Date Night at Home - Rigatoni & Chicken Bolognese

Throughout the wedding planning process, it's easy to get caught up in the craziness of our daily lives. We sometimes forget to just sit back and relax, and spend some time with our beloved. Once a week, you and your hubby-to-be should do date night at home. Earn his devotion by whipping up a meal for him, have him cook for you or even better, cook together once a week - this is always quality time spent.

Choosing the right meal can be tricky though - you want to make something your man will love, but you don't want to walk away feeling too full. This recipe for rigatoni and chicken bolognese is just the one to strike that balance. Serve it with a yummy side salad and don't forget dessert or after dinner drinks!

Rigatoni & Chicken Bolognese
Ingredients
1 pound ground chicken breast
16-ounce can tomato sauce
6-ounce can tomato paste
½ cup water
1 large carrot, finely chopped
½ onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1½ teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 pound rigatoni
Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
In a stockpot, combine the ground chicken, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, carrot, onion, garlic, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Cover, and simmer over medium heat for an hour, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaf, and stir in parsley. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni, and toss with sauce. Serve with grated Parmesan.

Hearts of Palm, Endive and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
1 4-ounce can hearts of palm, cut into ½-inch slices
1 head endive, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and black pepper
Directions
In a medium bowl, combine the hearts of palm, endive, and avocado. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with the  lemon juice. Gently (careful not to mush the avocado) toss the dressing with salad, and season with salt and pepper.

Thanks to Cosmopolitan.com for this great recipe!