Gina's Italian Kitchen

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken with Pasta

2026-03-15T16:37:00.003-04:00

Photo source: The Recipe Critic

"This recipe only uses 5 ingredients! And one is a bottle of Olive Garden salad dressing. The dressing is SO GOOD, and when you mix it with the chicken and cheeses, it takes it to a whole new level! I also love that you just throw in some cooked pasta again, and the meal is done! My kids go crazy over this and are so impatient that they want to just eat it straight out of the crockpot!" Comments from The Recipe Critic

Sounds like a winner to me and I am ready to try it!

Click here to go to The Recipe Critic recipe page.

Blueberry and Cream Cheese Coffee Cake Muffins

2026-03-15T16:27:00.006-04:00

Photo source: Better Homes and Gardens

"A surprise pocket of cream cheese tucked inside these blueberry muffins balances the sweet streusel topping and juicy berries. This take on classic coffee cake makes an ideal weekday breakfast or thoughtful food gift. We'll walk you through how to make the muffins including our Test Kitchen's tips for making the homemade muffins up to three months ahead." Comment from Better Homes and Gardens

These muffins are definitely a step above regular muffins and I am ready to try them!

Click here to go to the Better Homes and Gardens recipe page.

Freezer-Friendly Mini Chicken Pot Pies

2026-03-15T16:17:00.003-04:00

Photo source: Pillsbury

"We're obsessed with these Freezer-Friendly Mini Chicken Pot Pies, and here's why: They have all the great flavors of a full-size pie (like our beloved Classic Chicken Pot Pie), but with the added convenience and flexibility of smaller portion sizes. Bake as many as you need at a time for an easy meal!" Comments from Pillsbury

What is not to like about these mini chicken pot pies? Chicken pot pie is one of my favorite things and I am so happy to continue finding awesome variations. I really like that you can make a big batch, freeze them and take out only what you need at the time. Genius idea! Thank you Pillsbury!

Click here to go to the Pillsbury recipe page.

Chicken Pot Pie

2026-03-15T16:14:00.001-04:00

Photo source: Pillsbury

One of my favorite comfort food meals is Chicken Pot Pie. As a child, I would beg my mom to buy lots of those frozen chicken pot pies for lunch when I was home for the summer . . . and I would eat one every day if I had my say. I still could!

I've given up the frozen pot pies and have moved up to semi-homemade chicken pot pie, using Campbell's Cream of Chicken Soup, chicken, vegetables and a refrigerated pie crust. So much better than the frozen ones.

Even better is made from scratch chicken pot pie for those days you want to linger in the chicken and make something special. Semi-homemade is awesome, but made from scratch is super awesome!

Here is a good semi-homemade . . .

Click here to go to Pillsbury's recipe page.

Cornbread Stuffing Chicken Casserole

2026-03-15T14:18:00.000-04:00

ORIGINALLY POSTED JANUARY 24, 2014

This is comfort food at its best for me! It doesn't get easier than the convenience of the "cream of" soups and cornbread stuffing mix for a quick and delicious meal. This is also a very versatile recipe!

You will keep coming back to this chicken casserole over and over again . . . it is so good! I make mine with or without sour cream, but add one more can of my favorite type of "cream of" soup (chicken) if the sour cream is not used.

For some variation, add some steamed broccoli and substitute cream of broccoli soup for the listed soup. Another variation for mushroom lovers would be cream of mushroom soup with fresh mushrooms.

In my opinion, the cream of celery and cream of chicken makes the best gravy, however, use what you like! We found that using sour cream makes it even creamier. Stove Top Stuffing Mix is what I prefer to use.

The prep work for this meal is so easy and a great recipe for a beginning cook who wants great results with little effort or cooking skills. We used shredded precooked chicken, but it would be just as easy to pull out some frozen chicken tenderloins and quickly pan fry them before putting the casserole together.

The casserole itself is delicious with awesome creaminess, with or without sour cream. The Captain mentioned that he loved the way the stuffing on the top made an awesome crunchy topping, while some of it blended in with the creamy mixture. Very nice combination!

This casserole is perfect for pot luck meals! Try it . . . you'll probably love it!

Ingredients

Cooked chicken, cut up in bite sized pieces
(the equivalent of a whole chicken)
8 oz sour cream or another can of "Cream of" soup
1 can Cream of Chicken soup
1 can Cream of Celery soup
1 box cornbread stuffing, uncooked
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 stick melted butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350.

Place chicken in the bottom of the dish (9 x 13).

Mix the "cream of" soups and sour cream (if you choose to use the sour cream). Spread over the chicken.

Place the uncooked cornbread stuffing over the soup mixture. Heat in the microwave . . . the broth and melted butter until butter is melted and pour over all of the casserole.

Bake uncovered at 350° for 30 minutes. Serves approximately 6 - 8.

Chicken Shepherd's Pie

2026-03-14T10:05:00.006-04:00

Photo source: Just A Pinch

"Thick and creamy, this chicken shepherd's pie is a comforting dish. There are a few steps, but the final result is worth the dirty pots. The chicken and veggie base is held together with a thick, rich sauce. This shepherd's pie's flavors are similar to a pot pie, but instead of a crust, there's buttery homemade mashed potatoes. A bit of melted shredded cheese is a delicious final touch." Comment from Just A Pinch

The description alone makes me want to try this! This is a meal I could eat every day.

Click here to go to the Just A Pinch recipe page.

Cheesy Chicken Crescent Roll

2026-03-14T09:56:00.003-04:00

Photo source: Just A Pinch

"Colder weather means comfort food, and these stuffed crescent rolls are comfort food all the way. This dinner is super easy to make - great for a weeknight meal. It's a cross between chicken noodle soup and chicken dumplings. Kids are going to love this. Easy dinner on a cold day." Comment from Just A Pinch

Love to have another chicken and "cream of" soup since they are generally fast, easy and delicious. Looks like a winner to me!

Click here to go to the Just A Pinch recipe page.

Butter Pecan Toffee Cookies

2026-03-13T15:14:00.007-04:00

Photo source: Restless Chipotle

"These butter pecan toffee cookies are chewy, buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet-with crispy edges and soft centers that practically hum a lullaby when you pull them out of the oven." Comment from Restless Chipotle

The description and the name of these cookies has me convinced they are a winner and I must try!

Click here to go to the Restless Chipotle recipe page.

Baked Enchiritos

2026-03-13T14:47:00.002-04:00

Photo source: The Country Cook

"These Baked Enchiritos are filled with seasoned beef and beans, smothered in enchilada sauce, and topped with melted cheese for an easy dinner." Comment from The Country Cook

I'm happy that I have just found Brandie's website, The Country Cook! This recipe looks absolutely delicious. The combination of ingredients is perfect, but I would add some finely chopped poblano peppers that I add to many recipes. This recipe is a winner!!

Click here to go to The Country Cook recipe page. Thank you Brandie!!

Lemon Pepper Chicken

2026-03-13T14:15:00.002-04:00

Photo source: Natasha's Kitchen

"This Lemon Pepper Chicken is a fun and easy 15-minute, one-pan dinner that everyone in my family loves. The lemon-pepper butter sauce adds bright citrus flavor to every bite of juicy chicken, and it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite." Comment from Natasha's Kitchen

Love having different variations of lemon pepper chicken since I love it! Natasha's version sounds delicious and looks pretty tasty too.

Click here to go to the Natasha's Kitchen recipe page.

Almond Chicken Casserole

2026-03-13T14:01:00.000-04:00

Photo source: Taste of Home

ORIGINALLY POSTED FEBRUARY 2014

Corn flake and almond topping sounds yummy! I also love the combination of all the ingredients. Water chestnuts along with the topping provides lots of crunch. Another one of those "comfort food" chicken meals!

This recipe originally comes from one of my favorite recipe sources, The Taste of Home. I still refer to my treasured collection of annual cookbooks that I've had forever.

Click here to go to the Taste of Home recipe page.

Coconut Cream Pie Cookie Cups

2026-03-12T09:29:00.000-04:00

Photo source: Mom On Timeout

"These Coconut Cream Pie Cookie Cups have a creamy coconut custard nestled inside crisp sugar cookie cups and are topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut. Delectable little mini coconut cream pies that are perfect for any occasion!" Comment from Mom On Timeout

They look as good as I imagine them to be. Looks like a winner!

Click here to go to the Mom On Timeout recipe page.

Orange Cake

2026-03-12T08:38:00.001-04:00

Photo source: The First Year Blog

"This homemade orange cake is light, moist, and packed with bright citrus flavor. Sweet-and-tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch!" Comment from The First Year Blog

Love citrus desserts and this Orange Cake sounds delicious!

Click here to go to The First Year Blog recipe page.

Stuffed Peppers - Philly Cheesesteak Style

2026-03-12T08:24:00.001-04:00

Photo source: Cheap Cooking

Stuffed peppers is one of my favorite meals.

I love the peppers sliced and cooked sideways . . . great idea!

This recipe comes from Cheap Cooking.

Click here to go to the recipe page.

Roasted Broccoli Hummus

2026-03-12T08:01:00.002-04:00

Photo source: NotWithoutSalt.com

ORIGINALLY POSTED APRIL 2011

A while back I promised to feature more hummus recipes, but I got back on my bad eating habits and ventured back to fried foods and sweets. One of my favorite foods is broccoli and the addition of white beans to make up this hummus is delicious!

The website that originally posted this recipe is no longer on the internet.

Makes 2 cups

1 15 oz can white beans

½ pound roasted broccoli (recipe follows)

2 garlic cloves, roasted (these are roasted with the broccoli – sweet on the outside with a pleasant garlic heat internally)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon Tahini

salt

Add all the ingredients to a food processor or blender. Add a little bit of water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to help blend and to achieve desired consistency. Taste and add salt.

Can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Roasted Broccoli

1 pound broccoli florets

¼ teaspoon chili flakes

4 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

Pre-heat oven to 400*

Scatter broccoli across a parchment lined sheet tray. Do not overcrowd the tray as this will cause steaming rather than roasting. Add chili flakes, garlic, olive oil, and salt. Stir to coat.

Roast 20 minutes or until cooked through with parts of the florets having a nice bit of char.

Let cool slightly.

Source: Not Without Salt

Ina's Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

2026-03-12T07:48:00.001-04:00

Photo source: Food Network

Originally posted March 2011

Ina Garten of Food Network's Barefoot Contessa is one of my favorite chefs. I was watching her show where she prepared a 30th wedding anniversary meal for Jeffrey. She made the most awesome little chocolate wedding cake, it was so cute! The buttercream frosting she made included many ingredients that I have not used in a chocolate frosting, so I wanted to make sure that I didn't lose the recipe.

Click here to go to the Food Network recipe page.

Moo Shu Pork Stir-Fry

2026-03-11T17:46:00.000-04:00

Photo source: Taste of Home

This is a delicious moo shu pork recipe that I adapted to meet our family’s tastes. Cutting the ingredients into small pieces makes for a very quick stir-fry. Comment from Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin for Taste of Home

Looks delicious! I have never had moo shu stir fry, but I'd love to try it.

Click here to go to the Taste of Home recipe page.

Pork Chop Steaks

2026-03-11T17:38:00.000-04:00

Photo source: All Recipes

"This poor man's "steak" is really bone-in pork chops prepared to taste as rich and indulgent as steak, with mushrooms and a luscious, buttery pan sauce." Comment from All Recipes

Perfect!!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.

Skillet Pork Chops

2026-03-11T17:26:00.000-04:00

Photo source: Taste of Home

"Skillet pork chops are just the thing when you want a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort and minimal cleanup. All of the cooking takes place in the skillet, and when the chops are done you’ll serve from there as well." Comment from Taste of Home

Those pork chops look awesome, they are only missing mushrooms, in my opinion.

Click here to go to the Taste of Home recipe page.

Pork Carnitas (Mexican Slow Cooker Pulled Pork)

2026-03-11T16:10:00.005-04:00

Photo source: House of Nash Eats

"This recipe for crispy Mexican slow cooker pork carnitas was shared with me by a friend and it’s become one of those dishes I return to again and again. Quite simply, it’s freaking amazing and makes the most delicious carnitas I have had this side of the border.

I made a few tweaks to the recipe over the years, but the flavors are still authentic. Everything simmers in the slow cooker all day, making the pork super tender, then the carnitas are broiled in the oven, which makes the meat crispy and delicious.

That crispy outer texture with the tender juicy interior is what really makes these pork carnitas and not just slow roasted Mexican pork, so definitely do not skip this step!"

Comments from Amy of House of Nash Eats

Those pork carnitas are perfect!! Love that they are made in the slow cooker and I can imagine how tender the pork is.

Click here to go to the House of Nash Eats recipe page.

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Shrimp

2026-03-11T15:41:00.000-04:00

Photo source: All Recipes

"These air fryer shrimp are easy to make and can be served with a salad or on top of rice or pasta. They are also great as a cold appetizer." Comment from All Recipes

I would love to just have a pile of that shrimp!!

Click here to go to the All Recipes recipe page.

Gina's Sour Cream Pound Cake

2026-03-11T15:23:00.001-04:00

There were many women in my life who influenced my cooking starting when I was a very young little girl. Cooking always fascinated me. One of these ladies was my next door neighbor who I called "Aunt Dot", a southern belle from North Carolina who taught me how to cook some of my best dessert and bread recipes. Thank God I had the good sense to write many of her recipes down since I still use many of them to this day. She was one of the best cooks ever!

This recipe is my variation of Aunt Dot's recipe for Sour Cream Pound Cake. I have made this since I was a teenager, when I was just learning how to cook and experimenting to make my recipes uniquely mine. This is one of my best recipes!

Sorry, I have no photos . . .

INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter or margarine
3 cups sugar
6 eggs, separated
3 cups flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 - 8 oz. carton sour cream
1/4 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond flavoring

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325 degrees

Cream butter and 2 cups sugar.

Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well
after each addition.

Sift flour, soda and salt twice.

Add to creamed mixture alternatively
with sour cream.

Beat egg whites until stiff and add last
cup of sugar.

Mix and fold gently into batter.

Blend in flavoring.

Bake in a greased and floured tube pan for
1 to 1 1/2 hour.

Flour pans with 1 tbsp flour and 1 tbsp powdered sugar.

I bake for about an hour, checking for a golden brown crust.

Let stand 15 minutes before removing from pan.

I have experimented with this recipe by
using different flavored extracts and flavoring,
but none came close to the almond flavoring.

For best results, use extracts instead of flavoring
. . . it makes a big difference in flavor.

Five Flavor Pound Cake

2026-03-11T15:01:00.004-04:00

Photo source: Bake or Break

"If you’ve ever flipped through a community or church cookbook, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a recipe for five flavor pound cake tucked among the classics. I’ve always been drawn to its charming name and its promise of big flavor in a simple Bundt. This cake definitely lives up to the hype.

With a rich, buttery base and the bold combination of five different extracts (vanilla, almond, coconut, lemon, and rum), it’s a celebration of old-school baking at its best. At first glance, the combination might seem a little odd, almost like a flavor experiment. But somehow, it works, blending into something sweet, warm, and wonderfully nostalgic.

It’s the kind of cake that works for any occasion, whether you’re bringing dessert to a potluck or just baking something special for yourself." Comments from Bake or Break

Can't imagine how good this pound cake is just with the combination of all those extracts.

Click here to go to the Bake or Break recipe page.

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

2026-03-11T14:40:00.004-04:00

Photo source: Bake or Break

"Banana bread is quite likely the most popular quick bread variety—and as with any popular baked good, there are a whole lot of variations on the original. From Brown Butter Banana Bread to Dulce de Leche Banana Bread and Chai Caramel Banana Bread, you can put endless spins on banana bread, and this peanut butter banana bread is my current favorite.

Essentially, it takes a basic banana bread recipe and adds a generous amount of rich, creamy peanut butter. The result? An elevated flavor and texture, for even more deliciousness. (Plus, the peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats, so it’s a solid addition from a health standpoint too.)

A bit of cinnamon adds some warmth to the mix, while chopped nuts give the bread just the right amount of crunch. And, as with traditional banana bread, this recipe can be customized with a number of different add-ins and toppings." Comments from Bake or Break

Peanut Butter Banana Bread sounds like a definite winner to me!

Click here to go to the Bake or Break recipe page.

Crispy Roasted Parmesan Chickpeas

2026-03-11T13:25:00.002-04:00

Photo source: Peas and Crayons

"You can season them any which way, makes them a perfect pairing for just about any dish you can come up with. I’m a super huge fan of tossing them with taco seasoning and serving them on top of tacos/tostadas and though I always intend on topping leafy green salads with these crunchy little nuggets, but I often wind up eating the tray by the handful as a wildly addictive snack! They’re even great with soup! " Comment from Peas and Crayons

I've been meaning to make these roasted chickpeas!

Click here to go to the Peas and Crayons recipe page.