Good Earth Tuscan Chicken Pasta - Review

As much as I hate prepared or packaged convenience foods, I do have to keep some on hand for those days when we are just rushing around and my brain can only conceive of calling out for pizza.  Bad for my wallet and not the greatest for our bodies.  Typically, I try to find the least unhealthy things available.  We may resort to this type of thing once a month or two.

Last shopping trip to ShopRite I picked up a box of Good Earth's Tuscan Chicken with penne pasta - a General Mills product.  Sounded pretty decent.  100% whole grain pasta, zero saturated fat, natural flavors, add your own chicken (cuz prepared foods that contain "meat" totally gross me out) and less sodium than a box of mac and cheese at a mere 570mg per serving, not too bad for a packaged meal kit.

My initial thoughts upon opening the box and removing the contents were wow, there is no way this is enough for 5 servings, which is what the box claims to contain.  In preparation, I doubled up on the pasta which I always have on hand and added some chicken sausage in addition to the cut up chicken.

Taste - it was pretty good.  I did go back for seconds and the kids ate it without complaint although my daughter inquired as to what the "green stuff" was (it's parsley).

Prep - fairly easy.  Although, on nights when I need a quick fix, I'd prefer a one pot or one skillet meal.  This required a whopping two as I had to cook the pasta separate from the chicken.  Then, of course, there was a colander involved as well.

Final thoughts - if it was on sale or I had a coupon, I may purchase this again.  I liked that I could use leftover rotisserie chicken meat rather than cooking up some raw as well.  The serving size however is slightly inadequate for our family, so that 570mg of sodium is actually greater based on our actual serving size.  The ingredient list was fully pronounceable, I knew what they were and didn't mind putting said ingredients into my kids.  Overall, a good thing to keep on hand for those crazy nights where dinner plans just weren't made.  This did taste good the second day as leftovers as well.

Hot Product Shout Out - Nutrition Bar Edition

Let me begin by saying I don't typically do nutrition bars, protein shakes, supplements and the like.  I just feel that it is healthier to get those nutrients through normal diet.  Plus those things usually have very high calorie and carb counts and contain added sugar.  I do take a daily multi-vitamin with CoQ10 though (two kids, two jobs and a husband - a girl needs her energy boost!).

As with all things though, there is a new exception to my rule.  The Larabar fruit and nut bars!  Not all of them though - I find the ones involving any kind of "chocolate" to be very artificial tasting.  BUT, the pecan pie bar is da bomb!!  It is rather high in calories at 220 so I don't use it as a snack, but more of a meal replacement (I eat 5-6 times a day so it's easy to get bored).  I like that it is all natural and it is a great energy boost for that mid-day slump.  Just tried the coconut cream pie flavor today and it rocks too.  Larabar has this to say about the pecan pie bar:

"Indulgent, oh, yes, but good for you, too. Natural fuel from pecans, dates and almonds will keep you going for hours. What's more, pecans contain more antioxidants than any other nut, with 90% unsaturated, polyunsaturated fat. So sit down and enjoy a healthy Pecan Pie."

And about the coconut:

"What could be more enticing than a slice of Coconut Cream Pie...in a bar? Often maligned as unhealthy, coconut oil is free of transfats and cholesterol. What it does have is 50% lauric acid, known for its health-protecting, anti-viral properties. Almonds contribute one of the best plant sources of fiber and protein. Cashews, full of iron and zinc, can enhance your immune functions. Finally, a Coconut Cream Pie that's good for you!"

Photo credit: Larabar
 
So if for some reason you are behind in your fruit and nut intake, I recommend giving these a try. It's also nice to have some healthier options on hand for when you just feel like grabbing something easy.

As is always the case, I am not compensated for any referrals unless specifically stated.  I just enjoy sharing the products I like and that make my life a little easier (and tastier).

Hot Product Shout Out - Sauce Edition

As a general rule, there are no pre-packaged or convenience foods in my house (toaster waffles excepted, school mornings can be tight sometimes).  But, there are some products I just love and have to have every once in a while.

Today's shout out is not a bargain item either, but it is so worth the price.  I'm sure I can make it myself, but ya know, sometimes easy just fits with the mood of the day.

Enter Rao's Arrabbiata sauce!  At $8 a jar retail price, this is a splurge for sure (I can make at least a gallon of homemade sauce for that price), but it is oh so good.  I prepared some whole wheat linguine and while heating the sauce, I threw in a pound of cleaned shrimp (tails off), heated for 10 minutes and served over the pasta with a side of garlic bread made with a whole wheat olive bread from a "new to me" farmer's market.  Yummy!!  It was so good that the four of us ate nearly the entire pound of pasta with this fabulous sauce.  There is a bit of heat to it, just enough to make it the perfect pairing for seafood.

So if you are ever in the pasta sauce aisle in search of something for a quickie dinner, skip the Ragu and give Rao's a try - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Photo credit: Rao's

Any other pre-packaged products out there you cooks use that I should try?