The recipe for "Chicken Broccoli Shells" pairs beautifully with the book "Violeta" by Isabel Allende and the beverage "Green Apple Martini." This trio works well together as "Violeta's" captivating narrative mirrors the comforting richness of the Chicken Broccoli Shells, providing a perfect backdrop for a cozy evening. The drink choice, a Green Apple Martini, complements the refreshing notes of the broccoli, bringing a delightful balance to these flavors while echoing Violeta's vivacious and nuanced storytelling.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta shells
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from rotisserie or poached)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Steam the broccoli until tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Mix Everything Together: Gently fold in the cooked pasta shells, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle a bit more cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Violeta
A sweeping epic of one woman’s remarkable life across a century of tumultuous history, telling the story of a resilient woman living through events of the 20th century, rooted in the visible and invisible upheavals of the world.
La épica y emocionante historia de una mujer cuya vida abarca los momentos históricos más relevantes del siglo XX. Desde 1920 -con la llamada «gripe española»- hasta la pandemia de 2020, la vida de Violeta será mucho más que la historia de un siglo. Violeta viene al mundo un tormentoso día de 1920, siendo la primera niña de una familia de cinco bulliciosos hermanos. Desde el principio su vida estará marcada por acontecimientos extraordinarios, pues todavía se sienten las ondas expansivas de la Gran Guerra cuando la gripe española llega a las orillas de su país sudamericano natal, casi en el momento exacto de su nacimiento. Gracias a la clarividencia del padre, la familia saldrá indemne de esta crisis para darse de bruces con una nueva, cuando la Gran Depresión altera la elegante vida urbana que Violeta ha conocido hasta ahora. Su familia lo perderá todo y se verá obligada a retirarse a una región salvaje y remota del país. Allí Violeta alcanzará la mayoría de edad y tendrá su primer pretendiente… En una carta dirigida a una persona a la que ama por encima de todas las demás, Violeta rememora devastadores desengaños amorosos y romances apasionados, momentos de pobreza y también de prosperidad, pérdidas terribles e inmensas alegrías. Moldearán su vida algunos de los grandes sucesos de la historia: la lucha por los derechos de la mujer, el auge y caída de tiranos y, en última instancia, no una, sino dos pandemias. Vista con los ojos de una mujer poseedora de una pasión, una determinación y un sentido del humor inolvidables que la sostienen a lo largo de una vida turbulenta, Isabel Allende nos regala, una vez más, una historia épica furiosamente inspiradora y profundamente emotiva.
Discussion Questions
- How does Violeta’s story reflect the broader historical events she witnesses?
- In what ways does Violeta’s character develop over the course of the novel?
- How does the theme of resilience manifest in Violeta’s life and decisions?
- What role does family play in Violeta's journey?
- How do the changing social and political landscapes affect Violeta’s personal life?
- What does Violeta’s story tell us about the role of women across different eras?
- How does Allende use setting to enhance the narrative?
- In what ways does Violeta’s personal history echo that of broader cultural or national histories?
- Discuss the narrative style of Violeta. How does it affect your perception of the protagonist’s life story?
- How does the ending of the novel tie together the themes presented throughout the book?
Authors:
Isabel Allende
ISBN: 9780593498532
Publisher: PLAZA & JANÉS
Published Date: 2022-01-25
ISBN: 9780593498532
Publisher: PLAZA & JANÉS
Published Date: 2022-01-25
Green Apple Martini
A refreshing cocktail that combines the tangy flavor of green apples with the crispness of vodka and a touch of sweetness, making it an ideal companion for rich dishes and an invigorating sip during your reading session.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz vodka
- 1/2 oz sour apple schnapps
- 1/2 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1/2 oz apple juice
- Green apple slices for garnish
Instructions
- Pour the vodka, sour apple schnapps, Cointreau, and apple juice into a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well to chill.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass.
- Garnish with slices of green apple and serve immediately.