Originally this post was going to be “Teach Your Hubby to Cook” but I didn’t want to add to a stereotype – I know many husbands that are the primary users of the kitchen in their household. In my case, this isn’t true and not because I am a great cook, it is just that I have more kitchen experience than my husband. After being together for over 10 years, I just now came to the realization that if my husband had some easy go to recipes, he would volunteer to make dinner more often because he wouldn’t have to ask me what to do each step of the way. I think this idea is so perfect it has spawned a new series: “Teach Your Spouse (Or Yourself) to Cook”. Recently my husband ordered Chicken Parmigiana at one of our favorite restaurants (that we were able to frequent much thanks to a Christmas gift card – Thank you Grandma Betty!). While there he proclaimed, “I bet I can make this myself!”. Of course I encouraged my husbands proclamation, and this is what he came up with. Random spousal cooking lesson tip – start with a meal your significant other loves. Of course, you can make this meal too!
First up, here is what to add to your next grocery list:
- Precooked breaded chicken patties from the freezer section
- Spaghetti Noodles
- Marinara Sauce in a Jar (or in a can – but in a jar is much fancier, hehe) You can also use spaghetti sauce.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
If you didn’t notice already, this is intended to be an easy recipe that is easily scaled up or down depending on the number and size of tummies you need to fill.
This is how simple it is. Turn on your oven on to 350 degrees so it will be finished preheating when you are ready to use it. Cook your spaghetti noodles. Hopefully you spouse knows how to do this part. If they do not, it is all about baby steps. While boiling the water for the noodles, it is a good idea to start cooking your chicken patties according to the package directions. Adam used the toaster oven for added crispiness, but the microwave is always a quick option.
Next, mix the cooked and strained spaghetti noodles in an oven safe baking dish with the amount of marinara sauce you desire. Put the chicken patties on top of the spaghetti. Add some more marinara sauce to the top. Sprinkle on your desired amount of mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese. Place your dish into the oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is to melt the cheese on top and doesn’t take long.
Be sure to compliment your spouse on their awesome new found cooking skills.
I was definitely proud of my husband’s creation and had to share it on instagram AND facebook. Seriously, it was that good!
Food is fuel for a happy marriage.
∞Jessica
Oh, and by the way, do you spell it Chicken Parmigiana or Chicken Parmesan?
