Foodness Gracious - Week 101

Recipes

There’s something about the first cool evenings of fall that just call for pasta. But not the heavy kind that has you reaching for the couch right after. This Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan walks the perfect line — hearty enough to satisfy, light enough to keep you feeling good, and packed with all the right stuff.

The boneless, skinless chicken breast brings the muscle — literally. It’s high in protein, low in fuss, and cooks up beautifully tender in this dish. Add a vibrant handful of fresh broccoli and suddenly you’re not just making dinner… you’re making balanced nutrition look easy. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you might just have this adulting thing figured out.

And the best part is this pasta doesn’t play favorites. Got penne in the pantry? Great. Prefer fettuccine? Go for it. Need to keep it gluten-free? Absolutely. This recipe doesn’t judge; it adapts. Whatever pasta you love, the creamy Parmesan sauce will find it and make it sing.

Here’s what makes this recipe sing…the cheese that melts right into the sauce, wrapping every bite in that rich, nutty flavor that turns a simple weeknight meal into a family favorite. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine (we’ll talk about that in a minute), light a candle, and suddenly Tuesday feels like something worth celebrating.

If you’re looking for a meal that’s cozy, family-friendly, and fall-ready without spending all night in the kitchen, this is it. One skillet, endless flavor, and the kind of leftovers you’ll be excited to see tomorrow.

Reviews

If you’ve never rolled your own pasta dough, let me warn you: it’s dangerously fun. One minute you’re mixing flour and eggs, and the next you’re watching silky strands of fettuccine slide out of your pasta roller like a culinary magic trick. And yes, it’s a little messy — but the good kind of messy, the kind that comes with laughter, flour on your sleeves, and kids stealing dough scraps just to “test it.”

This pasta roller is the real deal — simple to use, solidly built, and capable of making lasagna sheets, spaghetti, or fettuccine. In just a few minutes, you can roll, cut, and cook fresh pasta that turns dinner into something special. And the cooking time? A matter of seconds. Once you’ve tasted homemade pasta, there’s no going back to the box.

A good friend introduced me to making pasta from scratch, and now it’s one of those kitchen rituals we all look forward to. The sound of the crank, the texture of the dough, the “wow” moment when it hits the boiling water — it’s pure, hands-on satisfaction. If you’re ready to bring that joy (and maybe a bit of chaos) to your kitchen, this roller’s the way to do it.

Be sure to check out all of our home kitchen product reviews!

Responsibility

When pasta hits the table, a good glass of wine isn’t far behind. This week’s article, 4 Ways to Explore Your Passion for Wine, dives into the world of wine appreciation without a drop of snobbery. Whether you’re a casual sipper or someone who’s secretly dreamed of hosting a tasting night, this piece will open the door to exploring wine in a fun, approachable way.

From learning the basics of pairing to discovering how to trust your own palate, it’s all about enjoying the process. Think of it as your invitation to stop overthinking and start tasting. And yes, this week’s Chicken Broccoli Pasta with Parmesan pairs beautifully with a chilled white — we’ll give you a few ideas in the article.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make wine a little more personal and a little less intimidating, this is the read for you. Pour a glass and click through.

Learn more online at Foodness Gracious in our Responsibility section.

Foodness Fun - Facts

Did you know that most white wines aren’t actually made from white grapes? Many are crafted from green-skinned grapes — and sometimes even red ones — with the skins removed early in the process. It’s the grape skins that give wine its color, so without them, even red grapes can go pale. A little wine science you can drop at your next dinner party.

White wine is also your best friend in the kitchen. A splash in the pan adds acidity, brightness, and depth to sauces, risottos, and seafood. (Pro tip: if you wouldn’t drink it, don’t cook with it.) The same crisp notes that make it delicious in your glass make it a secret weapon for flavor in your recipes.

And here’s one for trivia night — the oldest known bottle of wine, still intact and sealed, is white. It dates back to around 325 AD and was found in a Roman tomb near Speyer, Germany. Scientists decided not to open it… probably for the best.

White wine: versatile, storied, and forever the unsung hero of the dinner table.