Pasta Caprese

One of my most favorite dishes to eat in the summer! It's so light and so filling and so delicious!

Pasta Caprese

Ingredients

• 28oz can of diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• fresh ground pepper, to taste
• cayenne pepper, just a pinch
• 1lb rigatoni
• 8oz mozzarella, cubed
• approximately 15 fresh basil leaves, finely shredded

Directions

1. Place the peeled and diced tomatoes in a colander for about 15 minutes to remove excess juices.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the drained tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients well and let sit for 20 minutes at room temperature.
3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
5. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
6. Add the tomato mixture, mozzarella and basil to the pasta. Toss gently and serve immediately. 

Pasta with Vodka Sauce

I'm in love with homemade pasta sauces specially simple ones with lots of flavor. This one is so similar to this pasta with tomato cream sauce recipe so if you've tried that one, you're guaranteed to love this one. It's heavenly. I think it will become a huge staple in our house and just thinking about it right now makes my mouth water, yum!


Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup Vodka
• 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, silvered, plus additional for serving
• 1lb penne pasta
• 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated, plus additional for serving
• red pepper flakes, generous pinch

Directions

1. Cook pasta in well salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of cooking water, drain pasta and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about a minute more. 
3. Stir in tomatoes and their juices. Bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium and stir in the tomato paste and vodka. Cook until most of the alcohol has evaporated, at least 5 minutes. 
4. Stir in cream, red pepper flakes and salt. Bring to a a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cook sauce until thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 
6. Stir in basil and cheese.
7. Add pasta to skillet and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.
8. Serve topped with additional basil and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
   
   

Beef with Peppers

I saw this recipe on Pioneer Womans site and thought it looked delicious. We dont eat usually come across too many meals that have steak in it that look appealing so when I saw this I knew we had to make it. I was worried it will be too much like peppered steak but the flavor was delicious and my husband enjoyed it and he is not big on "stir fry". Definitely worth a try!

Beef with Peppers by Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 1-½ pound Flank Steak, Sliced Very Thin Against The Grain
• ½ cups Low Sodium Soy Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons Sherry
• 2 Tablespoons Packed Brown Sugar
• 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon Minced Fresh Ginger
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 teaspoon Red Chile Paste (or A Few Dashes Red Chile Oil)
• 2 Tablespoons Canola Oil
• 1 whole Medium Yellow Onion Sliced
• 2 whole Red Bell Peppers, Cored And Sliced Into Rings
• 1 Tablespoon Diced Fresh Jalapeno (or 1 Teaspoon Dice Hot Pepper)
• Red Pepper Flakes, For Sprinkling
• Cilantro Leaves

Directions

1. Mix together soy sauce, sherry, brown sugar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic, and chili pasta (or chili oil.) Place sliced beef in the mixture and toss to coat. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high to high heat. When it is very hot throw in the onions, cook for less than a minute. Remove to a separate plate.
3. Return skillet to flame, allow to reheat, and add bell peppers (and hot pepper/jalapeno if using). Cook for a minute, tossing, until peppers have brown/black bits but are still firm. Remove to a plate.
4. Return skillet to heat and allow to get hot. Add the remaining tbsp of oil to the skillet. Add 1/3 of the meat mixture, evenly distributing over the surface of the skillet. Allow to sit for 20 to 30 seconds then turn with tongs. Cook for another 30 secionds then remove to a separate plate. Repeat with remaining meat until all brown. 
5. Reduce heat to low. Add all meat, onions and peppers to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour in remaining sauce (the sauce the meat marinated in*) and stir. Allow to simmer on low for a few minutes. Sauce will slowly thicken. Turn off heat.
6. Turn off boiling water, then throw in noodles. Stir, then allow noodles to sit in hot water for 8 minutes or so (check package directions to be sure). Drain, then add 1/2 the noodles to stir fry. Toss together, then add more noodles to taste. Add very hot water if needed to thin.
7. Top with cilantro leaves. Serve immediately.

* Update/Note: you can also whip up extra batch of liquid if you do not want to use the same liquid you used for the meat.

sausage, spinach & roasted red pepper alfredo

We've made this before... several times actually but it was so yummy the other night I had to take a picture to share. Click below for the original recipe.

Recipe: Sausage, Spinach & Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo

Tortellini Soup

It was supposed to snow yesterday. Everyone said it was going to snow. When I made the menu last week I put down tortellini soup for Wednesday because it was going to snow and nothing is better on a snowy day than hot soup for dinner. It never snowed. I still made the soup and it was delicious but it would have been better with some snow. 

I love tortellini! I love pasta in general but it's extra good when stuffed with cheese or the like. Yum! Is there anything better than tortellini? I think not! When I came across this recipe I knew I had to make it simply because it had tortellini and I have a slight obsession with tortellini. Mmm!

Tortellini Soup by The Well-Fed Newlyweds

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 whole small onion, minced
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 qt low-sodium chicken broth
• 15oz can of whole tomatoes
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 9oz tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Parmesan cheese, to serve

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion. Cook until the onion is softened and the garlic has turned light gold, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the oregano, broth, tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. (You can break up the tomatoes with your fingers as you add them to the pot, or break them up with a spoon once you’ve added them to the soup.)
3. Bring the soup to a boil and add the tortellini. Cook according to the package directions.
4. One minute before the tortellini are done, add the spinach. Stir to combine.
5. When the tortellini are cooked, remove the pot from the heat immediately so they do not overcook. Season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.
6. Serve the soup immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Pantry Pasta for Two

Another one of Pioneer Woman's delicious pasta recipes! This past week I was in the mood for pasta so on the menu for this week is 3 pasta dishes (technically 4 if you count the tortellini soup). This cold weather we have been having has made me crave comfort food and what better comfort food than pasta? I decided to give this a whirl and we enjoyed it last night at dinner. My favorite part was the olives, next time I am adding a bunch more because I am an olive lover. We ended up cubing the chicken after it was cooked to make it easier for the kids to eat (we used more than 2 pieces). I think I prefer it this way, though I have nothing to compare it to so what do I know!

Pantry Pasta for  Two by The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• ½ whole Red Onion, Diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 can (14.5 Ounce) Diced Tomatoes With Juice
• ⅓ cups Assorted Olives, Pitted And Roughly Chopped
• ⅓ cups White Wine
• 2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, Pounded To Even Thickness
• Kosher Salt
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Butter
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• ½ pounds Linguine, Cooked Al Dente And Drained
• 1 teaspoon Olive Oil

Directions

1. Heat medium skillet over medium-low heat. Add olive oil. When warm add diced red onion and stir. Cook slowly for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic, then stir and cook for one minute. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice. Add chopped olives. Stir and cook for a minute or two. 
2. Splash in wine, then stir and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. While sauce is cooking, sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the chicken breasts. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a separate skillet. Cook on both sides until golden brown and done. Set aside. 
4.  Toss cooked linguine in olive oil and arrange on a small platter. Spoon 3/4 of the sauce over the pasta. Place chicken on top, then spoon remaining sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle on grated Parmesan and serve immediately.

Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Is there a pasta dish by Pioneer Woman that I do not love? I highly doubt it! When it comes to pasta, Ree knows her stuff! I think my obsession with her pasta dishes come from an obsession of fatty products (butter, heavy cream & wine!). It's not a PW recipe if it does not contain butter! 

Growing up in an Italian family pasta was pretty much a novelty. We had pasta at least twice a week and always on the holidays (along with an assortment of meat). But the kicker is, I dont really like "pasta". Sure, I love noodles (carbs anyone?) but when it comes to the sauce, I am not a huge fan. Not only do I not really care for the sauce, the smell is almost nauseating to me. So I avoid pasta usually because that marinara smell does not my mouth water. I dont enjoy homemade sauce, nor do I enjoy the jarred stuff.

This dish however is delicious, its like pasta for grown-ups, except my kids love it to! I could live on this pasta, it's that delicious (as are all her other pasta dishes). What makes it so different? The butter, the cream, and the lack of thick, pasty, tomato sauce. 

Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce by The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Butter
• 1 whole Medium Onion, Finely Diced
• 4 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 2 cans (15 Ounce Each) Tomato Sauce Or Marinara Sauce
• Salt And Pepper, to taste
• Dash Of Sugar (more To Taste)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Grated Parmesan Or Romano Cheese, To Taste
• Fresh Basil, Chopped
• 1-½ pound Fettuccine (I used penne in the picture but have used fettuccine in the past)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
2. Heat butter and oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and saute for a minute or so. Pour in tomato sauce and add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste. Stir and cook over low heat for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat and stir in cream. Add cheese to taste, then check seasonings. Stir in pasta and chopped basil and serve immediately. (Thin with pasta water before adding basil if needed.)

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta

Omg this is so good! Its like the three cheese chicken penne from applebees. Yum! I even had the leftovers for lunch, that's how good it is!

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta by Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 4 whole Grilled Chicken Breasts, Sliced
• 1 pound Penne Pasta, Cooked Until Al Dente
• ½ sticks Butter
• 3 whole Lemons, Juiced
• ¾ cups Heavy Cream
• ¼ cups Half-and-half
• 1-½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano)
• Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste
• 20 whole Basil Leaves, Chopped

Directions

Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of hot pasta water when you drain. Set pasta aside in a colander.

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice of 3 to 4 lemons. Whisk together. Pour in cream and half-and-heat. Whisk until hot. Dump in cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper. Check consistency, adding some of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pour pasta and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle remaining basil all over the top, then add sliced chicken breasts. Serve immediately!

Springy Shells

Do you love pasta and veggies? If so this recipe is for you! Its similar to a baked ziti but without red sauce and with a ton of veggies. Yum, yum, yum! Even my kids gobbled this up!

Springy Shells by Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• 16 ounces, weight Pasta Shells (medium) Or Other Short Pasta
• 1 pound Asparagus (cut Into 1 1/2 Inch Pieces) Discard Tough Pieces
• ½ pounds Broccoli, Cut Into Small Florets
• ½ pounds Zucchini (about 1 Medium Zucchini) Diced
• ½ cups Frozen Peas
• 3 whole Green Onions Sliced (white & Light Green Parts)
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 20 ounces, weight Ricotta Cheese (20 - 22 Ozs.)
• ½ teaspoons Salt
• 2 whole Eggs
• 1-½ cup Parmesan Cheese
• Black Pepper, Freshly Ground
• Extra Olive Oil For Drizzling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook pasta until extremely al dente—with still quite a bit of bite.

Melt butter with the olive oil over medium-low to medium heat, then add in the garlic. Add the asparagus to the pan and cook for five minutes. Sprinkle in a little salt.

Add the broccoli and cook for one minute, then add the zucchini and cook for one or two more minutes. Add the frozen peas, still together then turn off the heat. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assembly:

Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add half the pasta, then spread 1/3 cup of the ricotta mixture over the surface. Sprinkle 1/3 of the Parmesan over the ricotta, then ½ of the vegetables. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, the rest of the ricotta, and another 1/3 of the Parmesan. End with the rest of the vegetables and the rest of the Parmesan.

Drizzle with a couple of tablespoons olive oil, then bake for 25 minutes on 350 degrees or until nice and hot.

Serve with extra Parmesan, crusty French bread, and chilled white wine. Yummy!

Spinach-Artichoke Cheesy Tortellini

Omg this is beyond delicious! If you love spinach & artichoke dip, you'll love this. It taste exactly the same, hot, gooey, cheesy, goodness! It is to die for and will be added to our regular rotation.

Spinach-Artichoke Cheesy Tortellin by Rachael Ray

Ingredients:

• 1 10oz box frozen spinach
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive-oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 small onion, peeled & halved
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 14oz can artichoke hearts in water, drained & chopped
• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• salt & pepper to tate
• Parmesan cheese (a few handfuls)

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil to cook the pasta.
   
2. Microwave the spinach on high for 6 minutes to defrost.
3. Heat a deep skillet over medium heat with oil and butter. When the butter melts and is hot, add the garlic.
4. Using a box grater, grate the onion directly into the skillet. Saute the onions and garlic for 5 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
6. Whisk in the stock, then the cream, and bring the sauce to a bubble.
7. Season the sauce with nutmeg and reduce heat to low.
8. Place the defrosted spinach in a clean kitchen down and wring it dry.
   
9. Separate it as you add it to the sauce, stir in the chopped artichokes and a couple handfuls of cheese, then season the spinach-artichoke sauce with salt & pepper.
10. Salt the boiling water and cook the tortellini according to package directions, about 3 -5 minutes. Drain it well and toss with the spinach-artichoke sauce. Serve immediately.
    

Pioneer Woman's Penne a la Betsy

This is my favorite recipe (so far) out of Pioneer Woman Cooks! It is so delicious and I could just eat it forever. Thinking of it makes my mouth water, that's how delicious this is! Even better is that my husband cooked this so all I had to do was add it to was savor the smell and sample the deliciousness!

Penne a la Betsy by The Pioneer Woman

Ingredients

• ¾ pounds Penne Pasta
• 1 pound Shrimp
• 3 Tablespoons Butter
• 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 whole Onion (small)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• ½ cups White Wine (or To Taste)
• 1 can Tomato Sauce (8 Oz)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• Fresh Parsley, to taste
• Fresh Basil - To Taste
• Salt To Taste
• Pepper To Taste

Instructions

• Cook the penne pasta until al dente.
• Peel and rinse (under cool water) 1 pound of large shrimp.
  
• Heat about 1 tbsp. butter and olive oil in a skillet.
  
• Add the shrimp and cook for a couple minutes until just opaque. Do not overcook them.
  
• Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
• Finely dice one small onion.
  
• Mince two cloves of garlic.
• In a large skillet heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  
• Add the garlic and onion and sauté, stirring occasionally.
  
• After the garlic and onions have cooked a bit add your white wine.
  
• Let the wine evaporate for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. If you would rather not use wine, you can use low-sodium chicken broth instead (about ½ cup).
• Now add an 8-ounce can of plain tomato sauce. Stir well until combined.
  
• Then add 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue stirring.
  
• Turn heat down to low and let simmer.
• Now chop your herbs, about a tablespoon of chopped parsley and about the same amount of chopped basil, or if you’re feeling very proper, chiffonaded.
• Now add your chopped shrimp back into the tomato cream sauce.
  
• Give it a stir and add salt and pepper to taste.
  
• Throw in your herbs and stir until combined.
  
• Finally add your cooked penne pasta and give it a good stir.

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Omg this is so good! It's beyond good. By far the BEST mac & cheese I have EVER had! So cheesy and buttery and crunchy and delicious. There is nothing I dislike about this, it's perfect!!

Baked Macaroni & Cheese by Alton Brown

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered mustard
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper

Topping:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Directions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter.
  
• Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes. Make sure it's free of lumps.
  
• Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
• Temper in the egg.
  
• Stir in 3/4 of the cheese.
  
• Season with salt and pepper.
  
• Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish.
  
• Top with remaining cheese.
• Melt the butter in a saute pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat.
  
• Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs.
  
• Bake for 30 minutes.
  
• Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Shrimp Scampi with Linguini

I've never had shrimp scampi before and came across this recipe and decided to try it out. I'm always trying to find ways to make more seafood during the week. After I went ahead and bought all the ingredients my husband informed me that he doesnt like shrimp scampi but would eat it anyways. He ended up eating two big plate-fulls. I think this is definitely a keeper!

Shrimp Scampi by Tyler Florence

Ingredients:

• 1 pound linguini
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 large shallot, finely diced
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced
• Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• 20 large shrimp, about 1 pound, peeled and deveined, tail on
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves

Directions
- For the pasta, put a large pot of water on the stove to boil. When it has come to the boil, add a couple of tablespoons of salt and the linguini.

-Stir to make sure the pasta separates; cover. When the water returns to a boil, cook for about 6 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is not quite done. Drain the pasta reserving 1 cup of water.

- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.

- Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.

- Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add them to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, about 2 to 3 minutes.

- Remove the shrimp from the pan; set aside and keep warm.

- Add wine and lemon juice and bring to a boil.

- Add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons oil. When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta and reserved pasta water.

- Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle over a bit more olive oil and serve immediately.

Shells Stuffed with Pancetta & Spinach

I was in the mood for some yummy Italian-style food that didnt involved alfredo or marinara. I came across this recipe and thought it sounded good so I went ahead and made it. It's so yummy and cheesy. One of my favorites for sure! It's pretty easy to make too.

Shells with Crispy Pancetta & Spinach by Giada De Laurentiis

• 1 (12-ounce) package jumbo shells pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 pound thick-cut pancetta, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 pounds frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta
• 1 cup grated asiago cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup cream
• 2 cups grated asiago cheese, plus 1/4 cup
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.

- Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Remove the pancetta from the pan with a slotted spoon and transfer to a large bowl.

- Add the spinach, ricotta cheese, asiago cheese, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine.

- Stuff the shells with about 2 tablespoons of the spinach mixture each and place the stuffed shells in a large, buttered baking dish.

For the sauce:

- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan.

- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

- Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to very low and add the 2 cups asiago cheese, parsley, and pepper.

- Stir until the cheese is dissolved. Pour the sauce over the shells. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup asiago cheese.

- Bake until golden on top, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

sausage, spinach & roasted red pepper alfredo

I got this recipe from my friend Joie, you can view her blog "Cook Now, Eat Later". It is so easy and cheap to make it but the taste is incredible! Perfect for a weeknight meal when you are in a hurry. My 2 year old also loved this, woohoo!

Ingredients
- 1 jar roasted red pepper alfredo (Classico)
- 1 box frozen spinach
- 4 mild Italian sausages *
- 1 box fettucine

Directions::
- Put the sausage in a pan and cook half way. Take them out and cut into bite sized rounds. Put them back into the pan until cooked through.

- Microwave spinach to defrost ** Squeeze mositure out of spinach using cheesecloth (or dishtowel that you dont mind staining).

- Add the spinach to the sauce and break it up. Add the sauce and cook until heated through.

- Serve over boiled fettucine

* Next time we will use spicy sausage, we like the extra kick
** I defrosted the spinach by leaving it in the sink for most of the day while the sausage defrosted.

Baked Pasta with Veggies

This was pretty darn good and it smelled magnificent while it baked. I think with a few minor modifications it will be much better next time!

Ingredients:
- cooking spray
- 1 lg onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, slices (works with summer squash, carrots or eggplant, I used eggplant)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt
- pepper
- 1lb ziti or penne pasta
- 1 c ricotta cheese (definitely use 2-3 cups)
- 1/4 c Parmesan cheese plus 1/2 c
- nutmeg, just a pinch
- 3 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 c shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 c bread crumbs

Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a large, shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Place a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat.

- Toss onion, garlic, red pepper and zuchini in a large bowl with olive oil; season with salt & pepper to taste. Place veggies on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

- While veggies are roasting, add pasta to water and boil about 2 minutes short of package directions (it should still be slightly firm). Drain.

- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, 1/4 c Parmesan, and nutmeg. Season with salt & pepper. Gently toss pasta with the ricotta mixture, vegetables, tomatoes, oregano and mozzarella. Pour mixture into a baking dish.

- Sprinkle top with remaining Parmesan and bread crumbs. Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

* You can assemble through step 4 and refrigerate up to a day a head *

** When I made this, it ended up filling 2 13x9 baking dishes.**

No-cook Fresh Tomato Sauce with Pasta

This recipe is to die for!! It's perfect for the summer if you want something light! And it only took 10 minutes!! I seriously could make this every single day for lunch, it was that delicious!

2 lb. plum tomatoes (I used regular tomatoes, 2 medium)
1/4 c chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp. chopped red onion (I used a whole onion, not a great idea unless you LOVE onion!)
1/2 c. Italian dressing
1/4 c. Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
1 lb. pasta, cooked & drained.

• Boil pasta (I used linguine)
• Cut up tomatoes, basil & onions.
• Add tomatoes, basil & onions to large bowl.
• Stir in dressing and cheese.
• Add pasta, toss lightly.