And it's Ladies Night.

This past Thursday my roommate Kristen and I hosted the 4th Annual Girl Power Valentine's Day Soiree. This party has become a fun tradition for my college girlfriends and I. Started when a few of us girls were going through men problems of our own, we banded together on Valentine's Day to celebrate the best relationships in life...those with our girlfriends. Our night was filled with lots of wine, yummy food (Sorelle desserts...sigh), girl anthems (Kelly Clarkson anyone?), and plenty of laughs.

Note the Girl Power sign

We started with brie cups and red pepper dip, and for dinner Kristen cooked one of our favorite SkinnyTaste meals: Spaghetti with sauteed chicken and grape tomatoes. It's light, easy, and tastes amazing. 

• 2 skinless chicken breast halves, diced in 1 inch cubes
• cooking spray
• 1/2 tsp each of dried oregano and dried basil
• kosher salt and fresh pepper
• 8 oz spaghetti (Ronzoni Smart Taste)
• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 6 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
• 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.

Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano and basil. Heat a large skillet on high heat. When hot, spray with oil and add chicken. Cook about 3-4 minutes, until no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

While pasta cooks,  add olive oil to skillet on high heat. Add garlic and sauté until golden brown (do not burn). Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté about 4-5 minutes. When pasta is drained, add pasta to tomatoes and tosswell. If pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water. Add fresh basil and chicken and toss well. Serve and top with good grated cheese.

foto

We finished the evening with my favorite part of the Annual Girl Power Soiree: The Reading of the Quotes. A basket full of special quotes is passed around the table. One after another we read each quote until there are none left in the basket. I think the best thing about the quote reading is the mandatory "snaps" that follow each quote. Here's a special few that have been included in our celebration each year:


"No Men, Amen!!"


...Love this one


"A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water"


...ain't that the truth?

I had such a great time with some very incredible, talented, and powerful women. Even days after the dinner I am still feeling the "Girl Power" (I swear it's the reason I've gotten through a whole MCAT study chapter after work!). Thanks to all the girlies who participated. This dinner with you all always makes me happy :)