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Showing posts with label Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Pasta

If you love Pasta as much as I do, today's post is sute to please. Check out the One-Pan Spaghetti and Meatballs, the Barbecue-Cheddar Chicken Pasta, and the rest of today's wonderful pasta recipes. Enjoy!

SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)

2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained

1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

16 oz uncooked spaghetti

3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.

In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.

About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES (SPRING)

This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network's website, and from Everyday Italian. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-asparagus-and-cherry-tomatoes-spring-recipe-1939598.

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes

1 cup shelled fresh peas

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock

1 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

CREAMY TURMERIC PASTA

This is from Sue Li in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. Sue wrote, "This earthy pasta is cobbled together using ingredients that you almost certainly already have in your kitchen. Its approach is fairly standard: Melt some butter, sauté some garlic and shallots, simmer with cream, then add some Parmesan and pasta cooking water to create a silky sauce. That alone would make a great meal, but what makes this recipe really special is the addition of ground turmeric, which gives this simple dish its vibrant color and sophisticated depth of flavor. This is meant to be a lazy meal — the kind of dish you throw together, then eat out of a big bowl while sitting on the couch — but if you're feeling the need for something green, serve the pasta with a simple salad dressed with vinegar and olive oil."

Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Time: 30 minutes

This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1020033-creamy-turmeric-pasta.

Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large shallot, thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric

1 cup half-and-half

2 cups lightly packed freshly grated Parmesan (about 4 ounces), plus more for serving

4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley or chives

Preparation

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water and drain.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot and garlic, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until golden-brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add turmeric and stir to toast, about 30 seconds. Slowly whisk in the half-and-half then bring to a simmer.

Whisk in the 2 cups Parmesan, then add the cooked spaghetti and all of the reserved pasta cooking liquid and toss to coat. Serve with chopped parsley and more Parmesan.

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGU WITH HERBED RICOTTA

This is from Sarah DiGregorio on The New York Times cooking site. Sarah wrote, "This recipe has a comforting lasagna vibe, as the spicy chicken-and-tomato sauce mingles with the rich, herby ricotta. Make the sauce as hot as you like: Begin with 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes for a fairly mild spice level, then add more at the end if you want more heat. You’ll notice there isn’t much liquid when the chicken and vegetables go into the slow cooker, but have faith: The juices released during cooking end up making a not-too-thick ragù that is perfect for saucing pasta. In fact, because some chicken has more moisture than others, you may end up with more liquid than you’d like. If that happens, turn off the heat so the sauce cools a bit and is not bubbling, then vigorously stir in two egg yolks before you add the pasta. This adds glossy thickening power, just like it does in carbonara."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 6 1/2 hours

This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022080-slow-cooker-chicken-ragu-with-herbed-ricotta.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 small carrot, peeled and chopped

1/2 yellow or red onion, finely minced (about 1 cup)

4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)

1-1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon onion powder

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

8 ounces pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or other long, thick pasta

1 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta

Heaping 1/4 cup chopped soft fresh herbs, such as chives, oregano, parsley or basil, or a mix

Juice of 1/4 lemon (1 to 2 teaspoons)

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 handful torn fresh basil leaves

Preparation

In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.

Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.

Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.

Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.

BARBECUE-CHEDDAR CHICKEN PASTA

This is from a Publix email. Servings: 6; Active Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 6 hours, 16 minutes

To view this online, go to https://ww4.publix.com/recipes-planning/aprons-simple-meals/barbecue-cheddar-chicken-pasta-with-simple-watermelon-ice-cream. It comes with another recipe (Simple Watermelon Ice Cream).

Ingredients

1 small red onion, coarsely chopped

1 medium green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1 block sharp cheddar cheese (6–8 oz), shredded

1 Deli smoked (or oven-roasted) chicken, shredded

4 slices thick-cut bacon

1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes with garlic, undrained

2 cups no-salt-added chicken stock (or broth)

1/2 cup bold and spicy barbecue sauce

9 oz fresh linguine (or fettucine) pasta

3 oz presliced green onions

Directions

Chop red onion and pepper. Shred cheese (about 2 cups).

Shred chicken (2 cups).

Cut bacon into 1/2-inch pieces, then place in large sauté pan on medium (wash hands); cook bacon 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; drain, reserving 2 tablespoons bacon drippings in pan.

Return pan to heat, then add red onions and peppers; cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until lightly browned. Add tomatoes, stock, and barbecue sauce; stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Stir in chicken, pasta, and 1 cup cheese; cook and stir 2–3 minutes or until pasta is tender, cheese has melted, and sauce has thickened. Divide mixture among serving plates; top evenly with reserved bacon pieces, remaining 1 cup cheese, and green onions. Serve.

Aprons Advice

Complete your meal with fresh salad blend, steamed vegetables, crusty bread, and lemonade.

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.

Thursday, September 1, 2022

Pasta

If you've followed this blog for a while, you probably know that I love pasta. It's been a life-long love, according to relatives.

If you love pasta, too, then today's post is sure to please. Check out the Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes, Slow-Cooker Bolognese, and the rest of today's offerings. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGU WITH HERBED RICOTTA

This is from Sarah DiGregorio on The New York Times cooking site. Sarah wrote, "This recipe has a comforting lasagna vibe, as the spicy chicken-and-tomato sauce mingles with the rich, herby ricotta. Make the sauce as hot as you like: Begin with 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes for a fairly mild spice level, then add more at the end if you want more heat. You’ll notice there isn’t much liquid when the chicken and vegetables go into the slow cooker, but have faith: The juices released during cooking end up making a not-too-thick ragù that is perfect for saucing pasta. In fact, because some chicken has more moisture than others, you may end up with more liquid than you’d like. If that happens, turn off the heat so the sauce cools a bit and is not bubbling, then vigorously stir in two egg yolks before you add the pasta. This adds glossy thickening power, just like it does in carbonara."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 6 1/2 hours

This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022080-slow-cooker-chicken-ragu-with-herbed-ricotta.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 small carrot, peeled and chopped

1/2 yellow or red onion, finely minced (about 1 cup)

4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)

1-1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon onion powder

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

8 ounces pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or other long, thick pasta

1 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta

Heaping 1/4 cup chopped soft fresh herbs, such as chives, oregano, parsley or basil, or a mix

Juice of 1/4 lemon (1 to 2 teaspoons)

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 handful torn fresh basil leaves

Preparation

In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.

Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.

Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.

Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.

SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)

2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained

1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

16 oz uncooked spaghetti

3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.

In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.

About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.

ROAST VEGGIE PASTA

This comes from Bob McDonald at AllRecipes, and begins, "Wonderful rustic Italian style pasta dish! Meal can be dressed up or down with accompaniments to this tasty pasta."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes: Servings: 3

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/45644/roasted-veggie-pasta/.

Ingredients

1/4 pound fresh asparagus

2 red bell pepper, sliced

1/4 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced

10 cloves roasted garlic, chopped

1/2 tomato, quartered

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces dry fettuccini noodles

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons tapenade

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare asparagus by trimming woody base and cutting diagonally into 4 inch pieces.

In a roasting pan, combine asparagus, bell pepper, mushrooms, roasted garlic and tomato. Sprinkle with rosemary and oregano, then drizzle with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

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. Toss with Parmesan cheese, tapenade and roasted vegetables.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES (SPRING)

This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network's website, and from Everyday Italian. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-asparagus-and-cherry-tomatoes-spring-recipe-1939598.

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes

1 cup shelled fresh peas

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock

1 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

PASTA WITH SPINACH, CHICKPEAS AND FETA

This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "This quick and easy pasta dish offers a way to add not only calcium to your diet, but also protein and vitamins A and C." Time: 30 minutes or less; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/pasta-with-spinach-chickpeas-and-feta/.

Ingredients

8 oz. uncooked spiral-shaped pasta

4 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach leaves

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 19-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, or until al dente, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all other ingredients.

When pasta is done, drain, and transfer to large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, and toss well. Serve right away.

PASTA WITH BROWN BUTTER AND PARMESAN

This comes from Ali Slagle on The New York Times cooking site. Ali wrote, "Sometimes you just want a big bowl of pasta with butter and Parmesan. Starchy, silky and salty, it’s always good — and practically foolproof. To make it a little more grown up, just take it one step further: Brown the butter. When you slide the butter into the skillet, let it cook until the milk solids turn a toasty brown. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes the dish a bit more sophisticated with very little extra work."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019980-pasta-with-brown-butter-and-parmesan.

Ingredients

Kosher salt

1 pound spaghetti, linguine or other long noodle

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, but don’t shake it fully dry.

In a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold the pasta (and preferably with a light-colored bottom so you can see the butter solids brown), melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden-brown and it smells nutty and toasty, 3 to 4 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it does not burn. If it does, start over.) Remove from heat immediately.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the brown butter. Stir in the cheese until melted. Stir in pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the pasta is glossy with sauce (you probably won’t need the full 1/2 cup).

Serve with black pepper and more Parmesan on top.

Thursday, September 2, 2021

Pasta

If you've followed this blog for a while, you probably know that I love pasta. It's been a life-long love, according to relatives.

If you love pasta, too, then today's post is sure to please. Check out the Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes, Slow-Cooker Bolognese, and the rest of today's offerings. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER CHICKEN RAGU WITH HERBED RICOTTA

This is from Sarah DiGregorio on The New York Times cooking site. Sarah wrote, "This recipe has a comforting lasagna vibe, as the spicy chicken-and-tomato sauce mingles with the rich, herby ricotta. Make the sauce as hot as you like: Begin with 1 1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes for a fairly mild spice level, then add more at the end if you want more heat. You’ll notice there isn’t much liquid when the chicken and vegetables go into the slow cooker, but have faith: The juices released during cooking end up making a not-too-thick ragù that is perfect for saucing pasta. In fact, because some chicken has more moisture than others, you may end up with more liquid than you’d like. If that happens, turn off the heat so the sauce cools a bit and is not bubbling, then vigorously stir in two egg yolks before you add the pasta. This adds glossy thickening power, just like it does in carbonara."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 6 1/2 hours

This can be viewed online at https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1022080-slow-cooker-chicken-ragu-with-herbed-ricotta.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 small carrot, peeled and chopped

1/2 yellow or red onion, finely minced (about 1 cup)

4 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped

3 tablespoons tomato paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

1 sprig fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano)

1-1/2 teaspoons red-pepper flakes, plus more to taste

1 teaspoon onion powder

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 (14-ounce) can whole tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

8 ounces pappardelle, tagliatelle, fettuccine or other long, thick pasta

1 cup whole-milk or part-skim ricotta

Heaping 1/4 cup chopped soft fresh herbs, such as chives, oregano, parsley or basil, or a mix

Juice of 1/4 lemon (1 to 2 teaspoons)

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 handful torn fresh basil leaves

Preparation

In a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker, combine the chicken, carrot, onion, garlic, tomato paste, olive oil, thyme, oregano, red-pepper flakes and onion powder. Add 2 teaspoons kosher salt and a couple grinds of pepper.

Pour the tomatoes and their juices into the slow cooker, crushing the tomatoes with your hands, if using whole. Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low until the chicken is very tender, about 6 hours. The ragù will hold well on warm for an additional 1 to 2 hours.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta with the chopped herbs, lemon juice and a pinch of salt; set aside.

Coarsely shred the cooked chicken with two forks. Remove and discard the herb sprigs and add the vinegar and the basil leaves. Taste the sauce, adding more red-pepper flakes, if you like. Turn off the slow cooker. Pour the drained pasta into the slow cooker and toss to combine.

Divide among bowls and top with the ricotta mixture.

SLOW-COOKER BOLOGNESE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "Muir Glen® tomato paste provides a simple addition to this Bolognese that’s made using sausage and ground beef. Serve this slow cooked Italian sauce over pasta for dinner."

Prep Time: 25 minutes; Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes; Servings: 10

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

1 lb bulk Italian pork sausage

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)

2 carrots, finely chopped (1 cup)

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained

1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

16 oz uncooked spaghetti

3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (3 oz)

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Spray 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, beef, onions, carrots and garlic over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage and beef are thoroughly cooked; drain.

In slow cooker, stir together meat mixture, tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes.

Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.

About 15 minutes before serving, cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package. Serve meat mixture over spaghetti. Sprinkle individual servings with cheese and basil.

ROAST VEGGIE PASTA

This comes from Bob McDonald at AllRecipes, and begins, "Wonderful rustic Italian style pasta dish! Meal can be dressed up or down with accompaniments to this tasty pasta."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes: Servings: 3

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/45644/roasted-veggie-pasta/.

Ingredients

1/4 pound fresh asparagus

2 red bell pepper, sliced

1/4 pound crimini mushrooms, sliced

10 cloves roasted garlic, chopped

1/2 tomato, quartered

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

2 tablespoons olive oil

8 ounces dry fettuccini noodles

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons tapenade

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare asparagus by trimming woody base and cutting diagonally into 4 inch pieces.

In a roasting pan, combine asparagus, bell pepper, mushrooms, roasted garlic and tomato. Sprinkle with rosemary and oregano, then drizzle with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes.

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. Toss with Parmesan cheese, tapenade and roasted vegetables.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES (SPRING)

This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network's website, and from Everyday Italian. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-asparagus-and-cherry-tomatoes-spring-recipe-1939598.

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes

1 cup shelled fresh peas

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock

1 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

PASTA WITH SPINACH, CHICKPEAS AND FETA

This is from the May 2005 issue of Vegetarian Times (page 42). It is in an article titled Calci-yum!, and begins, "This quick and easy pasta dish offers a way to add not only calcium to your diet, but also protein and vitamins A and C." Time: 30 minutes or less; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipes/pasta-with-spinach-chickpeas-and-feta/.

Ingredients

8 oz. uncooked spiral-shaped pasta

4 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach leaves

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 19-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation

Bring large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, or until al dente, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine all other ingredients.

When pasta is done, drain, and transfer to large bowl. Add remaining ingredients, and toss well. Serve right away.

PASTA WITH BROWN BUTTER AND PARMESAN

This comes from Ali Slagle on The New York Times cooking site. Ali wrote, "Sometimes you just want a big bowl of pasta with butter and Parmesan. Starchy, silky and salty, it’s always good — and practically foolproof. To make it a little more grown up, just take it one step further: Brown the butter. When you slide the butter into the skillet, let it cook until the milk solids turn a toasty brown. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes the dish a bit more sophisticated with very little extra work."

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 25 minutes

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019980-pasta-with-brown-butter-and-parmesan.

Ingredients

Kosher salt

1 pound spaghetti, linguine or other long noodle

8 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil. Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta, but don’t shake it fully dry.

In a skillet or Dutch oven large enough to hold the pasta (and preferably with a light-colored bottom so you can see the butter solids brown), melt the butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden-brown and it smells nutty and toasty, 3 to 4 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it does not burn. If it does, start over.) Remove from heat immediately.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with the brown butter. Stir in the cheese until melted. Stir in pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the pasta is glossy with sauce (you probably won’t need the full 1/2 cup).

Serve with black pepper and more Parmesan on top.

Thursday, July 8, 2021

Thursday Recipes

It's been a long-ish week so far, at least for those of us in Florida. (There was a storm we had to deal with.) Thank goodness, tomorrow is Friday.

In the meantime, here are six yummy recipes to help you through the day, including Chicken Ranch Enchiladas and Turkey Sliders with Avocado Mushrooms and Swiss Cheese. Enjoy!

SOUTHWEST MEATLOAF

Recipe Yield: Makes 6 to 8 servings

Source: TBC

Recipe and photo appears courtesy of Cattlemen's Beef Promotion Board.

View this online at https://diabeticgourmet.com/diabetic-recipes/southwest-meatloaf.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (95% lean)

1 cup soft bread crumbs

3/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed

1/2 cup milk

1 egg

1 large clove garlic, minced

2 teaspoons salt

1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 cup thick and chunky salsa

Directions

Heat oven to 350F. Combine all ingredients in large bowl except salsa, mixing lightly but thoroughly.

Shape beef mixture into 10 x 4-inch loaf on rack in broiler pan. Bake in 350F oven 1 hour, 15 minutes to 1 hour, 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160F.

Let stand 10 minutes. Top with salsa; cut into slices.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 280; Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Fiber: 1.8 g; Sodium: 313 mg; Cholesterol: 120 mg; Protein: 34 g; Carbohydrates: 12 g

EASY MAKE-AHEAD PASTA SAUCE

This is from Betty Crocker, and begins, "This rich and meaty pasta sauce is a keeper for a few reasons: It’s easy enough for a Tuesday night but has cooked-all-day flavor, it can be made ahead and frozen, and it makes enough for several meals. Whip up a batch, and use it in whatever Italian dish you’re craving, from spaghetti to lasagna!"

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 40 minutes; Servings: 16

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup)

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1 can (6 oz) Muir Glen™ organic tomato paste

2 cans (28 oz each) Muir Glen™ organic fire-roasted crushed tomatoes

1 cup Progresso™ beef-flavored broth (from 32-oz carton)

Directions

In 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef over high heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Reduce heat to medium; add onion, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Continue to cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until onion is softened. Add tomato paste; cook and stir 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes and broth; heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; simmer uncovered 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat. Serve over pasta, if desired.

To freeze: Cover and refrigerate sauce 30 to 40 minutes. Divide sauce among four 1-quart freezer containers; freeze up to 2 months. To use: Place frozen sauce container in large bowl filled with hot water about 5 minutes or until sauce can be slid out of container into saucepan. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sauce is heated through. Use as desired.

Expert Tips

We find that about 2 3/4 cups of sauce per pound of pasta works well.

Reheat sauce, and add cooked pasta. Cook and stir over medium-low heat 1 minute to allow pasta to absorb some of the sauce.

MAPLE PECAN SWEET POTATO SCONES

This comes from United HealthCare, and begins, "Tender and fluffy, these spiced scones are full of veggies, whole grains and maple syrup and are best served warm. Even better? They’re easy enough to whip up for brunch or afternoon coffee."

Yields:12

You can view this online by clicking here.

Ingredients:

Scones

2 3/4 cups whole-wheat pastry flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ginger

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 stick cold butter, diced

2/3 cup sweet potato, cooked and mashed

1/3 cup real maple syrup

2 eggs

Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon real maple syrup

2–3 teaspoons milk

1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger and nutmeg. Cut in the butter with two knives or a pastry blender until crumbly. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet potato, maple syrup and eggs until blended.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and combine until a soft dough forms. Divide the dough in half and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat each half into a 6-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Transfer the two circles to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Using a knife, cut each circle into 6 wedges, gently separating the wedges with the knife until they are about 1/4 inch apart.

Bake the scones for 16–18 minutes or until golden. Whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the warm scones. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Yields 12. Calories: 231, Total fat: 10.8g, Saturated fat: 5.4g, Cholesterol: 51.3mg, Sodium: 96mg, Carbs: 30.8g, Dietary fiber: 3.7g, Sugars: 8.3g, Protein: 5.2g

TURKEY SLIDERS WITH AVOCADO, MUSHROOMS, AND SWISS CHEESE

This is from American Heart Association, and begins, "These mini turkey burgers just melt in your mouth thanks to gooey cheese, warm mushrooms, and creamy avocado."

Makes 4 servings; Serving Size: 2 sliders

To view this yumminess online, go to https://recipes.heart.org/en/recipes/turkey-sliders-with-avocado-mushrooms-and-swiss-cheese.

Ingredients

8 whole-grain slider buns (lowest sodium available)

1 1/4 pounds ground skinless turkey breast

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sliced brown (cremimi) mushrooms

4 slices low-fat Swiss cheese, cut in half

1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and mashed with a fork

1 medium tomato, cut into 8 slices (about 1/4-inch thick)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F.

Arrange the buns with the cut side up in a single layer on a baking sheet. Set aside.

Using your hands or a spoon, shape the turkey into 8 patties, each about 3 inches in diameter. (The uncooked patties will be larger than the bun and will shrink as they cook.) Sprinkle the salt over each patty.

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat.

Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn over. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the patties are no longer pink in the center and register 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Transfer the patties to the bottoms of the buns.

In the same skillet, cook the mushrooms over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until soft, stirring frequently.

Spoon the mushrooms onto each patty. Top with the Swiss cheese.

Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake the sliders for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the Swiss cheese is melted and the buns are heated through. Remove from the oven.

Spread the avocado over the Swiss cheese. Top with the tomato slices. Put the tops of the buns on the sliders.

Using four short skewers, pierce two sliders with each skewer, if desired. Serve immediately.

PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES (SPRING)

This is from Giada De Laurentiis on the Food Network's website, and from Everyday Italian. Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 15 minutes; Yield: 4 to 6 servings; Level: Easy

To view this online, go to https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/penne-with-asparagus-and-cherry-tomatoes-spring-recipe-1939598.

Ingredients

8 ounces penne pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 pounds thin asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 cups (about 9 ounces) cherry tomatoes

1 cup shelled fresh peas

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock

1 cup grated Parmesan

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

In a large saute pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the asparagus, season with the salt and pepper, and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the cherry tomatoes and peas. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour the chicken stock into the pan and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until the tomatoes start to burst and the stock is reduced by half, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the asparagus mixture to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 of the Parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to loosen the pasta. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan and chopped basil.

CHICKEN RANCH ENCHILADAS

This comes from "Smith's Wife" on the AllRecipes site. She wrote, "I got this recipe from my cousin and now this is my favorite dish. The ranch dressing mix adds nice flavor."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 45 minutes; Total Time: 1 hour; Makes 6 servings; Yield: 1 9X13 inch dish

To view this online, go to https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/169293/chicken-ranch-enchiladas/.

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup

1 (16 ounce) container sour cream

1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chilies

1 (1 ounce) package ranch dressing mix

10 (8 inch) flour tortillas

2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Directions

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the chicken and cook until no longer pink in the center, about 7 minutes. Whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chiles, and ranch dressing in a bowl; spread a thin layer of the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of sauce into each tortilla; divide the chicken among the tortillas and sprinkle with 3/4 of the cheese. Roll the tortillas into cylinders and place seam-side-down into the baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the enchiladas and cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven until hot, about 35 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Return to the oven and cook a few more minutes until the cheese melts.