Gemelli with Asparagus, Prosciutto, and Goat Cheese

I loved how rich and creamy this entree was! I will definitely be making it again. It was fine served alone, but would be nice paired with a spinach salad or relish tray.

SERVES 6 (as 2 cup serving size)

INGREDIENTS
1 lb fresh asparagus
1 t olive oil
salt and pepper
1 lb gemelli pasta
1 T butter
1 shallot, sliced
1 t fresh thyme (or 1/2 t dried thyme)
4 oz thin prosciutto
4 oz soft goat cheese
1/2 c whole milk
1/2 c low fat milk

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut asparagus spear to be 3 inches long. Toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the sheet in the oven and set the timer for 20 minutes for thick spears or 15 minutes for thin spears.

Cook the pasta according to the package until al dente.

Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallot and thyme, and cook until the shallot has softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the prosciutto and stir to coat with butter. Add the goat cheese and milk to the skillet, stir to make a smooth sauce, and reduce the heat to low.

Add the drained pasta and roasted asparagus to the skillet with the goat cheese sauce. Turn the pasta to coat with the sauce and season with salt and plenty of black pepper.

This recipe was adapted from You Can Trust a Skinny Cook by Allison Fishman

Skinny Cheesy Potatoes

These were super flavorful, and although they still have a few naughty ingredients, they're healthier than Grandma's recipe. I served these with Sticky Peppers and Sausage.

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS
8 medium potatoes cut into matchsticks (or 32 oz bag shredded hash browns)
1 1/2 c plain greek yogurt 
1/2 c veggie broth
1/2 c milk (at least 2%)
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1 t season salt
1/2 t dried oregano
1/2 t pepper
1 t salt
1 c shredded sharp cheddar*

PreHeat Oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl.  Grease a 9 X 13 glass or ceramic baking pan with cooking spray.  Pour potato mixture into baking pan and spread evenly.  Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 10 minutes.

*Although this recipe is much lower in fat/calories than the traditional, it still needs some fat to make sure the ingredients bind while cooking. That is why it is suggested to use 2% milk and regular (not non-fat) cheese. If you were to use all low fat ingredients, it will turn out watery.

*I have never encountered this, but if you are worried about the yogurt curdling, try mixing in 1 1/2T of flour to the potato mixture before pouring into the baking pan