I know what you mean about "showing off", like a good demonstration lesson when you're being observed, or putting your best foot forward at interviews!
I have a similar friend, and had similar feelings about it, even down to her being lovely but blunt! (she bought me some jars for my blw baby, because she was concerned that D might be starving!)
So, how about penne with chicken, pesto and courgette? I add cream to ours, to bulk D up a bit, but it's yummy either way! and penne's the easiest/most reliable picking up pasta shape, we've found...