Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Chicken A La King and Quick Turkey Chili. Enjoy!
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
CHICKEN A LA KING
This is from Craig Claiborne and adapted by Eric Kim in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Eric wrote, "This regal midcentury favorite of tender poached chicken draped in a creamy sherry sauce is due for a revival. Think of chicken potpie filling without the crust, or the kind of banquet poultry served at weddings. Many hotel chefs in the 19th century, including George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel, claim to have invented chicken à la king, which has as many variations as there are cooks. This particular iteration of the retro dish comes from Craig Claiborne, adapted from a column he wrote for The New York Times in 1969. For the full effect, serve the comforting chicken with toast triangles, as they still do at nostalgic restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill in Los Angeles and Cecchi’s in New York City, or enjoy with rice, noodles or biscuits, whatever makes you happy. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or over low heat on the stove."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "A Chicken à la King That’s Actually Fit for a King," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026730-chicken-a-la-king. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth or 1-3/4 cups homemade stock (see Tip)
Salt and black pepper
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-1/4 pounds; see Tip)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced button or cremini mushrooms (2-1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons drained jarred sliced pimentos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, plus more for serving
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons dry sherry
Toast triangles and Tabasco hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Poach the chicken: Add the stock to a medium saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then turn the heat to its lowest setting. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the saucepan. Cover and poach the chicken until the centers are barely opaque, 15 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and the stock to a measuring cup.
While the chicken cools, make the sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
Whisk in 1-1/2 cups reserved chicken stock. Boil, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook over low, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch cubes and stir into the sauce, along with the peas, pimento and parsley. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sherry to combine and stir into the sauce. Do not boil the sauce at this stage or it may curdle. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat when steaming hot and serve immediately with the toast triangles and Tabasco sauce, if using.
Tip
To prepare an even richer, more flavorful dish, do as Mr. Claiborne does in his cookbook “Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking” (1987) and start by poaching a whole chicken. Add a whole chicken to a snug pot, fill the pot with just enough water to cover it. If desired, add aromatic ingredients, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, allspice, carrot and celery. Season with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes. Strain and use the stock in Step 3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before tearing off the meat and carving it into 1/2-inch cubes to use in Step 4. You should have about 3 cups of cubed boneless, skinless chicken.
BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF
This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 pounds ground turkey
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.
Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
QUICK TURKEY CHILI
This is from Southern Living, and begins, "Finish this turkey chili with your preferred toppings, like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream."
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/quick-turkey-chili-8704058.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (from 1 bell pepper)
3 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix (from 1 [1-oz.] envelope)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1-1/2 cups water
1 lb. ground turkey (white and dark meat)
1 (15-oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (about 2 canned chiles)
1 tsp. kosher salt
Toppings: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add taco seasoning and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant and tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and water, scraping bottom of Dutch oven to release any browned bits.
Add turkey, and stir to break into smaller pieces.
Stir in beans, chiles, and salt. Bring to a simmer, undisturbed, over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Ladle evenly into 4 bowls, and serve with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix bland turkey chili?
If you find your turkey chili is bland after cooking, add extra seasonings as desired to bump up the flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can also help wake up the flavors.
How do you thicken turkey chili?
To thicken up the chili, you can continue to simmer, add a cornstarch slurry, or lightly smash some of the beans for a thickened texture.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1⁄2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese before serving.
Showing posts with label Million Dollar Pasta Salad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Million Dollar Pasta Salad. Show all posts
Monday, August 17, 2026
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Salads
One of the many good things about Salads is that you can use it either as a side dish or the main course. To that end, here are six salads to help you through the day, including Hawaiian Macaroni Salad and a Beef Taco Salad. Enjoy!
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
HEALTHY BBQ RANCH SALAD
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "If you love those barbecue ranch flavors then this healthy salad recipe is right up your alley. Our Healthy BBQ Ranch Salad has so much southwestern flavor, it'll have you saying "Yeehaw!" with every bite!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Green-Salads/Healthy-BBQ-Ranch-Salad.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 tomato, diced
3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed
3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup fat-free Ranch dressing
1/4 cup tortilla strips (see note)
Directions
In a small bowl, combine chicken and barbecue sauce; toss until evenly coated.
In a large bowl, place lettuce; top with chicken, tomato, corn, beans, onion, and cheese, if desired. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
Top with tortilla strips, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
To make your own healthier tortilla strips, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Then, cut a 6" whole-wheat flour tortilal into thin strips and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle over your salad and enjoy!
BEEF TACO SALAD
This comes from Judy Kim on Delish. According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.
For this recipe, Judy wrote, “Try a healthier twist on Taco Tuesdays.” Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
2 tbsp. tomato paste
vegetable oil
2 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4" strips
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Pico de Gallo
sour cream
1/4 c. Chopped cilantro
Directions
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef using a wooden spoon and break up meat into small pieces. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, and tomato paste. Cook through, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
In a sauté pan add about 1/2" of vegetable oil. Heat until hot but not smoking. Fry tortilla strips until golden brown; transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Season tortillas with salt just after removing from hot oil.
Assemble salad in 4 bowls with romaine, tomatoes, black beans, and warm taco meat. Top with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and crisp tortilla strips.
BUSH’S® BEST BLACK BEAN SALAD
This comes from Bush's® Best's emailed newsletter. Check it out for more recipes! This one starts off, “This colorful Black Bean salad is dressed with a light, lime vinaigrette and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 6 to 8
Note: This would be a great recipe for Labor Day – or any other summer/early fall cookout!
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) BUSH'S® Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 can (15.25 oz) corn, drained
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips
Directions
In a small bowl, combine peppers, onion, corn, garlic and cilantro.
Add olive oil, vinegar, lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Add black beans and toss well.
Serve with tortilla chips.
EASY CHICKEN SALAD
This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yummy recipe, Lidey wrote, "This simple chicken salad makes great use of leftover chicken, though you can certainly use a rotisserie chicken or roast or boil chicken breasts for this recipe. The recipe calls for classic crunchy mix-ins such as grapes, celery and pecans, but feel free to make it your own: Use a diced tart apple in place of the grapes, or toss in a handful of dried cranberries. Chicken salad gets better as it sits, so make this at least a few hours in advance if you can, or make it on Monday to have on hand for lunches all week long."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025482-easy-chicken-salad. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 large stalk)
1/2 cup seedless grapes, quartered
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (see Tip)
1/4 cup minced red onion (about 1/4 small onion)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Toasted bread, lettuce cups or crackers, for serving
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; whisk until smooth. Add the chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, onion and parsley and mix well. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on toasted bread or lettuce cups, or with crackers. Chicken salad will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Tip
Toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
>HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD
This yummy macaroni salad is from Christin Mahrlig on her very cool site, Spicy Southern Kitchen. If you’ve never heard of her site (or you have, but never checked it out), I suggest you check it out ASAP. Go ahead, I’ll wait…(Tap, tap, tap…).
Anyway, the recipe begins, “Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is so fabulously creamy and simple. This mayonnaise-based pasta salad makes a wonderful side for summer bbqs and picnics.”
Prep Time: 10 mins; Cook Time: 10 mins; Total Time: 20 mins; Servings: 10
To view this online, go to https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/hawaiian-macaroni-salad/.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow pasta
1/4 cup grated onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 shredded carrots
salt and pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoons kosher salt. Cook pasta according to package directions.
Place onion in a large bowl. When pasta is done, drain it well and add it to the bowl. Add garlic powder and apple cider vinegar and stir. Let sit 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, and sugar.
Set aside about 1/2 a cup and add the rest to the macaroni along with carrots. Stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate both the bowl of macaroni salad and the reserved 1/2 a cup of mayonnaise mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Stir in the reserved mayonnaise mixture just before serving.
Recipe Notes
Be sure not to overcook your pasta or it will have a mushy texture.
If you to dress it up some, add diced ham or chopped pineapple.
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
HEALTHY BBQ RANCH SALAD
This is from Everyday Diabetic Recipes, and begins, "If you love those barbecue ranch flavors then this healthy salad recipe is right up your alley. Our Healthy BBQ Ranch Salad has so much southwestern flavor, it'll have you saying "Yeehaw!" with every bite!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Green-Salads/Healthy-BBQ-Ranch-Salad.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
5 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 tomato, diced
3/4 cup frozen corn, thawed
3/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup reduced fat shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)
1/4 cup fat-free Ranch dressing
1/4 cup tortilla strips (see note)
Directions
In a small bowl, combine chicken and barbecue sauce; toss until evenly coated.
In a large bowl, place lettuce; top with chicken, tomato, corn, beans, onion, and cheese, if desired. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.
Top with tortilla strips, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
To make your own healthier tortilla strips, preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Then, cut a 6" whole-wheat flour tortilal into thin strips and bake for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle over your salad and enjoy!
BEEF TACO SALAD
This comes from Judy Kim on Delish. According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.
For this recipe, Judy wrote, “Try a healthier twist on Taco Tuesdays.” Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef
kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
2 tbsp. tomato paste
vegetable oil
2 corn tortillas, cut into 1/4" strips
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
cherry tomatoes, halved
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c. shredded Cheddar
1 c. Pico de Gallo
sour cream
1/4 c. Chopped cilantro
Directions
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Brown beef using a wooden spoon and break up meat into small pieces. Add 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, and tomato paste. Cook through, about 5 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
In a sauté pan add about 1/2" of vegetable oil. Heat until hot but not smoking. Fry tortilla strips until golden brown; transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Season tortillas with salt just after removing from hot oil.
Assemble salad in 4 bowls with romaine, tomatoes, black beans, and warm taco meat. Top with cheddar cheese, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Garnish with cilantro and crisp tortilla strips.
BUSH’S® BEST BLACK BEAN SALAD
This comes from Bush's® Best's emailed newsletter. Check it out for more recipes! This one starts off, “This colorful Black Bean salad is dressed with a light, lime vinaigrette and only takes a few minutes to prepare. Serve with tortilla chips or as a side dish.” Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 0 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Servings: 6 to 8
Note: This would be a great recipe for Labor Day – or any other summer/early fall cookout!
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) BUSH'S® Black Beans, rinsed and drained
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 can (15.25 oz) corn, drained
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortilla chips
Directions
In a small bowl, combine peppers, onion, corn, garlic and cilantro.
Add olive oil, vinegar, lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Add black beans and toss well.
Serve with tortilla chips.
EASY CHICKEN SALAD
This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yummy recipe, Lidey wrote, "This simple chicken salad makes great use of leftover chicken, though you can certainly use a rotisserie chicken or roast or boil chicken breasts for this recipe. The recipe calls for classic crunchy mix-ins such as grapes, celery and pecans, but feel free to make it your own: Use a diced tart apple in place of the grapes, or toss in a handful of dried cranberries. Chicken salad gets better as it sits, so make this at least a few hours in advance if you can, or make it on Monday to have on hand for lunches all week long."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025482-easy-chicken-salad. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 large stalk)
1/2 cup seedless grapes, quartered
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (see Tip)
1/4 cup minced red onion (about 1/4 small onion)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Toasted bread, lettuce cups or crackers, for serving
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; whisk until smooth. Add the chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, onion and parsley and mix well. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on toasted bread or lettuce cups, or with crackers. Chicken salad will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Tip
Toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
>HAWAIIAN MACARONI SALAD
This yummy macaroni salad is from Christin Mahrlig on her very cool site, Spicy Southern Kitchen. If you’ve never heard of her site (or you have, but never checked it out), I suggest you check it out ASAP. Go ahead, I’ll wait…(Tap, tap, tap…).
Anyway, the recipe begins, “Hawaiian Macaroni Salad is so fabulously creamy and simple. This mayonnaise-based pasta salad makes a wonderful side for summer bbqs and picnics.”
Prep Time: 10 mins; Cook Time: 10 mins; Total Time: 20 mins; Servings: 10
To view this online, go to https://spicysouthernkitchen.com/hawaiian-macaroni-salad/.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow pasta
1/4 cup grated onion
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 cups mayonnaise
1/2 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 shredded carrots
salt and pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoons kosher salt. Cook pasta according to package directions.
Place onion in a large bowl. When pasta is done, drain it well and add it to the bowl. Add garlic powder and apple cider vinegar and stir. Let sit 10 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, milk, and sugar.
Set aside about 1/2 a cup and add the rest to the macaroni along with carrots. Stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate both the bowl of macaroni salad and the reserved 1/2 a cup of mayonnaise mixture. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Stir in the reserved mayonnaise mixture just before serving.
Recipe Notes
Be sure not to overcook your pasta or it will have a mushy texture.
If you to dress it up some, add diced ham or chopped pineapple.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Pasta
I've loved Pasta since I can remember. There's just something about the stuff.
If you love pasta, too, today's post is sure to please. Check out the One-Post Cajun Chicken Pasta, the Pepperoni Pizza Pasta, and the rest of today's yummy recipes. Enjoy!
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
RESTAURANT-STYLE SPINACH MANICOTTI
This is from
Cook Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 7
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Pastas/Restaurant-Style-Spinach-Manicotti.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, diced
1 (32-ounce) container fat-free ricotta cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups light spaghetti sauce
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions, omitting the salt; drain, rinse, drain again, and place in a large baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Coat a small saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the onion and garlic and saute over medium heat until tender. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, the egg, spinach, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Add the onion mixture; mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the manicotti shells (see Note), top with the spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through.
Note
To fill the shells, carefully place the cheese mixture in a large resealable plastic storage bag with a corner snipped off. Then you can just squeeze the filling into the manicotti shells, using the storage bag like a pastry bag. Simple, right?
CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo is a great dish to perfect at home and has the potential to be better than most restaurant versions. The sauce in this recipe magically comes together in the skillet, coating and clinging to the noodles just right and without the help of flour. Heavy cream is gently simmered, reducing and thickening it – and then it gets help from grated Parmesan. The sauce may seem too thin in the pan but once the chicken and cooked pasta are tossed with it the dish comes together nicely and the sauce finishes itself. Eat alfredo right away and be sure to save a little of the salted pasta water – you can stir splashes of it into the pasta if the sauce gets too thick as it sits."
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-3364118.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine
Olive oil, for tossing
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2)
\1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg
1-1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain and toss with a splash of oil.
Meanwhile, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick strips, and lay them on a plate or a sheet of waxed paper. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter melts, raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken in 1 layer. Cook, without moving the pieces, until the underside has browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a medium bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. When the butter has mostly melted, whisk in the cream and nutmeg and bring to a simmer, then cook for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to keep the sauce just warm.
Whisk the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the sauce. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot in heated bowls.
Cook’s Note
Don't worry if it seems like there is too much sauce. As soon as everything is tossed together, the sauce will start to cling to the pasta and thicken before your eyes!
ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-8051436.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
The success of this recipe depends upon the specific pasta shape suggested, so we do not recommend substitutions.
BAKED ZITI
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Alison wrote, "This baked ziti is layered almost like a lasagna to ensure every bite has enough creamy ricotta, stringy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. But the key to its success comes from undercooking the pasta during the initial boil so it stays perfectly al dente, even after a trip to the oven. Heavy cream is added to prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy or dry during baking, letting it be its most luscious self. While this baked ziti is meatless (there’s plenty of richness from the cheese — three types, to be exact), you could always incorporate a bit of sausage, ground meat or pancetta, if you like. Simply add 1/2 pound to the onions while sautéeing and proceed with the recipe."
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018954-baked-ziti.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, packed in juice
1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée or sauce
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 ounces/1 pound ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino, plus more for grating on top
1 pound ziti, rigatoni, penne, manicotti or other short, tubelike pasta
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Preparation
Make the tomato sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until it has turned a deeper brick-red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes. Crush the whole tomatoes by hand and add them (including the juice) and the tomato purée to the pot, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper and add red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Prepare the pasta: As the sauce cooks, heat oven to 425 degrees, and place a large pot of salted water to boil on the stove.
Cook pasta until it’s nearly al dente. (You want to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven. A good way to do this is cook it 2 minutes less than you normally would if preparing it al dente.) Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, drain pasta and rinse with cool water; set aside while the tomato sauce finishes cooking.
Once tomato sauce is done, stir in reserved pasta water.
Place pasta in a large bowl and add 2 cups sauce. Stir to coat pasta evenly encouraging the sauce to go inside each tube.
Spoon a bit of remaining sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with 1/3 of the pasta. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce on top, dollop with half the ricotta mixture and scatter 1/3 of the mozzarella on top of that. Repeat, beginning with the pasta, one more time. For the final layer, add the last 1/3 of pasta and the last of the sauce. Dot remaining mozzarella on top and shave a bit more Parmesan on top of that. Place baking dish on top of a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and bubbling and the top has browned nicely, 30 to 40 minutes.
Let cool slightly before eating with a big green leafy salad.
Tip
Baked ziti can be assembled 2 hours before baking. It can be baked 1 day ahead and rewarmed before serving.
PEPPERONI PIZZA PASTA
This is from the long-since-forgotten email list. Serves 4
Ingredients
8oz (2 c) uncooked ziti
1 (14oz) jar pizza sauce
2 oz sliced pepperoni, halved (about 3/4 c)
1/4 c finely chopped bell pepper
1/4 c grated parmesan
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
4oz (1c) shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 375. Spray 8" sq. baking pan with nonstick spray. Cook ziti according to pkg directions. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, pizza sauce, pepperoni, bell pepper, Parmesan, oregano and garlic; mix well. Spoon into baking pan; sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-35 min. or throughly heated and cheese is melted.
If you love pasta, too, today's post is sure to please. Check out the One-Post Cajun Chicken Pasta, the Pepperoni Pizza Pasta, and the rest of today's yummy recipes. Enjoy!
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
RESTAURANT-STYLE SPINACH MANICOTTI
This is from
Cook Time: 50 minutes; Serves: 7
To view this online, go to https://www.everydaydiabeticrecipes.com/Pastas/Restaurant-Style-Spinach-Manicotti.
Ingredients
1 (8-ounce) package manicotti shells (14 shells)
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, diced
1 (32-ounce) container fat-free ricotta cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1-1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups light spaghetti sauce
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Cook the manicotti shells according to the package directions, omitting the salt; drain, rinse, drain again, and place in a large baking dish. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Coat a small saucepan with nonstick cooking spray. Add the onion and garlic and saute over medium heat until tender. Add the mushrooms and saute until brown.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, the egg, spinach, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Add the onion mixture; mix well.
Spoon the mixture into the manicotti shells (see Note), top with the spaghetti sauce, and sprinkle with the Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until heated through.
Note
To fill the shells, carefully place the cheese mixture in a large resealable plastic storage bag with a corner snipped off. Then you can just squeeze the filling into the manicotti shells, using the storage bag like a pastry bag. Simple, right?
CHICKEN FETTUCCINE ALFREDO
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Homemade chicken fettuccine alfredo is a great dish to perfect at home and has the potential to be better than most restaurant versions. The sauce in this recipe magically comes together in the skillet, coating and clinging to the noodles just right and without the help of flour. Heavy cream is gently simmered, reducing and thickening it – and then it gets help from grated Parmesan. The sauce may seem too thin in the pan but once the chicken and cooked pasta are tossed with it the dish comes together nicely and the sauce finishes itself. Eat alfredo right away and be sure to save a little of the salted pasta water – you can stir splashes of it into the pasta if the sauce gets too thick as it sits."
Active Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield: 4 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-fettuccine-alfredo-3364118.
Ingredients
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces fettuccine
Olive oil, for tossing
12 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 2)
\1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
2 pinches freshly grated nutmeg
1-1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt generously. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain and toss with a splash of oil.
Meanwhile, slice the chicken into 1/4-inch-thick strips, and lay them on a plate or a sheet of waxed paper. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the butter. When the butter melts, raise the heat to medium-high and add the chicken in 1 layer. Cook, without moving the pieces, until the underside has browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip the pieces, and cook until browned and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer the chicken to a medium bowl.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 6 tablespoons butter. Scrape the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits. When the butter has mostly melted, whisk in the cream and nutmeg and bring to a simmer, then cook for 2 minutes. Lower the heat to keep the sauce just warm.
Whisk the Parmigiano-Reggiano into the sauce. Add the chicken and cooked pasta and toss well. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot in heated bowls.
Cook’s Note
Don't worry if it seems like there is too much sauce. As soon as everything is tossed together, the sauce will start to cling to the pasta and thicken before your eyes!
ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-8051436.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
The success of this recipe depends upon the specific pasta shape suggested, so we do not recommend substitutions.
BAKED ZITI
This is from Alison Roman in The New York Times cooking newsletter. Alison wrote, "This baked ziti is layered almost like a lasagna to ensure every bite has enough creamy ricotta, stringy mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. But the key to its success comes from undercooking the pasta during the initial boil so it stays perfectly al dente, even after a trip to the oven. Heavy cream is added to prevent the ricotta from becoming grainy or dry during baking, letting it be its most luscious self. While this baked ziti is meatless (there’s plenty of richness from the cheese — three types, to be exact), you could always incorporate a bit of sausage, ground meat or pancetta, if you like. Simply add 1/2 pound to the onions while sautéeing and proceed with the recipe."
Yield: 6 to 8 servings; Time: 1 1/2 hours
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1018954-baked-ziti.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, packed in juice
1 (28-ounce) can tomato purée or sauce
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 ounces/1 pound ricotta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or Pecorino, plus more for grating on top
1 pound ziti, rigatoni, penne, manicotti or other short, tubelike pasta
1 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
Preparation
Make the tomato sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until it has turned a deeper brick-red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes. Crush the whole tomatoes by hand and add them (including the juice) and the tomato purée to the pot, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper and add red pepper flakes, if using. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Prepare the pasta: As the sauce cooks, heat oven to 425 degrees, and place a large pot of salted water to boil on the stove.
Cook pasta until it’s nearly al dente. (You want to undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven. A good way to do this is cook it 2 minutes less than you normally would if preparing it al dente.) Reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking liquid, drain pasta and rinse with cool water; set aside while the tomato sauce finishes cooking.
Once tomato sauce is done, stir in reserved pasta water.
Place pasta in a large bowl and add 2 cups sauce. Stir to coat pasta evenly encouraging the sauce to go inside each tube.
Spoon a bit of remaining sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with 1/3 of the pasta. Spoon 1/3 of the remaining sauce on top, dollop with half the ricotta mixture and scatter 1/3 of the mozzarella on top of that. Repeat, beginning with the pasta, one more time. For the final layer, add the last 1/3 of pasta and the last of the sauce. Dot remaining mozzarella on top and shave a bit more Parmesan on top of that. Place baking dish on top of a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Place in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and bubbling and the top has browned nicely, 30 to 40 minutes.
Let cool slightly before eating with a big green leafy salad.
Tip
Baked ziti can be assembled 2 hours before baking. It can be baked 1 day ahead and rewarmed before serving.
PEPPERONI PIZZA PASTA
This is from the long-since-forgotten email list. Serves 4
Ingredients
8oz (2 c) uncooked ziti
1 (14oz) jar pizza sauce
2 oz sliced pepperoni, halved (about 3/4 c)
1/4 c finely chopped bell pepper
1/4 c grated parmesan
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 clove garlic, minced
4oz (1c) shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
Heat oven to 375. Spray 8" sq. baking pan with nonstick spray. Cook ziti according to pkg directions. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, pizza sauce, pepperoni, bell pepper, Parmesan, oregano and garlic; mix well. Spoon into baking pan; sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake at 375 for 30-35 min. or throughly heated and cheese is melted.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Double-Post Tuesday
Besides being Taco Tuesday, it's also Double-Post Tuesday (because, surprisingly, not everyone loves tacos). Today's offerings include Chicken A La King and Million Dollar Pasta Salad. Enjoy!
EASY ONE-POT TUNA CASSEROLE
This is from Campbell's, and begins, "The magic of this Easy One-Pot Tuna Casserole is that you add the pasta dry and it cooks right in the skillet! Saute some celery in butter for the first layer of flavor, add the soup, water and pasta and simmer! The pasta soaks up some of the creamy sauce for extra flavor. Add the tuna and sprinkle with a topping of cheese and crushed croutons- this Easy One-Pot Tuna Casserole couldn't be easier! Have some leftover turkey? Try this turkey version: Turkey Noodle Casserole."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 5
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/recipes/easy-one-pot-tuna-casserole/.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked medium shell shaped pasta or rotini
2 cans (about 5 ounces each) solid white albacore tuna, drained
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (amount divided in recipe steps below)
1 cup seasoned croutons, crushed
Instructions
Heat the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and cook for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Stir in the soup, water and uncooked pasta and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the tuna and 1/3 cup cheese and cook until the mixture is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the croutons and the remaining 1/3 cup cheese (the heat from the pasta mixture will melt the cheese).
CHICKEN A LA KING
This yumminess is from Laura Manzano at Simply Recipes. For this recipe, Laura wrote, "...(E)ating chicken à la king is like wrapping yourself with a warm blanket. It’s a dish I now make regularly, especially on cold nights—it’s quick comfort food, done nearly as quickly as the pot of white rice I like to serve it with. It’s also wonderful with egg noodles or served alongside biscuits or warm toast."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, as well as reading everything that Laura wrote about this, go to https://www.simplyrecipes.com/chicken-a-la-king-recipe-8414596.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 stalk celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/4 cup sherry or dry white wine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
1 (7-ounce) can pimentos, drained, patted dry, and diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 to 3 cups cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a medium to large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir to coat them in butter, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened (they won’t necessarily brown, and that’s fine) and cooked down to about half their volume, about 5 minutes.
Add the sherry or white wine and stir frequently until the liquid has nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes. (If omitting the alcohol, skip this step.)
Sprinkle the flour over the skillet and stir until no dry pockets remain and the raw flour has slightly cooked, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and let thicken and reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken, diced pimentos, and frozen peas (no need to defrost). Stir well and cook until chicken is heated through and peas are hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with rice, if desired.
Chicken à la king can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add to a pan on the stove with a splash of water and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
ALMOST WHITE CASTLE HAMBURGERS
This comes from Chef Doozer on the Genius Kitchen site. Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/2 lbs ground chuck
1 (4 tablespoon) envelope onion soup mix
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
24 small square dinner rolls
American cheese (optional)
pickle (optional)
Sauce
1/2 cup mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Hamburgers: Mix first 6 ingredients and press into an ungreased 10 by 15 inch jelly roll pan.
Prick with a fork.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Drain off juices (if there's a lot of excess).
Cool.
Cut into 24 squares.
Place squares on dinner rolls.
Combine mustard and ketchup and spread on rolls.
Top with pickles and cheese, if desired.
This makes 12 servings of 2 hamburgers each.
HOT CHICKEN CHILI
This is from Trisha Yearwood on the Food Network.
Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/hot-chicken-chili-7943627.
Ingredients
1 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 carrots, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 pounds ground chicken
Two 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped pickles, for garnish
Directions
Stir together the oil, cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of salt in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the spices infuse the oil, 2 to 3 minutes.
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Spoon 1/4 cup of the spiced oil into the pan. Add the carrots and onion and cook until the vegetables soften and start to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chicken and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and cook, breaking up the chicken with a wooden spoon, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, hot sauce and 2 tablespoons more of the spiced oil. Stir together and bring to a boil. Pour in the stock. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the chili is thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.
Ladle the chili into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped pickles and a drizzle of the remaining hot oil.
>MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
MEXICAN PASTA
This is from allrecipes, and was submitted by someone named Mimi. The recipe begins, "Mexican pasta is a great vegetarian dish with a kick!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21518/mexican-pasta/.
Ingredients
1/2 pound seashell pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1/4 cup salsa
cup sliced black olives
1-1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook onions and bell pepper in oil until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir in corn and heat through. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, salsa, olives, seasoning mix, and salt and pepper and cook until thoroughly heated, about 5 minutes.
Toss sauce with cooked pasta and serve.
EASY ONE-POT TUNA CASSEROLE
This is from Campbell's, and begins, "The magic of this Easy One-Pot Tuna Casserole is that you add the pasta dry and it cooks right in the skillet! Saute some celery in butter for the first layer of flavor, add the soup, water and pasta and simmer! The pasta soaks up some of the creamy sauce for extra flavor. Add the tuna and sprinkle with a topping of cheese and crushed croutons- this Easy One-Pot Tuna Casserole couldn't be easier! Have some leftover turkey? Try this turkey version: Turkey Noodle Casserole."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Serves: 5
To view this online, go to https://www.campbells.com/recipes/easy-one-pot-tuna-casserole/.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon butter
2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 can (10.5 ounces) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup or 98% Fat Free Cream of Mushroom Soup
1-1/2 cups water
1 cup uncooked medium shell shaped pasta or rotini
2 cans (about 5 ounces each) solid white albacore tuna, drained
2/3 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (amount divided in recipe steps below)
1 cup seasoned croutons, crushed
Instructions
Heat the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and cook for 5 minutes or until tender-crisp.
Stir in the soup, water and uncooked pasta and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the tuna and 1/3 cup cheese and cook until the mixture is hot. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with the croutons and the remaining 1/3 cup cheese (the heat from the pasta mixture will melt the cheese).
CHICKEN A LA KING
This yumminess is from Laura Manzano at Simply Recipes. For this recipe, Laura wrote, "...(E)ating chicken à la king is like wrapping yourself with a warm blanket. It’s a dish I now make regularly, especially on cold nights—it’s quick comfort food, done nearly as quickly as the pot of white rice I like to serve it with. It’s also wonderful with egg noodles or served alongside biscuits or warm toast."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, as well as reading everything that Laura wrote about this, go to https://www.simplyrecipes.com/chicken-a-la-king-recipe-8414596.
Ingredients
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 small yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
1/2 stalk celery, diced (about 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/4 cup sherry or dry white wine
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups diced or shredded cooked chicken
1 (7-ounce) can pimentos, drained, patted dry, and diced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup frozen peas
2 to 3 cups cooked white rice, for serving (optional)
Directions
In a medium to large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and celery, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir to coat them in butter, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened (they won’t necessarily brown, and that’s fine) and cooked down to about half their volume, about 5 minutes.
Add the sherry or white wine and stir frequently until the liquid has nearly evaporated, about 2 minutes. (If omitting the alcohol, skip this step.)
Sprinkle the flour over the skillet and stir until no dry pockets remain and the raw flour has slightly cooked, about 1 minute. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream and stir well.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low and let thicken and reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
Add the cooked chicken, diced pimentos, and frozen peas (no need to defrost). Stir well and cook until chicken is heated through and peas are hot, 2 to 3 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with rice, if desired.
Chicken à la king can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add to a pan on the stove with a splash of water and cook over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes.
ALMOST WHITE CASTLE HAMBURGERS
This comes from Chef Doozer on the Genius Kitchen site. Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 12
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
1-1/2 lbs ground chuck
1 (4 tablespoon) envelope onion soup mix
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons water
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
24 small square dinner rolls
American cheese (optional)
pickle (optional)
Sauce
1/2 cup mustard
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Hamburgers: Mix first 6 ingredients and press into an ungreased 10 by 15 inch jelly roll pan.
Prick with a fork.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Drain off juices (if there's a lot of excess).
Cool.
Cut into 24 squares.
Place squares on dinner rolls.
Combine mustard and ketchup and spread on rolls.
Top with pickles and cheese, if desired.
This makes 12 servings of 2 hamburgers each.
HOT CHICKEN CHILI
This is from Trisha Yearwood on the Food Network.
Active Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 45 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/trisha-yearwood/hot-chicken-chili-7943627.
Ingredients
1 cup vegetable oil
3 tablespoons cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 carrots, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
2 pounds ground chicken
Two 15.5-ounce cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
One 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons hot sauce
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped pickles, for garnish
Directions
Stir together the oil, cayenne, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of salt in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until the spices infuse the oil, 2 to 3 minutes.
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Spoon 1/4 cup of the spiced oil into the pan. Add the carrots and onion and cook until the vegetables soften and start to brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the chicken and remaining 1 teaspoon salt and cook, breaking up the chicken with a wooden spoon, until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, hot sauce and 2 tablespoons more of the spiced oil. Stir together and bring to a boil. Pour in the stock. Return to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the chili is thickened, 15 to 20 minutes.
Ladle the chili into bowls. Top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped pickles and a drizzle of the remaining hot oil.
>MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
MEXICAN PASTA
This is from allrecipes, and was submitted by someone named Mimi. The recipe begins, "Mexican pasta is a great vegetarian dish with a kick!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Serves: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21518/mexican-pasta/.
Ingredients
1/2 pound seashell pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup sweet corn kernels
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can peeled and diced tomatoes
1/4 cup salsa
cup sliced black olives
1-1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Cook onions and bell pepper in oil until lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Stir in corn and heat through. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, salsa, olives, seasoning mix, and salt and pepper and cook until thoroughly heated, about 5 minutes.
Toss sauce with cooked pasta and serve.
Monday, February 16, 2026
Double-Post Monday
Besides being Meatless Monday, it's also Double-Post Monday. Today's offerings include Chicken A La King and Quick Turkey Chili. Enjoy!
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
CHICKEN A LA KING
This is from Craig Claiborne and adapted by Eric Kim in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Eric wrote, "This regal midcentury favorite of tender poached chicken draped in a creamy sherry sauce is due for a revival. Think of chicken potpie filling without the crust, or the kind of banquet poultry served at weddings. Many hotel chefs in the 19th century, including George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel, claim to have invented chicken à la king, which has as many variations as there are cooks. This particular iteration of the retro dish comes from Craig Claiborne, adapted from a column he wrote for The New York Times in 1969. For the full effect, serve the comforting chicken with toast triangles, as they still do at nostalgic restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill in Los Angeles and Cecchi’s in New York City, or enjoy with rice, noodles or biscuits, whatever makes you happy. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or over low heat on the stove."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "A Chicken à la King That’s Actually Fit for a King," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026730-chicken-a-la-king. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth or 1-3/4 cups homemade stock (see Tip)
Salt and black pepper
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-1/4 pounds; see Tip)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced button or cremini mushrooms (2-1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons drained jarred sliced pimentos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, plus more for serving
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons dry sherry
Toast triangles and Tabasco hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Poach the chicken: Add the stock to a medium saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then turn the heat to its lowest setting. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the saucepan. Cover and poach the chicken until the centers are barely opaque, 15 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and the stock to a measuring cup.
While the chicken cools, make the sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
Whisk in 1-1/2 cups reserved chicken stock. Boil, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook over low, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch cubes and stir into the sauce, along with the peas, pimento and parsley. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sherry to combine and stir into the sauce. Do not boil the sauce at this stage or it may curdle. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat when steaming hot and serve immediately with the toast triangles and Tabasco sauce, if using.
Tip
To prepare an even richer, more flavorful dish, do as Mr. Claiborne does in his cookbook “Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking” (1987) and start by poaching a whole chicken. Add a whole chicken to a snug pot, fill the pot with just enough water to cover it. If desired, add aromatic ingredients, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, allspice, carrot and celery. Season with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes. Strain and use the stock in Step 3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before tearing off the meat and carving it into 1/2-inch cubes to use in Step 4. You should have about 3 cups of cubed boneless, skinless chicken.
BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF
This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 pounds ground turkey
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.
Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
QUICK TURKEY CHILI
This is from Southern Living, and begins, "Finish this turkey chili with your preferred toppings, like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream."
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/quick-turkey-chili-8704058.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (from 1 bell pepper)
3 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix (from 1 [1-oz.] envelope)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1-1/2 cups water
1 lb. ground turkey (white and dark meat)
1 (15-oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (about 2 canned chiles)
1 tsp. kosher salt
Toppings: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add taco seasoning and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant and tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and water, scraping bottom of Dutch oven to release any browned bits.
Add turkey, and stir to break into smaller pieces.
Stir in beans, chiles, and salt. Bring to a simmer, undisturbed, over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Ladle evenly into 4 bowls, and serve with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix bland turkey chili?
If you find your turkey chili is bland after cooking, add extra seasonings as desired to bump up the flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can also help wake up the flavors.
How do you thicken turkey chili?
To thicken up the chili, you can continue to simmer, add a cornstarch slurry, or lightly smash some of the beans for a thickened texture.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese before serving.
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
CHICKEN A LA KING
This is from Craig Claiborne and adapted by Eric Kim in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Eric wrote, "This regal midcentury favorite of tender poached chicken draped in a creamy sherry sauce is due for a revival. Think of chicken potpie filling without the crust, or the kind of banquet poultry served at weddings. Many hotel chefs in the 19th century, including George Greenwald of the Brighton Beach Hotel, claim to have invented chicken à la king, which has as many variations as there are cooks. This particular iteration of the retro dish comes from Craig Claiborne, adapted from a column he wrote for The New York Times in 1969. For the full effect, serve the comforting chicken with toast triangles, as they still do at nostalgic restaurants like Musso & Frank Grill in Los Angeles and Cecchi’s in New York City, or enjoy with rice, noodles or biscuits, whatever makes you happy. This dish reheats beautifully in the microwave or over low heat on the stove."
Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 50 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
This was featured in "A Chicken à la King That’s Actually Fit for a King," and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026730-chicken-a-la-king. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1 (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth or 1-3/4 cups homemade stock (see Tip)
Salt and black pepper
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1-1/4 pounds; see Tip)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup sliced button or cremini mushrooms (2-1/2 ounces)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup frozen green peas
2 tablespoons drained jarred sliced pimentos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley, plus more for serving
2 large egg yolks
3 tablespoons dry sherry
Toast triangles and Tabasco hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Preparation
Poach the chicken: Add the stock to a medium saucepan and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high, then turn the heat to its lowest setting. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the saucepan. Cover and poach the chicken until the centers are barely opaque, 15 to 25 minutes, turning the chicken over halfway through cooking. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and the stock to a measuring cup.
While the chicken cools, make the sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium, then add the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Stir in the green bell pepper. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until the flour is incorporated, about 1 minute.
Whisk in 1-1/2 cups reserved chicken stock. Boil, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook over low, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover.
Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch cubes and stir into the sauce, along with the peas, pimento and parsley. Raise the heat to medium and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer until the chicken is just cooked through.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sherry to combine and stir into the sauce. Do not boil the sauce at this stage or it may curdle. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat when steaming hot and serve immediately with the toast triangles and Tabasco sauce, if using.
Tip
To prepare an even richer, more flavorful dish, do as Mr. Claiborne does in his cookbook “Craig Claiborne’s Southern Cooking” (1987) and start by poaching a whole chicken. Add a whole chicken to a snug pot, fill the pot with just enough water to cover it. If desired, add aromatic ingredients, such as peppercorns, bay leaves, onion, allspice, carrot and celery. Season with salt. Bring to a boil and simmer, partially covered, until the chicken is tender, about 30 minutes. Strain and use the stock in Step 3. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before tearing off the meat and carving it into 1/2-inch cubes to use in Step 4. You should have about 3 cups of cubed boneless, skinless chicken.
BEST TURKEY MEATLOAF
This is from the Food Network Kitchen, and begins, "A slightly lighter version of the all-American classic, this satisfying meatloaf uses chicken broth and soaked panko to stay moist, and a mix of fresh herbs for flavor. It’s the best turkey meatloaf you’ll find!"
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes; Yield: 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/best-turkey-meatloaf-recipe-7217376.
Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon minced fresh sage
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 pounds ground turkey
2 large eggs
1/2 cup ketchup
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, thyme, sage, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring to incorporate. Stir in the Worcestershire. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
Add the panko to a large mixing bowl and pour over the chicken broth so the breadcrumbs soak up the liquid. Add the turkey, eggs, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and the cooled onion mixture and mix well with your hands until well combined. Form the mixture into a 10-by-5-inch loaf on the foil-lined baking sheet. Coat the top and sides with the ketchup.
Put the meatloaf in the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake until a thermometer inserted in the center of the loaf reads 165 degrees F, 45 minutes to 1 hour. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
ONE-PAN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
This recipe comes from Pure Wow, and begins, “Guys, this lazy cook's one-pan spaghetti and meatballs recipe is a total game changer. The next time you want to get dinner on the table with ease—and not deal with a million dirty dishes--we've got you covered.” Makes 8 servings.
To view this online, go to https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-spaghetti-and-meatballs-recipe.
Ingredients
Meatballs
1 pound ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, whisked
1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Spaghetti
1 pound dried spaghetti
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, plus more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, mix the beef with the garlic powder, parsley and Parmesan to combine. Add the egg and bread crumbs, and mix to combine.
Form the mixture into balls, using about 2 tablespoons of meat per ball.In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until they are fully cooked and golden brown all over, 3 to 5 minutes.
Make the Spaghetti: Remove the meatballs from the pan and set them aside. Drain any grease from the pan, and then fill it with three inches of water and a few pinches of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spaghetti in an even layer and boil until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes (or according to package directions).
Drain the spaghetti, then return it to the pan. Add the marinara sauce and meatballs; toss to coat. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm, immediately.
QUICK TURKEY CHILI
This is from Southern Living, and begins, "Finish this turkey chili with your preferred toppings, like corn chips, cheese, and sour cream."
Active Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/quick-turkey-chili-8704058.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1-1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (from 1 medium onion)
3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper (from 1 bell pepper)
3 Tbsp. taco seasoning mix (from 1 [1-oz.] envelope)
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 (14 1/2-oz.) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1-1/2 cups water
1 lb. ground turkey (white and dark meat)
1 (15-oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/2 Tbsp. finely chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (about 2 canned chiles)
1 tsp. kosher salt
Toppings: shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, chopped fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips
Directions
Heat oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
Add taco seasoning and tomato paste; cook, stirring constantly, until spices are fragrant and tomato paste has darkened, about 1 minute.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and water, scraping bottom of Dutch oven to release any browned bits.
Add turkey, and stir to break into smaller pieces.
Stir in beans, chiles, and salt. Bring to a simmer, undisturbed, over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until turkey is no longer pink, about 8 minutes.
Ladle evenly into 4 bowls, and serve with desired toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix bland turkey chili?
If you find your turkey chili is bland after cooking, add extra seasonings as desired to bump up the flavor. Adding a splash of vinegar can also help wake up the flavors.
How do you thicken turkey chili?
To thicken up the chili, you can continue to simmer, add a cornstarch slurry, or lightly smash some of the beans for a thickened texture.
MEDITERRANEAN STUFFED PEPPERS
This came from Betty Crocker Kitchens, and begins, “For this light and flavorful take on stuffed peppers, we made a filling of seasoned ground turkey, chick peas, artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese and feta cheese that comes in at just 260 calories. Simply stuff your peppers, bake and finish the dish with a fresh tomato-basil topping.”
Prep Time: 40 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes; Servings: 8 To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
4 large red or yellow bell peppers (about 1/2 lb each)
1 lb lean (at least 93%) ground turkey
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup Muir GlenTM organic roasted garlic pasta sauce (from 25.5-oz jar)
3/4 cup ProgressoTM chick peas, drained, rinsed (from 15-oz can)
1 jar (6 oz) ProgressoTM artichoke hearts, marinated, drained, chopped (about 2/3 cup)
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese (3 oz)
1 package (4 oz) feta cheese crumbles (3/4 cup)
2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 medium)
3 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
Heat oven to 425°F. Line 15x10x1-inch pan with cooking parchment paper. Cut each bell pepper in half vertically, leaving stem intact; remove seeds and membranes. In 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven, heat 3 quarts water to boiling.
Add bell peppers to boiling water, making sure water covers peppers. Cook 2 minutes; drain. Place peppers cut side up in pan.
In 10-inch nonstick skillet, cook turkey, garlic, Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and the pepper. Cook over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up turkey, until turkey is no longer pink; drain.
Transfer turkey mixture to medium bowl; stir in pasta sauce, chick peas and artichoke hearts. Stir in mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of the feta cheese.
Divide turkey mixture evenly among bell peppers in pan (peppers will be full). Spray one side of foil with cooking spray; cover with foil, sprayed side down. Bake 32 to 37 minutes or until bell peppers are tender and filling is hot.
In small bowl, mix tomatoes, basil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Top cooked bell peppers with tomato mixture and remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese before serving.
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Wednesday Recipes
We're half-way through the week. Here are six recipes to help you through the day, including Slow Cooker Chicken Stroganoff and Slow-Cooker Stuffed Peppers. Enjoy!
GOLDEN DINER'S TUNA MELT
This recipe is from Sam Yoo and adapted by Alexa Weibel on The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Alexa wrote, "This tuna melt, which was adapted from Sam Yoo, the owner and chef of Golden Diner in New York, is almost more about the textures than the tuna: Two slices of rye bread, crisped in butter and adorned with melted American cheese, sandwich a hefty scoop of tuna salad and a fistful of salt-and-vinegar potato chips. The sandwich will crunch, audibly, as you smash it together, and again between your teeth as you eat it. But the tuna salad is equally memorable: Reminiscent of the flavors of a Big Mac, its tangy, mayo-based sauce gets a hefty dose of acidity from minced bread and butter pickles, mustard, vinegar and Tabasco. This tuna melt eats like a tuna grilled cheese and proves that the best sandwiches are all about contrast: hot and cold, buttery and tangy, crispy and creamy."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes, plus at least 1 hour chilling; Total Time: 45 minutes, plus at least 1 hour chilling; Yield: 4 sandwiches
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025844-golden-diners-tuna-melt. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more. Go ahead, I'll wait...(Tap, tap, tap.)
Ingredients
For the Tuna Salad
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup minced bread and butter pickles
1-1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
Scant 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 (5-ounce) cans yellowfin tuna packed in water, drained (all of the water squeezed out)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1/3 cup minced celery
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco (or to taste)
Salt
For the Sandwiches
6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
8 slices rye bread (or other sandwich bread)
Salt-and-vinegar potato chips
6 slices American Cheese
Preparation
Prepare the tuna salad: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced pickles, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil with one hand while whisking the mixture with the other. Add the drained tuna, red onion and celery; fold to combine. Season to taste with Tabasco and salt; refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
Cook the sandwiches: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Working in batches as needed, add the bread to the heated griddle, buttered-side down, and divide the cheese among 4 slices of bread, tearing cheese to fit in a single layer (1-1/2 pieces per slice of bread). Cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden, about 4 minutes. Transfer toasts to a large cutting board for assembly.
Divide the cold tuna mix among 4 slices (about 1/2 cup each), schmearing it to cover each piece from edge to edge. Add a handful of chips on top and close the sandwiches with the other slices of bread, toasted-side up. Using a serrated knife, cut sandwiches in half diagonally and serve while the bread is warm.
EASY CHICKEN SALAD
This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yummy recipe, Lidey wrote, "This simple chicken salad makes great use of leftover chicken, though you can certainly use a rotisserie chicken or roast or boil chicken breasts for this recipe. The recipe calls for classic crunchy mix-ins such as grapes, celery and pecans, but feel free to make it your own: Use a diced tart apple in place of the grapes, or toss in a handful of dried cranberries. Chicken salad gets better as it sits, so make this at least a few hours in advance if you can, or make it on Monday to have on hand for lunches all week long."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025482-easy-chicken-salad. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 large stalk)
1/2 cup seedless grapes, quartered
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (see Tip)
1/4 cup minced red onion (about 1/4 small onion)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Toasted bread, lettuce cups or crackers, for serving
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; whisk until smooth. Add the chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, onion and parsley and mix well. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on toasted bread or lettuce cups, or with crackers. Chicken salad will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Tip
Toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
SLOW-COOKER STUFFED PEPPERS
This recipe is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "There’s a whole lot to love about stuffed peppers. They’re hearty, made with inexpensive ingredients and they taste great—even to veggie skeptics. And now, they’re slow-cooker friendly! Spend 20 minutes prepping and you can walk away for the rest of the day, as this slow-cooker stuffed pepper recipe cooks for around five hours."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 large bell peppers
1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (15 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
Instructions
Spray 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray. Trim tops off bell peppers; remove ribs and seeds. Set aside.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef, onions, salt and pepper 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is cooked through and onion softens. Add garlic; cook 15 seconds. Drain.
Stir rice and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce into beef mixture in skillet; mix to combine. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese. Stuff peppers with beef mixture; arrange in slow cooker. Pour remaining tomato sauce over peppers.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours or until peppers are soft. Top peppers with remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover; cook 3 to 8 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Use slotted spoon to lift peppers from slow cooker.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STROGANOFF
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Move over beef -- chicken is in the house. This great weeknight meal takes less than 15 minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does the rest."
Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff-5536626.
Ingredients
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 1-ounce package dry onion soup mix
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces button mushrooms, quartered
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1-3/4 pounds)
12 ounces egg noodles
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Special equipment: a 6-quart slow cooker
Directions
Whisk together the broth, flour, tomato paste, onion soup mix, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Add to a 6-quart slow cooker and top with the mushrooms and chicken. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
When ready to serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil; salt the water generously. Add the noodles and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and toss in a large bowl with the butter until the butter is melted and the noodles are completely coated.
Transfer the chicken to a small bowl and shred with 2 forks. Whisk the cream cheese into the sauce until completely incorporated; stir in the chicken and noodles. Top with parsley before serving.
GOLDEN DINER'S TUNA MELT
This recipe is from Sam Yoo and adapted by Alexa Weibel on The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Alexa wrote, "This tuna melt, which was adapted from Sam Yoo, the owner and chef of Golden Diner in New York, is almost more about the textures than the tuna: Two slices of rye bread, crisped in butter and adorned with melted American cheese, sandwich a hefty scoop of tuna salad and a fistful of salt-and-vinegar potato chips. The sandwich will crunch, audibly, as you smash it together, and again between your teeth as you eat it. But the tuna salad is equally memorable: Reminiscent of the flavors of a Big Mac, its tangy, mayo-based sauce gets a hefty dose of acidity from minced bread and butter pickles, mustard, vinegar and Tabasco. This tuna melt eats like a tuna grilled cheese and proves that the best sandwiches are all about contrast: hot and cold, buttery and tangy, crispy and creamy."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 30 minutes, plus at least 1 hour chilling; Total Time: 45 minutes, plus at least 1 hour chilling; Yield: 4 sandwiches
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025844-golden-diners-tuna-melt. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more. Go ahead, I'll wait...(Tap, tap, tap.)
Ingredients
For the Tuna Salad
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup minced bread and butter pickles
1-1/2 teaspoons yellow mustard
Scant 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 (5-ounce) cans yellowfin tuna packed in water, drained (all of the water squeezed out)
1/3 cup minced red onion
1/3 cup minced celery
1/2 teaspoon Tabasco (or to taste)
Salt
For the Sandwiches
6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
8 slices rye bread (or other sandwich bread)
Salt-and-vinegar potato chips
6 slices American Cheese
Preparation
Prepare the tuna salad: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced pickles, mustard, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil with one hand while whisking the mixture with the other. Add the drained tuna, red onion and celery; fold to combine. Season to taste with Tabasco and salt; refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 2 days.
Cook the sandwiches: Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. Working in batches as needed, add the bread to the heated griddle, buttered-side down, and divide the cheese among 4 slices of bread, tearing cheese to fit in a single layer (1-1/2 pieces per slice of bread). Cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy and golden, about 4 minutes. Transfer toasts to a large cutting board for assembly.
Divide the cold tuna mix among 4 slices (about 1/2 cup each), schmearing it to cover each piece from edge to edge. Add a handful of chips on top and close the sandwiches with the other slices of bread, toasted-side up. Using a serrated knife, cut sandwiches in half diagonally and serve while the bread is warm.
EASY CHICKEN SALAD
This is from Lidey Heuck at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yummy recipe, Lidey wrote, "This simple chicken salad makes great use of leftover chicken, though you can certainly use a rotisserie chicken or roast or boil chicken breasts for this recipe. The recipe calls for classic crunchy mix-ins such as grapes, celery and pecans, but feel free to make it your own: Use a diced tart apple in place of the grapes, or toss in a handful of dried cranberries. Chicken salad gets better as it sits, so make this at least a few hours in advance if you can, or make it on Monday to have on hand for lunches all week long."
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 5 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025482-easy-chicken-salad. While you're at it, if you haven't already signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
3 cups diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 large stalk)
1/2 cup seedless grapes, quartered
1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped (see Tip)
1/4 cup minced red onion (about 1/4 small onion)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Toasted bread, lettuce cups or crackers, for serving
Preparation
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; whisk until smooth. Add the chicken, celery, grapes, pecans, onion and parsley and mix well. Season with more salt and pepper to taste.
Serve on toasted bread or lettuce cups, or with crackers. Chicken salad will keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Tip
Toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes.
COLORFUL TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS
Yield: 4 servings
Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1321
View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1321.shtml
Source: Jennie-O
Ingredients
2 bell peppers, preferably a mix of yellow, green or red
1/2 (16-ounce) package Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt, if desired
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (14-1/2-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes or seasoned diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup cooked white or brown rice
3/4 cup shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
paprika, if desired
fresh parsley, if desired
Directions
Heat oven to 375F.
Cut bell peppers lengthwise through stems keeping stem halves intact to hold stuffing. Discard seeds and veins.
Cook peppers in boiling salted water 5 to 6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and immediately place peppers in ice water to stop cooking process. Drain peppers well and place cut side up in 8 x 8-inch baking dish.
Cook ground turkey as specified on the package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.
Add onion, garlic, basil, salt, if desired, ground pepper, tomatoes, and rice; continue to cook 5 to 6 minutes or until heated through and most of the juices have reduced.
Remove meat mixture from heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese.
Mound heaping 1/2 cup of mixture into each pepper half.
Bake 20 minutes or until filling is hot and peppers are tender.
Remove peppers from oven and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup cheese on top of peppers. Sprinkle with paprika and parsley, if desired.
Always cook to an internal temperature of 165F. Learn how to safely handle turkey.
Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 160; Protein: 20 g; Fat: 2.5 g; Sodium: 210 mg; Cholesterol: 30 mg; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 5 g; Carbohydrates: 14 g
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
SLOW-COOKER STUFFED PEPPERS
This recipe is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "There’s a whole lot to love about stuffed peppers. They’re hearty, made with inexpensive ingredients and they taste great—even to veggie skeptics. And now, they’re slow-cooker friendly! Spend 20 minutes prepping and you can walk away for the rest of the day, as this slow-cooker stuffed pepper recipe cooks for around five hours."
Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes; Servings: 6
To view this online, click here.
Ingredients
6 large bell peppers
1 lb ground beef (at least 80% lean)
1 cup finely chopped onions
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1-1/2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (15 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
Instructions
Spray 6-quart oval slow cooker with cooking spray. Trim tops off bell peppers; remove ribs and seeds. Set aside.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook beef, onions, salt and pepper 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until beef is cooked through and onion softens. Add garlic; cook 15 seconds. Drain.
Stir rice and 1/2 cup of the tomato sauce into beef mixture in skillet; mix to combine. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese. Stuff peppers with beef mixture; arrange in slow cooker. Pour remaining tomato sauce over peppers.
Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours or until peppers are soft. Top peppers with remaining 1 cup cheese. Cover; cook 3 to 8 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.
Use slotted spoon to lift peppers from slow cooker.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN STROGANOFF
This is from the Food Network, and begins, "Move over beef -- chicken is in the house. This great weeknight meal takes less than 15 minutes to prep, then the slow cooker does the rest."
Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/slow-cooker-chicken-stroganoff-5536626.
Ingredients
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon tomato paste
One 1-ounce package dry onion soup mix
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 ounces button mushrooms, quartered
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1-3/4 pounds)
12 ounces egg noodles
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Special equipment: a 6-quart slow cooker
Directions
Whisk together the broth, flour, tomato paste, onion soup mix, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Add to a 6-quart slow cooker and top with the mushrooms and chicken. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.
When ready to serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil; salt the water generously. Add the noodles and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and toss in a large bowl with the butter until the butter is melted and the noodles are completely coated.
Transfer the chicken to a small bowl and shred with 2 forks. Whisk the cream cheese into the sauce until completely incorporated; stir in the chicken and noodles. Top with parsley before serving.
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Pasta
I've loved pasta ever since I can remember. When I was a kid, if my mom asked, "What would you like for dinner?" (especially when my birthday rolled around), the answer was almost always, "Spaghetti!", followed by several other pasta dishes.
To that end here are six pasta recipes, including Pasta with Broccoli Sun-Dried Tomato and Lime and Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce and Ricotta. Enjoy!
HAM AND ASPARAGUS FETTUCCINE
This is from StephnDon at AllRecipes, who wrote, "I LOVE fettuccine, and when made with a bit of leftover ham it takes on a heartiness and richness so filling there isn't room for dessert!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21452/ham-and-asparagus-fettuccine/.
Ingredients
12 ounces dry fettuccini noodles
8 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 cup butter
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 pound cooked ham, diced
Dirctions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Stir asparagus into pot in the last five minutes of cooking; drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat butter and cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When mixture begins to bubble, stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne. Continue cooking until mixture thickens, stirring occasionally. Stir in ham and heat through.
Toss pasta and asparagus with sauce and serve immediately.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2-1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2-1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
PASTA WITH BROCCOLI, SUN-DRIED TOMATO, AND LIME
This was in an article titled "Vision Quest, Recipes for Eye Health" in the July 2020 issue of Taste for Life (page 14).
I had picked up a copy of Taste for Life at Rollin' Oats, a Florida health food store with two locations (Tampa and St. Petersburg). Since I live close to the St. Pete store, I try to go there as often as possible (though not often enough, as far as I'm concerned). If you're ever in the area, I highly suggest giving them a try.
Anywho, this recipe's prep time is 30 minutes, and serves 4.
Ingredients
3 cups bite-size pieces of broccoli florets
12 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato slices
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Steam broccoli for 5 minutes until tender. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Set aside.
Heat sun-dried tomatoes and their oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Add pasta, reserved cooking water, steamed broccoli, and lime juice to sun-dried tomato mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-8051436.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
The success of this recipe depends upon the specific pasta shape suggested, so we do not recommend substitutions.
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
To that end here are six pasta recipes, including Pasta with Broccoli Sun-Dried Tomato and Lime and Pasta With Fresh Tomato Sauce and Ricotta. Enjoy!
HAM AND ASPARAGUS FETTUCCINE
This is from StephnDon at AllRecipes, who wrote, "I LOVE fettuccine, and when made with a bit of leftover ham it takes on a heartiness and richness so filling there isn't room for dessert!"
Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 6 servings
To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/21452/ham-and-asparagus-fettuccine/.
Ingredients
12 ounces dry fettuccini noodles
8 ounces fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 cup butter
2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 pound cooked ham, diced
Dirctions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Stir asparagus into pot in the last five minutes of cooking; drain.
While pasta is cooking, heat butter and cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. When mixture begins to bubble, stir in Parmesan, garlic powder, pepper and cayenne. Continue cooking until mixture thickens, stirring occasionally. Stir in ham and heat through.
Toss pasta and asparagus with sauce and serve immediately.
PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATO SAUCE AND RICOTTA
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "This wonderful pasta is made with nothing more than fresh tomato sauce and good ricotta, plus a little pecorino. It’s most delicious if you keep the pasta quite al dente; use just enough sauce, no more; give it a good pinch of crushed red pepper; and season it with enough salt of course. For the best results, use good quality imported noodles made from hard Durum wheat."
Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017651-pasta-with-fresh-tomato-sauce-and-ricotta.
Ingredients
1 pound dried pasta, such as farfalle or penne
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Crushed red pepper (optional)
2-1/2 cups Quick Fresh Tomato Sauce, warm (see recipe)
6 ounces ultra-fresh ricotta, at room temperature
Grated pecorino
Basil leaves, for garnish
Preparation
Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted water, making sure to keep it quite al dente.
Put butter in a wide deep skillet over medium heat. Add drained pasta to the pan and season with salt, pepper and crushed red pepper, if using.
Add tomato sauce gradually and stir to coat pasta, using only enough sauce for a light coating (you may not need the entire 2-1/2 cups).
Transfer pasta to a warm serving bowl and dot top with spoonfuls of ricotta. Sprinkle lightly with pecorino and garnish with a few torn basil leaves.
QUICK FRESH TOMATO SAUCE
This is from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter, and begins, "In August and September, when tomatoes are at their ripest, make a batch of fresh tomato sauce. At the market, look for the cracked, slightly bruised tomatoes sold at a discount. The flesh of the tomato should be dense, sweet and blood red. This makes a very fresh- and bright-tasting sauce in a manageable small batch. Take advantage of good tasty tomatoes and fill a few zip-top bags for the freezer."
Yield: About 2 1/2 cups; Time: 30 minutes
This was featured in "The Time Is Right to Make Tomato Sauce", and can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1017650-quick-fresh-tomato-sauce.
Ingredients
5 pounds tomatoes
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 garlic clove, halved
1 basil sprig
1 bay leaf
Preparation
Cut tomatoes in half horizontally. Squeeze out the seeds and discard, if you wish. Press the cut side of tomato against the large holes of a box grater and grate tomato flesh into a bowl. Discard skins. You should have about 4 cups.
Put tomato pulp in a low wide saucepan over high heat. Add salt, olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, basil and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to a brisk simmer.
Reduce the sauce by almost half, stirring occasionally, to produce about 2-1/2 cups medium-thick sauce, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste and adjust salt. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator or may be frozen.
PASTA WITH BROCCOLI, SUN-DRIED TOMATO, AND LIME
This was in an article titled "Vision Quest, Recipes for Eye Health" in the July 2020 issue of Taste for Life (page 14).
I had picked up a copy of Taste for Life at Rollin' Oats, a Florida health food store with two locations (Tampa and St. Petersburg). Since I live close to the St. Pete store, I try to go there as often as possible (though not often enough, as far as I'm concerned). If you're ever in the area, I highly suggest giving them a try.
Anywho, this recipe's prep time is 30 minutes, and serves 4.
Ingredients
3 cups bite-size pieces of broccoli florets
12 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato slices
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (from 1 large lime)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Steam broccoli for 5 minutes until tender. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Set aside.
Heat sun-dried tomatoes and their oil over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
Add pasta, reserved cooking water, steamed broccoli, and lime juice to sun-dried tomato mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
ONE-POT CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
This is from the Food Network. Active Time: 30 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy
To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/one-pot-cajun-chicken-pasta-8051436.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 4), cut into 1-inch pieces
2-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 medium green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, chopped
12 ounces smooth penne (see Cook's Note)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
One 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
6 ounces cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
Kosher salt
4 scallions, sliced, for serving
Directions
Heat the oil in large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and Cajun seasoning and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to change color and the spices are toasted, about 2 minutes.
Add the peppers and onions and cook until they just begin to release some of their juices, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until softened, 1 minute.
Add the pasta, chicken broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. When it boils, continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce is thickened and reduced by about half, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and add the cream cheese and 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir until the cream cheese is combined and melted. Don't worry if the sauce looks runny, it will thicken as it sits. Top with sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
The success of this recipe depends upon the specific pasta shape suggested, so we do not recommend substitutions.
MILLION DOLLAR PASTA SALAD
This is from Kimberly Holland at Southern Living. For this recipe, Kimberly wrote, "Million dollar pasta salad is inspired by a dip of a similar tax bracket. Zesty, ranchy, and tangy, each bite feels like a combination of a classic BLT with fresh, well-balanced ranch dressing. The tomatoes, bell peppers, scallions, red onions, and fresh herbs add lots of texture in flavor. Mini penne pasta is the perfect size for each bite, allowing you to get a little bit of everything, but you can use another shape. Finishing it off, the bacon is crispy and adds a nice smokiness to the dish while the cheese rounds out the umami notes.
"This would be the perfect addition to a potluck, or serve with grilled chicken thighs, barbecue, or grilled burgers for the ultimate backyard cookout."
Active Time: 35 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes; Servings: 14
To view this online, go to https://www.southernliving.com/million-dollar-pasta-salad-11771238.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz.) uncooked mini penne or penne pasta
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup whole buttermilk
1/4 cup dry ranch seasoning mix (from 2 [1 oz.] envelopes)
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp., plus 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (from 1 pt.)
10 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped (about 1-1/4 cups)
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (from 1 medium [9-oz.] pepper)
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion (from 1 small [4-oz.] onion)
1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as parsley, chives, and dill)
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (from 2 scallions), plus more for garnish
6 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded, divided (about 1-1/2 cups)
Directions
Gather all ingredients.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high. Cook pasta according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse in a colander under cool running water; set aside.
Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooled pasta, tomatoes, bacon, bell pepper, onion, herbs, scallions, and 1 cup of the Cheddar until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours.
Transfer pasta salad to a large bowl. Top with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; garnish with additional scallions.
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