“Honey, What’s for Dinner?”

It’s 3 pm, and the phone rings at my desk. Caller ID says it’s my husband, Adam, and I already know what this call is about. I pick up the phone, and just as I suspected, he starts off with, “Honey, what’s for dinner?” Lately, we’ve been planning our meals day by day. Probably not the best way to go about it, but when you’re busy with work, housework, and just life in general, it’s not the easiest to have everything planned down to the hour.

This is where my new best friend, Sauté Express® Sauté Starter, comes in. When you’re short on time (and ingredients), Sauté Express® Meal Starter can help take the guess work out of dinner. Take this recipe for example: Garlic Chicken Pasta. The ingredient list is just six items, most of which you might already have at home: fettuccini, chicken, Garlic & Herb Sauté Express® SautéMeal, onion, tomato, and Parmesan cheese. Simple, right? Plus, it comes together in under a half hour. Let’s get started.

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions.

Meanwhile, melt 2 Sauté Express® Meal Starter Squares in a nonstick 12” skillet over medium heat until bubbles begin to form.

Add the chicken.

Sauté until both sides of the chicken are nicely browned, or until the internal temp reaches 165°F. This is where having a handheld meat thermometer really comes in handy – no second-guessing whether this chicken is done.

Once the chicken is done, remove from the pan and keep warm.

Melt the last square of Sauté Express® Sauté Starter in the same pan and melt until sizzling.

Add your onion…

…and cook until softened.

Now, toss in the drained pasta…

…and tomatoes.

Toss together until combined.

Slice your chicken into strips.

Place the pasta on a serving platter…

…and place the chicken over the pasta mixture.

Add some Parmesan cheese on top, too.

Now, wasn’t that easy, and not to mention quick. Plus, it was a hit with Adam. Win-win situation for me!

Try Garlic Chicken Pasta next time you are wondering, “What’s for dinner?” and make sure to come back and let me know what you thought. Mallory is a Product Specialist in the Test Kitchens at Land O'Lakes and writes for our Recipe Buzz® Blog.