The Gist: This recipe was given not one, not two, but "ten thumbs up" by my six-year old daughter, who notoriously hates everything I cook, yet loves everything anyone else cooks! She ate up every last bite of this dish, and when I asked her what she thought of the dish, she showed me all of her fingers and said "I give it ten thumbs up, Mommy!"

Backstory: Feeling too lazy to get dressed and make a run to the grocery store, I pretended that I was a contestant on MasterChef who was being eliminated by failing a challenge to create a dinner out of whatever was under the box, i.e. the "Mystery Box Challenge". In my case, the "box" was whatever was available in my pantry. I wanted to make some kind of pasta salad, so botta bing, botta boom, I made it happen!

This dish can be served cold or hot, and can work as either a side dish during the holidays or as a quick main meal on a school night. It only took me less than 15 minutes to make!

"10 Thumbs Up! Pasta"

Reesha's Recipe 10 Thumbs Up Pasta
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Boil desired amount of orzo pasta according to box directions. (Anywhere from 10-12 minutes.) Drain; rinsing is okay, but not necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

Reesha's Recipe 10 Thumbs Up Pasta
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Add one can (or two) of white chicken, drained.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reesha's Recipe 10 Thumbs Up Pasta
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To the chicken and pasta, thoroughly mix in mayo, ranch dressing, salt, pepper, garlic salt and a dash (or two) of paprika.

Reesha's Recipe 10 Thumbs Up Pasta
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Stir in mixed veggies (rinsed). Pick out the green beans if you don't want them (like me)!

Reesha's Recipe 10 Thumbs Up Pasta
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Garnish with shredded cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Optional: Add small bits of croutons, diced tomatoes (cherry tomatoes would be awesome) and/or diced avocado.

 

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

(Serving size: At least 2 hungry people)

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups Orzo Pasta
  • 1 to 2 cans of White Chicken
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup of Ranch Dressing
  • 1 cup (frozen) mixed vegetables (thoroughly rinsed)
  • 2 to 3 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of pepper
  • 1/4 tablespoon of garlic salt
  • 1/8 to 1/4 of paprika

Add as much ranch dressing as you like, but don't get crazy!

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