- 1 finely shredded chicken breast

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

- 1 cup cooked spinach

- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Sauce:

- 2 tablespoons butter melted

- 1 1/4 cup half/half or heavy cream

- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika

- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper


Directions:

For the dough:

In a large bowl combine the flour and the water. Using a wooden spoon, stir to combine into a large ball. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 10 minutes.

For the filling:

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and stir to combine.

To form the ravioli, cut the dough into 4 evenly sized pieces. The dough should be slightly sticky. Add extra flour as necessary for rolling, but use only a little as necessary. Form each piece into a 2 by 6-inch rectangle. Recover the dough with the plastic wrap.

Lightly dust the work surface and a rolling pin. Working with 1 piece of dough at a time, roll the dough into a 4 by 19-inch rectangle. Place 9 rounded teaspoons of filling about 1-inch apart down the center of the dough. Fold the dough over the filling. Press down around the edges of each of the ravioli with your fingertips. Cut the ravioli into small squares and press down around the edges again with your fingertips to seal. Place the finished ravioli on a baking tray and continue forming the remaining ravioli.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add half the ravioli and cook until the ravioli float stirring occasionally, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain into a large bowl and cook the remaining ravioli.

For Sauce:
Melt butter. Add pepper and paprika. Pour in half/half and sprinkle on cheese. Cook on low till creamy.

I wrapped a few uncooked up and froze them to see how they would do being thawed out and cooked. Will let you know what that process happens.

God Thinks You Rock The Casbah

This is simply a beautiful picture of how much God loves you and I.

http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2008/11/god-thinks-you-rock-casbah.html

The Marriage Bed

If you want to have a good laugh read this one. It's so totally sadly true and hilarious all at the same time.

http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/03/marriage-bed.html

How To Be The Perfect Mother

This was such an awesome post from a favorite blog of mine. This woman is real. She doesn't try to make herself something she isn't. So all you mom's out there, read this. It's great.

http://itsalmostnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/08/how-to-be-perfect-mother.html

New Beginnings

Today we started a new semester of Women's Minstry. For me that means a new year leading a group and opening a my heart for what God has to teach me. This summer which was full of back porch evenings and exploring felt much like I was wearing sweatpants and house shoes on the inside, in my heart. Comfy sweatpants and house shoes give me a reason to hide in my house and do as little as possible. Spiritually sweatpants are a huge hindrance to my growth. So it's now time to get on my jeans, my sassy boots and get back to growing.

This semester we are going to be working through the book of Ruth. Little book, huge lessons. Ruth by Hebrew standards was an foreigner, but in God's eyes she was faithful. God calls us to be faithful in the little things. We are all part of His great story, may you be faithful in the part He has called you to be.

This morning I remembered to breath. Very simple, but very important thing. Last year, my first time leading I forgot to breath and literally almost passed out. So I'm encouraged. A year ago at this time I was just starting to explore the option of medication for anxiety/depression. Since then I've found a medication that has completely turned my life around and given me my life back. But God reminded me very quietly yesterday not to put my faith in the medication I was taking, but to continue to place my faith in Him, my comfort and my rock. So here we go, stepping out into a new year, with new possibilities.

I'm excited about this year. There is much to be learned ahead. In 4 months I turn 30. For many this may bring them fear thinking about getting older, but I'm excited. Excited to turn a new chapter in my life. Excited to leave being my 20's, which have been very important years, but very painful years of growth.

30 means endless possibilities, the anticipation of walking with God for years to come, hope and a challange to grow into a more positive person. I want to live another 30 years and look back when I'm 60 and see a life well lived. A life full of purpose, reason, and giving the best of what God made me to be to others.

Chicken Spaghetti

Not sure if there is a recipe like this out there, but it's one that has evolved over time in my kitchen. This recipe feeds all 4 of us, with enough over for me to eat the next day. I'll warn you I don't really believe in measuring when I'm cooking. (baking is another story, well kind of.)

I take 2 chicken breast (If you want it more saucy, just do one.) I'm picky about how my chicken tastes. I like it to soak up the flavors of the dish, not just taste like a big hunk of chicken. So I put my chicken breasts in a ziplock and use a kitchen mallet and pound them flat. Add about 2 Tbsp. of olive oil in a large frying pan and sear both sides of the chickens. Add minced garlic, salt, ground pepper. I have a handy dandy slap chop that I mince 1 whole green pepper, 1 whole red pepper, 1 medium onion. Add one 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes, and 1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce. Add basil and oregeno. Put a lid on and simmer until everything is all melded together and saucy. I like to cut the chicken up then so it's in every bite, that helps save money on chicken as well. Serve over spaghetti noodles.

This is a super easy recipe and peppers are so healthy. It also goes well with a glass of red wine. Try it some time and let me know what you think.