I told you that the "Just Grilled Chicken Strips" at Trader's Joe's are a freezer must have. Here's an easy and great recipe using them for fajitas. Tuesday is "Taco Night" at my house and this fajita recipe is a great addition.

Here's what you need.........

1lb bag Just Grilled Chicken Strips
1 bag Frozen Tricolor Bell Pepper(brand name is melange a trios @trader joe's)
1 Small Onion Sliced
1 Chopped Jalapeno (optional)
1T Olive Oil
21 salute seasoning to taste (this is a Trader Joe's seasoning)

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Place all ingredients on a heated grill pan. Cook ingredients to desired temperature and texture.

I also create an easy condiment bar for this meal which includes: Organic Flour Tortillas, Brown Rice Tortilla Chips, Shredded Lettuce, Chopped Tomatoes, Shredded 3 Cheese Blend, Fire Roasted Tomato Salsa and Fresh Guacamole (this is a pre-made item as well). All of these items can be found ……. You guessed it. At TRADER JOE'S!!!

This meal take about 20 minutes to prepare and it cost about $16.00 for the entire meal. You can feed anywhere from 6 to 8 people (depending on their appetite). Remember you can double this recipe if you need to feed more. Or add a 1lb of ground turkey or beef season with taco seasoning for the entire "Taco Night" experience. This addition will only cost you $5.00 or so. Depending on the cost and the type of meat you choose.

This is the simplest "Taco Night" you will ever have and it doesn't have to be on a Tuesday.


Look for more from Food Junkie soon

As a working mother of two, I don't have time to stand over the stove for hours preparing dinner. I really don't have a lot of time to grocery shop as well. So I came up with some nutritious meals that are ready in an instant. And you don't have to run to tons of specialty stores to have a gourmet dinner. Plus your children will love them!!

I'm not sure how many of you are familiar with a specialty store called "Trader Joe's". If you have one in your city it is a must that you shop there. It's economical and all the items that they carry have none of those yucky preservatives that aren't good for you or your children. One of my favorite items from "Trader Joe's" is their "Just Grilled Chicken Strips". It comes in a 1lb bag and cost $4.69 per bag. This is a "MUST HAVE" for your freezer.

I hope you and your family enjoy this simple recipe that I'm about to share with you.

Well let's get to the recipes...........

Lemon Artichoke Chicken Pasta

1lb frozen "Just Grilled Chicken Strips"
16oz Lemon Artichoke Pesto
1bag frozen Broccoli
16oz Spaghetti
1/4c White Wine (you can sub chicken broth as well)
1 small onion sliced (optional)
1t olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Prepare spaghetti per instructions on the box or bag. Please remember to add salt to your water and bring water to a complete broil before you add the pasta. Unlike most myths in preparing pasta, don't add any oil to the water. This will just build a film on the pasta and prevent the pesto from evenly distributing on pasta when mixed together.

On a grill pan heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil and then add your chicken strips, broccoli and sliced onion. Heat on grill for about 10 minutes or until chicken and broccoli mixture is heated through.

Once pasta is completed and well drained. Add the chicken and broccoli mixture to the pot. Then add the pesto along with the 1/4 cup of white wine. Mix together until all ingredients all combine well and heat through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add a salad along with garlic bread and you will have a complete meal.

This meal takes about 35 minutes the first time you make it. But after you make it a few times it will take you less time than that. This recipe serves about 6 people. Kids also love this meal they don't have a clue that it has artichokes in it. Add some parmesan cheese to the top and they will forget about the broccoli as well.

This is also a great meal to serve for a dinner party its economical and stress free. This entire meal including salad and bread runs about $6.00 per person. Have your guest bring the wine and you'll have a great time.

Stay tuned for more great recipes,
Food Junkie