a delicious treat...i mean dinner.

Ya'll ready for this?

Today I'm sharing with you the recipe that we enjoyed as our Valentine's Day dinner.  Because honestly I was looking forward to this yummy pasta way more than any little chocolate treat.  It is Tuesday and this food is long gone... now I'm hungry.

Anyway.... here goes!

I found this recipe years ago using Kraft Foods.  I keep a messy little binder full of recipe printouts.  This one happens to have the date stamp on it... I printed it originally in 2006.  that's how much we love it...we've hung on to it for awhile!! 

It is honestly pretty easy and doesn't involve too many ingredients.  Those are my favorite kinds of recipes... it won't cost a whole lot and I won't have to spend hours in the kitchen to prepare.  This is oh so tasty.

This is what my kitchen looks like when I'm cooking. A mess. A delicious mess.

So. Here's what you'll need:

• 1/2 lb. fettuccine, uncooked (we use the entire box instead of half - obviously yours will be creamier if you only use half of the pasta we do!)
• 4 oz. (1/2 of an 8oz block) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed
• 1/3 cup Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 3/4 cup milk (we use skim)
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 tsp. white pepper
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

How to make it:

1. Cook the pasta as directed

2. While the pasta is cooking, cook all the remaining ingredients in a saucepan on low heat until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is well blended.  Stir occasionally.  

(The Kraft recipe leaves the nutmeg for the end to sprinkle on top...but at our house we like to just mix it right in with everything else!)

3. Drain the cooked pasta and return to the pan.  Add the sauce and toss to coat.

4. Eat it all.

Before you eat all of it, make yourself a hefty bowl and step outside to take pictures of it.  Because I'm sure that's totally normal behavior.  Well in my house it is. ;)

This is not a the lowest calorie meal so we tend to save it for special occasions.  But I promise you will not be disappointed.  If you happen to try it, come back and comment, I'd love to hear what you thought about one of our favorites!!

This is what my bowl looked like after two servings. De.Lish.

A couple of additional tips for you...

Sometimes we'll grill up some chicken to put on top... although this meal can be pretty filling on its own... the chicken on top is extra delicious!  And... although this reheats just fine, it is best enjoyed when it is fresh. So save your calories for the day and give yourself a pass to really indulge.  If you won't be having two servings like I did, try and add a splash of milk before warming the leftovers in the microwave.  And then enjoy again!

For those that are interested, here's the nutritional information according how we make the recipe at home.

Servings: 6

Per Serving:

382 calories

43g carbs

16g fat

12g protein

246mg sodium

2g sugar

Enjoy your day my friends!