Okay, Let's Get Cooking!
I'm so excited to share this collection of gluten-free lunch and dinner favorites with you. These aren't just recipes; they're the cornerstone of my week, the dishes that make me feel happy, healthy, and oh-so-satisfied. And trust me, even if you're not strictly gluten-free, you'll find these flavors irresistible.
I remember when I first went gluten-free, it felt like the world of food shrunk! Everywhere I turned, there was wheat, lurking in the most unexpected places. But that's what ignited my passion for recreating (and improving!) my old favorites. And now, I'm so thrilled to share these victories with you. So grab your apron, and let's dive in!
Savory Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken with Roasted Root Vegetables
This dish is my go-to for a comforting weeknight meal. It's ridiculously easy yet feels so special. Honestly, the aroma alone is enough to win anyone over!
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium potatoes (such as Yukon gold or red), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 sweet potato peeled and cut in 1 inch pieces
- Optional: 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get all your lovely veggies chopped and ready. I usually pile mine on a plate to avoid any chaos while cooking!
- Chicken Magic: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, and minced garlic. This fragrant mixture is your chicken armor.
- Massage Time: Place the chicken in a large baking dish or roasting pan (a roasting pan with a rack makes cleanup a breeze!). Use your hands (it's okay, get messy!) to rub the herb mixture all over the chicken, inside and out. Make sure to lift the wings and legs to get every surface covered.
- Veggie Delight: Scatter the onion, carrots, parsnips, sweet potato and potatoes around the chicken in the roasting pan. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the veggies and add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Roast Away: Slide the pan into the preheated oven. If you have fresh herbs, now's the time to toss those on top! Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Make sure to roast until the centre of each veggie feels tender when pierced with a fork as well. The skin of the chicken is also nice and crispy when it's done.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra juicy and tender. Serve with your roasted vegetables. You can drizzle some of the pan juices over it, too, for extra flavor!
Tips & Tricks:
- Veggie Variety: Feel free to add other root vegetables like rutabaga or turnips, or even some Brussels sprouts, depending on what you have on hand or are feeling.
- Citrus Boost: Sliced lemon or orange added to the inside of your chicken will also add a bright touch while cooking.
- Crispy Skin Secret: Want extra crispy skin? Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes but keep a close eye to avoid burning. And make sure there's enough liquid, in the pan to avoid burning the vegetables.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: If you're a mega-garlic fan, don't be shy about adding more minced garlic to the rub.
Zesty Shrimp Scampi with Gluten-Free Pasta
This recipe makes me feel like I'm dining at a fancy Italian restaurant, but it's really quick and easy to throw together. It's bright, flavorful, and satisfying, all in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) - can be skipped if you dont want the alcohol. Substitute with more broth.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice - plus more for serving, if desired.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces gluten-free spaghetti or linguine
- Optional: grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Pasta Time: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gluten-free pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember, gluten-free pasta tends to cook quickly and can turn mushy, so don't overcook!
- Garlicky Bliss: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet ( a good non-stick skillet is your best friend here!) over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and saute for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
- Shrimp it Up: Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. If using white wine, pour it in and let it cook for about two minutes, until it reduces slightly.
- Sauce Sensation: Add the chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavours blend nicely.
- Parsley Power: Stir in the fresh chopped parsley and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want extra lemon, this is a great time to add a squeeze.
- Combine & Serve: Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the shrimp scampi sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley. If you like, sprinkle a little parmesan on top. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips & Tricks:
- Shrimp Secrets: For the best results, get good-quality shrimp and don't overcook it. Cook it just until it's opaque pink and slightly curled.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like a bit of extra heat.
- Lemon Love: Don't skimp on the fresh lemon juice; it's what makes this dish bright and zingy. A lemon zester/grater can come in hand for creating beautiful lemon zest garnish for your dishes.
- Herb Options: If you are in a pinch, dried parsley will work but fresh parsley is best. You can also try adding other fresh herbs, like tarragon or basil, for a fresh and different flavour.
- Garlic Lovers Unite: You can use fresh garlic or jarred minced garlic. If using jarred make sure to add it at the end to avoid it from burning in the skillet.
Recipe Card
Savory Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken with Root Veggies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium potatoes (such as Yukon gold or red), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
- Rub mixture all over chicken.
- Scatter vegetables around the chicken in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
- Rest chicken 10-15 min. Serve!
Zesty Shrimp Scampi with Gluten-Free Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through,2-3 minutes per side.
- Add wine(optional) then broth and lemon juice. Simmer 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Toss cooked pasta with sauce. Serve!
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing these gluten-free recipes with your loved ones. Cooking should be fun, and these are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Happy cooking!
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