Well, Spring break is finally over. It was definitely a weird week weather wise. All week we had snow on and off and temperatures hovering in the 30s. Saturday on a trip to Grand Rapids we actually drove through a white-out. April 9th and I am driving in a white-out. Thankfully, we made it there and the skies were blue with bright sunshine! What a difference a few miles can make.
Over the past couple of years I have lost several friends and classmates. Yesterday I found out about the death of a wonderful man who I have known my whole life. We lived half a mile apart growing up and our dads worked together. We would attend the same playground and schools as kids. We were in all the musicals and he played my husband in “Damn Yankees.” He was funny, sweet and his presence filled the room. This one hit me hard. I sat in the parking lot reading Facebook and sobbing. We had just gotten in touch through Facebook a few years ago and had planned a reunion for a bunch of us but because of circumstances we ended up cancelling it before it happened. I wish we had done it now. You never know what tomorrow will bring. You think there will always be another hour, day or year to do things. Not always true. Never let anything go unsaid as you leave each other. Make sure your family and loved ones know how much they mean to you.
He leaves behind a wife and three young sons. It makes me think of my children. As life goes on I am thinking about death and dying. My children, my parents, and myself. Have I accomplished all I want to do? If I haven’t then I need to do it today. Hug my children and live life, not to work, but to live.
Awkward lead in to dinner, but that’s what my life feels like right now. Awkward.
Verdict:
I have to say this was an amazing dinner. It doesn’t look like much but everyone kept saying how good it was and how the flavors just work well together. It sounds weird but try it. It really works well together. I think because the pasta cooked in the barbecue sauce, chicken stock and tomatoes it was extra flavorful. I wish you could smell how wonderful this dish was.
I served this with a green side salad for dinner.
Barbecue Chicken Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 1 1/2 lbs. chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes do not drain
- 2 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 1 1/4 cup barbecue sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Honey Barbecue)
- 16 oz. pasta, (I use the Cavatappi)
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Claussen dill pickles, diced (Do not use heat processed dill pickles!)
- fried onion strings
- extra barbecue sauce for garnish
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat cook chicken and onion with the olive oil. Cook until the chicken pieces are just cooked through and add the garlic to the pan. Stir for about 1 minute to become fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes, chicken stock, barbecue sauce, and pasta to the pan. Stir well and bring to a low simmer. Cook stirring often until almost all the “sauce” has cooked into the pasta. This normally takes about 15 or so minutes.
- Remove pan from heat, taste and adjust spices as necessary.
- Serve with a sprinkling of cheese, pickles and fried onion strings over the top and a drizzle of barbecue sauce.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
I’m so sorry for your loss. You captured a lot of what I have been feeling in the last couple of years as well since I have lost at least one close relative every year for the last few years and a few friends I grew up with as well.
On a lighter note, this recipe definitely sounds like a winner and I am going to test it this week so I can use it at a bbq we are hosting in a couple of weeks. Thanks again for another great blog and dinner idea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. I hope you like this meal as well as we did.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for the loss of your friend Marci. Your words only bring true, to live life. Tell our loved ones how we feel, and never or try not leave things for tomorrow. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. Hugs to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry for your loss. It’s so hard losing friends that you share great memories with. Cherish those memories!
Also, this chicken skillet looks really good.
And if you happen to live in the Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo area, my very best friend is a reporter for WWMT!
LikeLike
Thank you. We are actually one hour SW of Kalamazoo but are there 3-4 times a week as my daughter is an Irish dancer and that is the closest school to us. I will have to watch the news next time we are there!
LikeLike
Yes! I have heard many great things about that area of Michigan from her. She just moved back a month ago and I miss her dearly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We moved from NY three years ago and love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for your loss. I tell my husband I love him everyday when he leaves for work, even if I’m mad at him, because you never know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great idea. Sometimes we just don’t think, what if.
LikeLike
what an interesting combination of ingredients. Has to be delish!!!
So sorry to learn of the loss of your friend! Sure puts things in perspective – eh? Cherish the moments! We don’t know how many we will have. Sending hugs from Mars.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. PA? We used to stop there on every trip South from NY.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep. 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your words resonate with many who experience loss of family and friends…One never knows so live for today! Cool recipe Marci!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love bbq sauce and pasta, sounds really good! so sorry for the loss of your friend, you are right, live for now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wasn’t sure at first but it was so flavorful!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does sound different but I can imagine it would be yummy! have to try this
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hope you like it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am sure we will! thanks for the recipe!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no, I am so sorry to hear of your friend’s passing. Things like that do make you take stock in your life. p.s. Claussen pickles are the ONLY pickles I eat! I’m sure they tasted great in this. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. The heated pickles are just NOT the same and don’t taste right at all.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I agree!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry for your loss. Times like this we do look around and appreciate what’s important. In other matters, pickles? Never would have thought to put those in.
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are really good with barbecue sauce. They have to be the cold packed ones though. They others are just not right.
LikeLiked by 1 person