Savvy Bites... Make Ahead Freezer Meals

When the cooler weather hits, before the holiday season gets crazy, and now with two kids in school, I like to fill my freezer with some easy pre-made entrees for easy week night dinners or quick on the fly entertaining.  But most recently two of my close friends have just had babies so I like to gift them with making dinner one night to visit and see the baby and also deliver 2-3 freezer meals for them to enjoy later when having a small baby in the house can trump eating a good dinner!  It literally takes a nap time 

{2 hours} to throw these meals together.

Here is one of my three go-tos for freezing

{the other 2 are listed below also!}

Chicken and Zucchini Stuffed Shells with Pesto Sauce

Makes 6-12 {2-4 shells per person}

Stuffing

16 oz {4 cups} cooked chicken, shredded 

{I broil mine with sprayed olive oil and S&P}

1 med zucchini, shredded

1 sm-med red bell pepper, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella 

1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese

1 tbsp S&P each

2 tsp cayenne pepper {or a little more if you would like}

Sauce

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

1 1/2 fat free milk

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup homemade pesto sauce {or store bought pesto}

S&P to taste

24 large past shells

1/2 mozzerella for topping 

Print Recipe

Broil and shred chicken

Shred zucchini and chop pepper.  Mix in with chicken.  

Mix in cheese and seasonings.

 Spoon stuffing into shells.

Place in a freezer/oven safe 9x13 dish.

To make the sauce:

Make a rue with the butter and flour.

Add milk and chicken broth and bring to a bubble.

Let sauce thicken...  whisking every few minutes

 Stir in pesto, S&P to taste.  Spoon over shells and top with mozzarella.

**If cooking day of**

Place in oven for 30-35 minutes until cheese on top is melted and slightly brown and shells are warmed through.

**If freezing**

To cook defost shells and cook in a 375 degree oven for 30-35 minutes until cheese on top is melted and slightly brown and shells are warmed through.

To cook frozen place in a 400 degree oven for 45-60 minutes until cheese on top is melted and slightly brown and shells are warmed through

Two of my other favorites to have on hand in the freezer or gift to a friend 

Baked Pasta with Sausage

Stuffed Peppers with Turkey & Quinoa 

Enjoy!!