When it comes to connecting with the people we love, food always finds a way to bring us together. Whether it’s a backyard cookout, a Sunday meal with family, or a dish you whip up just because it makes you smile, sharing a recipe can be a sweet reminder of what matters most.

From zesty pasta dishes to potluck-ready desserts, here are some of our summertime favorites, straight from our Villi family to yours.

 

Cajun Cream Chicken Pasta

A favorite that’s perfect for dinner guests, or when you just want something cozy and satisfying after a long day.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, butterflied
  • 1 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp butter (for basting chicken)
  • 2 Tbsp butter (for sauce)
  • 1 Tbsp garlic paste or 1–2 cloves grated fresh garlic
  • 2 tsp tomato paste
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1–2 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • Freshly grated Parmesan
  • Chopped parsley
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Pasta of your choice (penne or linguine works great!)
  • Fresh chopped tomatoes & scallions for topping

Instructions:

  1. Butterfly and season the chicken generously.
  2. Sear each side in a hot skillet with a little oil, 4 minutes per side, and baste with 1 Tbsp of butter. Once done, wrap in foil to rest.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter. Add garlic paste, tomato paste, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Let it simmer on low.
  4. Stir in parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, and extra Cajun seasoning to taste. Use cornstarch to thicken if needed.
  5. Mix the sauce with cooked pasta. Slice the chicken and place it on top. Garnish with tomatoes and scallions.

 

Raspberry Brownie Delight

An easy, make-ahead dessert that always steals the show.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package fudge brownie mix (for a 13×9” pan)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
  • 1 package (3.3 oz) instant white chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 can (21 oz) raspberry pie filling

Instructions:

  1. Bake the brownies according to package directions. Let cool completely.
  2. In one bowl, mix 1 cup of cream with the pudding mix and stir until thick.
  3. In another bowl, whip 1 cup of cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the pudding.
  4. Spread pudding mixture over the brownies.
  5. Top with raspberry pie filling and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

 

Street Corn Pasta Salad

Creamy, herby, and a little spicy.

Dressing Ingredients:

  • Cream cheese, softened
  • Sour cream
  • Olive oil
  • Chopped chives
  • Crumbled cotija or feta cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Salad Ingredients:

  • Your favorite shortcut pasta
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Grilled or roasted corn
  • Fresh basil and cilantro
  • Spicy cheddar cheese, cubed
  • 1 ripe avocado

Chili Butter Topping:

  • Butter
  • Smoked paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Cayenne pepper

Lime Mayo Drizzle:

  • Mayo or plain yogurt
  • Lime juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta, then toss it with the cream cheese-based dressing while still warm.
  2. Mix in lettuce, corn, basil, cilantro, spicy cheese, and avocado.
  3. Melt butter and stir in the spices. Drizzle it over the salad.
  4. Mix mayo/yogurt with lime juice and spoon it over the top.
  5. Garnish with extra herbs before serving.

 

Classic Guacamole

A go-to guac that’s bold, fresh, and never lasts long.

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 ripe avocados
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño (optional), minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prep all ingredients and add them to a large bowl.
  2. Squeeze in lime juice and mash everything with a fork or potato masher.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap (pressed directly against the surface) and refrigerate for up to 1 day.

 

From Our Table to Yours

Whether you’re cooking with a loved one, prepping lunch with a Companion, or just trying something new in your kitchen, we hope these recipes add some extra joy to your summer.

Looking for help with grocery shopping, meal prep, or getting to and from the store? Our Villi Companions are happy to lend a hand, and maybe even swap recipes.

 

The Villi team is here to help.

Do you need help with a loved one?  Then, consider Villi’s homemaker and companionship services. Our team of friendly, compassionate Companions takes great pride in serving people in their community who need light assistance with daily chores, some company and conversation, or convenient transportation for errands, appointments, or trips to the store.

Explore our services to learn more about our:

  • Homemaker and companionship services
  • Easy-to-use scheduling platform
  • “Best Value” service pricing
  • Only 1-hour service minimum

 

Sign up in seconds to enjoy free 24-hour access to our on-demand scheduling platform, where you can view our team of vetted compassionate companions.

Explore Services

Sign-Up Today

 

If you have questions about our services, please call 1-844-624-5646 to speak to one of our caring service Advisors.