Holiday Pairings for Effortless Entertaining

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I can’t believe we’re only days away from the start of the holiday season and I can’t wait. This year I’ll be hosting a good chunk of holiday gatherings at my house and I’m getting my hosting game on point with easy holiday pairings.  I don’t know about you, but for me the holidays are more about having a good time and making memories, than they are about slaving away trying to make everything perfect.  And inspired by The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon, I’ve come up with some great holiday pairings that will have you spending more time chit chatting and topping off your guests’ glasses, than huddled in the kitchen.

Holiday Pairings for Effortless Entertaining - yoursassyself.com

My friends and I are huge cab fans, and the one from The Dreaming Tree is not only a cool, sustainable, collaboration with Dave Matthews (yes the musician/artist), but it’s definitely elegant and supple.  That’s why I choose to pair it with my one pot – Bacon Mushroom Pesto Barilla Pronto Pasta 

Bacon Mushroom Pesto Pasta - yoursassyself.com

and the Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Cookie Collection.

Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Cookie Collection - yoursassyself.com

You totally have to give it a try because the bacon, mushrooms, pesto and chocolate stand up beautifully to the structure of this cab.  Here’s what you’ll need for this fab, hearty, easy to prepare, one pot pasta.

Ingredients for Bacon Mushroom Pesto Pasta - yoursassyself.com

Ingredients

1 box Barilla® Pronto™ Penne
3 cups cold water
As much of your favorite pesto to coat the pasta  (I used 2 cups of my cilantro basil pesto)
1 lb cooked bacon, chopped
8 oz of your favorite mushrooms, sliced and sautéed (I used baby bellas)
1 cup fresh spinach, julienned
salt to taste

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Pour the whole box of pasta into a large, deep skillet, add 3 cups of cold water – ensuring that the water covers the pasta – and salt to taste (about 1/2 a tsp).

Cooking Barilla Pronto Pasta - yoursassyself.com

Cook on high, stirring regularly, until most of the water is absorbed and desired pasta texture is reached.

Stirring Barilla Pronto Pasta - yoursassyself.com

Then toss in the pesto, bacon, mushrooms, spinach and stir.

Building Bacon Mushroom Pesto Pasta - yoursassyself.com

That’s right, you can mix it all in together because the Barilla Pronto Pasta requires no draining.

Bacon, Mushroom, Pesto Pasta - yoursassyself.com

And voila, your one pot meal is ready to be plated and served with a nice glass of The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Sauvignon and the Pepperidge Farm Chocolate Cookie Collection, which has something for everyone.

Effortless Entertaining - yoursassyself.com

Talk about a scrumpalicious, effortless meal packed with flavors.  Here’s a quick video to show you just how easy this all really is.

And you can find everything for your holiday entertaining at your neighborhood Walmart. Including a great selection of premium wines like The Dreaming Tree, at amazing prices.

Shopping for holiday entertaining needs at Walmart - yoursassyself.com

So check them out for yourself.  They’re hosting wine tastings and Barilla & Pepperidge Farm demos through December. Just visit the Simple Entertaining Hub to find out more about a tasting or pairing event at a Walmart near you.

What are your favorite effortless holiday recipes, tips or tricks!

Rocio Chavez
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57 Comments

  1. I love Pesto with pasta – this looks delicious and when paired with that Dreaming Tree Cabernet, I’m sure it’s even more delicious. What a great go-to meal this holiday season! [client]

  2. Me and my friend was really love pasta on holiday. they will be going here in my house and i will cook this recipe. Thanks for sharing

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