Italian Pasta Salad

Kathy S.

1-16 oz. pkg. tri-colored spiral pasta, uncooked
1 large head fresh broccoli, cut into bite-size pieces
1 c. chopped red onion
8 oz. pepperoni slices or mini pepperoni
8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese
1-16 oz. bottle of Kraft Light House Italian dressing

Cook pasta as directed on package, drain and put into a large salad bowl. Boil broccoli in water for 1 minute (just to soften) and add to pasta along with the red onion and stir. Let cool in refrigerator for 1 hour. Then stir in pepperoni, mozzarella cheese and Italian dressing, you can also add olives if desired. Chill in refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!!

Healthy Mac

Jennifer S.

3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 16-ounce or 10-ounce package frozen spinach
1 3/4 cups 1% milk, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (6 ounces)
1 cup low-fat (1%) cottage cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni or penne

1. Put a large pot of lightly salted water on to boil. Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat an 8-inch square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix breadcrumbs, oil and paprika in a small bowl. Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain and refresh under cold water; press out excess moisture.
3. Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk remaining 1/4 cup milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in cottage cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
4. Cook pasta for 4 minutes, or until not quite tender. (It will continue to cook during baking). Drain and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach on top. Top with the remaining pasta; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 4. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, if necessary, then bake for 35 to 45 minutes

Hay and Straw

Jessica S.

16 oz linguini
2 cups julienned fully cooked ham
1 TBS butter or margarine
3 cups frozen peas
1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream

Cook linguini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute ham in butter for 3 minutes. Add peas and heat through. Drain linguini; toss with ham mixture Parmesan cheese and cream. Serve immediately. Serves 8

Southwestern Pasta

Jessica S.

16 oz. Penne
1 can(14.5 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 TBS vegetable oil
1 med onion chopped
1/2 cup chunk-style salsa
1 tsp chili powder
1 can (4 oz) green chilies,
1 tsp cumin drained
1 tsp coriander
1 tomato chopped
1 lb. ground beef
1 can (11 oz) whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile heat oil in large pot/dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, chili powder, cumin, and coriander and saute for 3 minutes, until soft. Add meat and brown- about 8 minutes. Drain pasta and stir into pot along with corn, beans, salsa, chilies, cheese, and tomato. Serve with cilantro and sour cream. serves 4-6

Sausage & Four Cheese Rigatoni

Jennifer S.

1 lb. rigatoni pasta
1 lb. Italian sausage, casing removed
1/4 cup panchetta, thinly sliced (or bacon)
1 onion, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1/4 lb. fresh sliced mushrooms
3 tbsp. fresh chopped basil
3 tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
1 (16-oz.) container ricotta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated provolone cheese
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 (28-oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 1/2 cups of freshly grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until only halfway cooked, according to package directions. Drain, and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a minimal amount of olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook panchetta (or bacon) in large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on a paper towel. Add sausage to drippings in skillet and cook, breaking up large pieces, until well browned. Transfer to paper towel. Pour off all but 2 tbsp. drippings from skillet. Add onion, carrot, mushrooms, basil and parsley. Cook until onion is tender. Season with salt and pepper; set aside. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside. Place ricotta in a large mixing bowl and gradually stir in cream and then broth. Add the partially cooked rigatoni, panchetta, sausage, onion mixture, provolone, feta, tomatoes, and 1 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Turn out into prepared baking pan. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil cover and bake an additional 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff with Noodles

Jennifer S.

2 pounds beef stew meat
1 cup chopped onion
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of golden mushroom soup
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of onion soup (or cream of mushroom)
1 jar (6 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 container (8 ounces) sour cream
6 cups hot cooked noodles, the wider the noodle the better

1. In 3 1/2- to 4 1/2-quart slow cooker, mix beef, onion, soups, mushrooms and pepper.
2. Cover and cook on low heat setting 8 to 10 hours or until beef is very tender.
3. Stir cream cheese into beef mixture until melted. Stir sour cream into beef mixture. Serve over noodles.

Slow Cooker Meaty Italian Spaghetti Sauce

Jennifer S.

2 lb bulk Italian pork sausage or ground beef (or combo of both)
2 large onions, chopped (2 cups)
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (6 oz)
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less depending on your taste)

1. Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In 12-inch skillet, cook sausage, onions, mushrooms and garlic over medium heat about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
2. Spoon sausage mixture into cooker. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 to 9 hours.
4. Serve over favorite cooked pasta topped with Parmesan cheese.

Slow Cooker Lasagna

Jennifer S.

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
3 cans (15 ounces each) Italian-style tomato sauce
2 teaspoons dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 ounces)
1 container (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
15 uncooked lasagna noodles

1. Cook sausage and onion in 10-inch skillet over medium heat 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Stir in tomato sauce, basil and salt.
2. Mix 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. (Refrigerate remaining mozzarella cheese while lasagna cooks.)
3. Spoon one-fourth of the sausage mixture into 6-quart slow cooker; top with 5 noodles, broken into pieces to fit. Spread with half of the cheese mixture and one-fourth of the sausage mixture. Top with 5 noodles, remaining cheese mixture and one-fourth of the sausage mixture. Top with remaining 5 noodles and remaining sausage mixture.
4. Cover and cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours or until noodles are tender.
5. Sprinkle top of lasagna with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Cover and let stand about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cut into pieces.

Penne with Cheesy Tomato-Sausage Sauce

Jennifer S.

8 oz. (2 2/3 cups) uncooked penne (tube-shaped pasta)
1/2 lb. bulk Italian pork sausage
1 (15-oz.) can your favorite tomato pasta sauce
1/4 cup shredded fresh basil
2 oz. mozzarella cheese, diced (1/2 cup)
1 oz. (1/4 cup) shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

1. Cook penne as directed on package. Drain; cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, brown sausage in large saucepan. Drain; return to saucepan. Add pasta sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in basil and mozzarella cheese. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is slightly melted.
3. To serve, spoon sauce mixture over cooked pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Southwest Cheese 'n Pasta

Jennifer S.

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup green salsa (salsa verde)
1 can (15 ounces) cream-style corn
1 can (11 ounces) Mexican style whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
8 ounces uncooked cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
8 ounces process cheese product loaf (Velveeta), cubed

1. Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until pasta is tender.
2. Add cheese; stir until melted.

Baked Mexican Macaroni and Cheese

Jennifer S.

2 2/3 cups uncooked penne pasta (8 oz)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups plain yogurt
4 oz light process American cheese product loaf (Velveeta), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican 4-cheese blend (4 oz)
1/4 cup plain bread crumbs

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package; set aside.
2. In 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion, mustard, salt, pepper and garlic; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender. Stir in flour. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is bubbly. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in yogurt, stirring constantly. Gently stir in cheeses; stir in pasta. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
4. Bake uncovered about 25 minutes or until bubbly.

"Healthified" Macaroni and Cheese

Jennifer S.

59% less fat • 54% less sat fat • 24% fewer calories than the original recipe.

2 cups uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni (8 oz)
2 cups fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

1. In 3-quart saucepan, cook and drain macaroni as directed on package. Return to saucepan; cover to keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°F. Spray 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 2-quart saucepan, stir milk, flour, mustard, salt, black pepper and red pepper with wire whisk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted.
3. Add cheese sauce to cooked macaroni; mix well. Spoon into baking dish.
4. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until edges are bubbly.

Mac 'n Cheese Shells with Sausage

Jennifer S.

3 cups chicken broth
2 cups uncooked small pasta shells (8 oz)
1 1/2 cups frozen baby sweet peas
1/2 lb smoked sausage, cut in half lengthwise, then cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups shredded American-Cheddar cheese blend (8 oz)
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

1. In 3-quart saucepan, heat broth to boiling over medium-high heat. Add pasta shells; heat to boiling. Boil 6 minutes; do not drain. Reduce heat. Stir in peas and sausage. Cover; simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until shells are tender. Remove from heat.
2. Add shredded cheese; toss gently until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Mac 'n Cheese with Broccoli

Jennifer S.

1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni (2 oz)
1 package(10 oz) frozen broccoli & cheese flavored sauce

1. In 2-quart saucepan, cook macaroni as directed on package. Drain; return to saucepan.
2. Meanwhile, cook broccoli as directed on package.
3. Stir broccoli with cheese sauce into macaroni.

Easy, Super Tasty Alfredo

Jessica S.

1/2 cup half and half or light cream or whipping cream
1TBS butter or margarine
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
cracked black pepper

allow half and half and butter to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. pour over 6 oz hot cooked, drained pasta. add Parmesan. mix until well coated. add pepper to taste.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Penne

Jessica S.

1 lb boneless-skinless chicken cut into bite size pieces.
1 16 oz pkg penne pasta
2TBS olive oil
lemon pepper
1 12-16 oz pkg frozen broccoli
1 pkg good seasons Italian prepared (using non-fat directions)
fresh grated Parmesan cheese

season chicken with lemon pepper set aside for 15-30 minutes. cook pasta and broccoli. saute seasoned chicken in oil. mix Chicken, drained pasta, broccoli, and Italian dressing until well coated. sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cheese Ravioli in Cream

Jennifer S.

1 (25 oz.) pkg. frozen cheese ravioli
1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 (3.25 oz.) pkg. sliced pepperoni, diced
1 small onion, cut into wedges
1 tbsp. butter
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 cup sour cream

Cook ravioli according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, sauté mushrooms, pepperoni and onion in butter until onion is tender. Stir in tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano and cayenne; heat through. Remove from the heat; stir in sour cream. Drain ravioli; toss with cream sauce.

Pasta Dish

Diana P.

2 2/3 Cups uncooked penne pasta (8 oz)
3 oz pancetta or 4 strips bacon, chopped*
1 Tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
2 Cloves garlic, finely chopped
8 oz crimini mushrooms, sliced
1 Can (28 oz) organic crushed tomatoes with basil, undrained
1/2 Cup whipping cream
2 Cups packed fresh baby spinach leaves


1. Cook and drain pasta as directed on box. Return to pan; keep warm.
2. Meanwhile, in 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven, cook pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove pancetta to paper towels to drain. In same skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook garlic and mushrooms in oil 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are tender. Stir in tomatoes. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in whipping cream; heat just until hot. Stir in pasta.
3. Add spinach; toss until spinach is wilted. Sprinkle individual servings with pancetta.

Makes 5 servings (1 1/3 cups each)

Bruschetta Chicken Mac & Cheese

Jennifer S.

1 pkg. (12.6 oz.) KRAFT HOMESTYLE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner Old World Italian Sauce with Parmesan and Romano Cheese
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup milk
1 tomato, chopped
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
1 Tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

HEAT oven to 425ºF.

COOK Macaroni as directed on package.

MEANWHILE, melt butter in large skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 5 min. or until evenly browned. Stir in Seasoning Mix until well blended. Gradually stir in milk; cook and stir 3 to 4 min. or until sauce bubbles and thickens. Stir in contents of Cheese Sauce pouch; cook and stir on low heat 2 min. or until mixture is well blended.

DRAIN macaroni. (Do not rinse.) Add macaroni to chicken mixture with tomatoes, basil and Parmesan; cook and stir 2 min. or until heated through. Pour into 1-1/2-qt. casserole; top with mozzarella and Bread Crumb Topping.

BAKE 5 to 10 min. or until mozzarella is melted.

Shortcut
Omit chicken. Melt butter in same pan used to cook the Macaroni. Stir in Seasoning Mix until well blended. Gradually stir in milk; cook and stir 5 min. or until sauce bubbles and thickens. Continue as directed with Cheese Sauce. Add 2 pkg. (6 oz. each) Deli Fresh Oven Roasted Chicken Breast Cuts with the tomatoes, basil and Parmesan.

Substitute
Substitute 1-1/2 tsp. dried basil for the 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil.

Chicken-Parmesan Pasta

Jennifer S.

6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.)
2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
3 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1-1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
6 oz. spaghetti, cooked, drained

HEAT oven to 400ºF.

DIP chicken in egg whites, then in bread crumbs, turning to evenly coat both sides of each breast. Place in 13x9-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray.

BAKE 20 to 25 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF). Top with 2 cups sauce, cheeses and oregano. Bake 5 min. or until mozzarella is melted. Meanwhile, heat remaining sauce.

TOSS spaghetti with sauce; place on plate. Top with chicken.

Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

Jennifer S.

1 lb Hot Italian Sausage w/casing removed
1 lb Mild Italian Sausage w/casing removed
1 lb Cheese Tortellini (from refrigerated or frozen section)
2 Medium Onions chopped
2 Cloves minced garlic
4 Carrots diced
2 Peppers diced (green, yellow or red)
12 cups chicken broth
2 - 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes in tomato puree
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano crumbled
1 cup cooked small pasta shells

Brown and drain sausage. Add onion and garlic and cook until soft but not brown. Add all remaining ingredients except the pastas. Cook until veggies are done, add pastas and cook until tortellini are done. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with cheese if desired.

This soup is much better the next day.

This recipe 1/2’s well and freezes well.

Spaghetti with Meatballs & Italian Sausage

Aunt Dorcus P. got this recipe when she lived in Italy

Sauce
In a large pan, heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil and brown 1 chopped onion, 3 cloves garlic and 2 sweet Italian sausages, in casings.
Cut cooked sausages into 2 inch pieces.
Add 1/2 lb mushrooms & saute also.
Add 1 qt. canned tomatoes with juice, 2 small cans tomato paste, 2 small cans tomato sauce, 2 cans of water from the empty paste cans (Total 2 cans water) and 2 bay leaves.
Let simmer while making meatballs.

Meatballs
In a separate frying pan add oil to half way. Medium heat. You can also place the formed meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes
In large mixing bowl add 1 egg, 2 lbs hamburger, 1 T each dry parsley, dry basil, dry oregano, and
1/4 C Parmesan cheese, 2 t salt, 1/2 t pepper, 3/4 c breadcrumbs, 1/2-3/4 c water.
Form into golf ball size brown on outsides remove with with slotted spoon & add to sauce to finish cooking.
Simmer 45 min. til all meats are cooked.

Serve over hot cooked pasta.

Bowties with 3 Peppers

Jennifer S.

1 box Farfalle pasta (bow ties)
1/4 c olive oil
2 c white onion, sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme (divided)
1 c green bell pepper, diced
1 c red bell pepper, diced
1 c yellow bell pepper, diced
1 c water
salt to taste
pepper to taste
2 tbs fresh Italian parsley, chopped

Bring large pot of water to a boil.
Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add onions and 1 sprig of thyme. Saute 5 minutes.
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Add peppers and water to skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste. Saute an additional 10 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Drain pasta, add to the skillet and toss.
Sprinkle with remaining thyme and chopped parsley.
Enjoy!

Bolognase Sauce

Summer S.

Serves 8
A very dense, meaty ragu sauce from the region of Bologna, Italy.

2 medium onions
4 celery ribs
2 medium carrots
5 cloves garlic
1 lb mushrooms
1/8 cup olive oil
1/8 cup butter
1/8 lb bacon (I don’t use, but highly recommended for bacon lovers)
1 lb ground veal or beef (or turkey)
1 lb ground pork (or chicken sausage)
1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
1 (28 oz) can of tomato puree
1 cup whole milk (I make with skim and it’s still pretty good)
1 cup water
1 cup red or white wine. Optional: you can add more water
1 t fresh (1 T dried) thyme
1 t fresh (1 T dried) basil
2- 3 bay leaves
Salt & pepper to taste
Pasta of choice
8 oz Parmigiana, Asiago, or Romano cheese, garnish



Directions
Place onion, celery, carrot, garlic and mushrooms in food processor or blender. Drizzle in 1/8 cup of olive oil. Puree into a coarse paste. In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add the pureed veggies and season generously with salt. Bring the pan to a medium-high heat and cook until all the water has evaporated and they become nice and brown, stirring frequently, about 15 to 20 minutes. Be patient, this is where the big flavors develop.
Add bacon and cook for 5 minutes (if using, if not, omit step). Add ground meats and BROWN them (brown food just tastes better). Use a wire whisk to break up meat to ensure a velvety finished texture. Don’t rush this step. Cook another 15- 20 minutes.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, milk, wine, water, bay, basil and thyme. Gently simmer, uncovered*, until sauce is thickened, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Stir with wire whisk every 15- 20 mins. Add salt and pepper and remove from heat.
30 minutes before you want to eat, cook your pasta (rigatoni is my FAV, but others eat spaghetti, penne, or fat homemade noodles). When your pasta is done, take 1 cup of pasta water and add it into the sauce. Toss ¼ of the sauce with pasta and then top with your desired amount. Top generously with cheese and enjoy!

Believe it or not, some people actually use this as their red sauce for lasagna. Whew, too much work.

*A splatter screen really comes in handy at this point. Once the liquid starts to reduce, the bolognase will begin to bubble and splatter everywhere unless you have something covering the pot. You don’t want to place the lid on the pot because then the liquid won’t be able to evaporate. Since a splatter screen is made out of a fine mesh, the liquid can still evaporate, but the erupting sauce won’t splatter all over the stove, kitchen walls, and most important of all, you!

Sauce may be made 2 days ahead and cooled, uncovered, before chilling, covered. Frozen, it keeps for 1 month.

Garlic Pasta Dish

Deb B.

Any kind of pasta (we like angel hair the best)
2 garlic cloves
2 basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
as much onion as you can stand
pepper
salt
mushroom caps
chicken breast

Just saute the garlic, basil, onion, pepper, salt and mushroom in the olive oil for about 10-15 minutes or until the onion is brown. Separately, bake 3-4 chicken breasts in the oven (for about 20 minutes - just bake them in butter) and then add them to the saute for the last 2 minutes. Pour this all over the pasta of your choice. It's very greasy but soooo yummy!

Pizza Baked Spaghetti

Jolene P.

1 1/2 lbs spaghetti noodles
1 lb sausage (spicy is good in this)
1 1/2 to 2 cans Hunts Spaghetti sauce in favorite flavor
1 cup sugar
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
pepperoni

*In a large pot bring water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until done stirring occasionally. Drain.
*While pasta is cooking, brown sausage in a frying pan until done and drain the grease off.
*Pour the sauce into a large bowl and add sugar. Stir well.
*Add the pasta and the sausage to the sauce and stir well.
*Pour all into a greased 9x13 pan
*Spread cheese over top and place desired amount of pepperoni over cheese (we like it when the pepperoni's are everywhere)
*Bake at 425 degrees until cheese is bubbly and pepperoni's are crisp...usually about 20 minutes or so.

*Freezes well and kids love it. This recipe also doubles well...just put it in a roasting pan instead of a 9x13 and you can feed a lot of people at a party.

Ravioli Stew

Michelle H.

1 tbsp. Olive oil
3 medium carrots, chopped (or 15 or so baby carrots)
2 medium ribs celery, chopped
1 onion, chopped
28 oz. Jar spaghetti sauce
1 can (14 ½ oz.) chicken broth
1 c. water
1 pkg. (12-20 oz.) fresh or frozen ravioli, cooked and drained (I used the 20 oz. size)

In 6 qt. Sauce pot, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook carrots, celery and onion, stirring occasionally, 8 minutes or until golden. Stir in spaghetti sauce, broth, and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered 15 minutes. Just before serving stir in hot ravioli and season if desired with salt and pepper. Garnish, if desired, with fresh basil. Make 6 generous servings.

Pesto Ravioli with Chicken

Michelle H.

This tastes like it's right off of a restaurant menu!

2 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. Skinless chicken breast strips
¾ c. chicken broth
9 oz. Pkg. Refrigerated cheese filled ravioli
3 small zucchini, cut into ¼” slices
1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
¼ c. basil pesto
freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in oil about 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until brown. Remove chicken from skillet. Add broth and ravioli to skillet. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 4 minutes or until ravioli are tender.

Stir zucchini, bell pepper and chicken into ravioli. Cook over medium-high heat about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp and tender. Toss with pesto. Sprinkle with cheese.

Chicken Spaghetti

Michelle H.

2-3 chicken breasts
½ tbsp. chicken bouillon
2 celery ribs
½ medium onion, chopped
¼ lb. Velveeta
½ can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
8 oz. Spaghetti noodles

Cook chicken in a 2 ½ qt pan filled 2/3-3/4 full of water. Add bouillon. While chicken is cooking, chop vegetables. After cooking for 15 minutes, take chicken out of pan. Add spaghetti to broth. When spaghetti has cooked, add chopped chicken and vegetables, soup, and cheese. Cook 10 minutes and pour into a casserole dish. Bake for 25 minutes at 350°.

4 Cheese Penne Bake

Michelle H.

1 can crushed tomatoes with juice
2 c. cream
1 c. fresh cubed buffalo mozzarella
¼ c. crumbled Gorgonzola (or used more mozzarella)
¼ c. cubed fontina
¼ c. fresh shredded Parmesan cheese
1 c. chopped fresh basil
1 box penne pasta, cooked al dente

In a blender combine first two ingredients until smooth. Pour into a big mixing bowl with pasta. Add remaining ingredients and stir until mixed. Pour mixture into a large baking dish or 4-6 individual oven safe baking dishes. Bake at 500° for 7-10 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Yum-A-Setta

Michelle H.

1 ½ to 2 lbs. Hamburger
1 onion, chopped
1 can tomato soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
12 oz. Extra wide noodles
8 oz. Velveeta
1 tbsp. brown sugar
salt & pepper to taste

Brown hamburger with onion. Drain off fat. Salt and pepper. Add tomato soup and brown sugar. Mix well. Cook noodles. Drain, then add cream of chicken soup. Mix well. Layer hamburger mixture, then noodle mixture with cheese sliced between layers in a 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Italian-Style Soup (In A Jar)

1 1/2 cups dried Great Northern or navy beans
1 tbs dried minced onion
2 tsp dried basil
2 chicken bouillon cubes, unwrapped
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried minced garlic OR 1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups uncooked medium pasta shells

Place beans in a quart size canning jar or quart size zipper bag.
Combine onion, basil, bouillon, parsley, garlic and pepper in snack size zipper bag and add to jar or bag.
Place cheese in another snack zipper bag and place on top of seasonings.
Add pasta shells and close jar or bag.

Label for jar or bag
1 Italian-Style Soup Mix
6 cups water
1 cup of your favorite pasta/spaghetti sauce
8 oz baby spinach leaves
salt and pepper to taste

Remove pasta, cheese and seasoning packet from jar/bag. Set aside
Soak beans over night, or do a "quick soak". Drain water, replace with 6 cups fresh water and bring to boil, turn down heat and simmer for 1 hour or until beans are tender.
Bring beans back to boil add pasta, sauce, seasoning packet and baby spinach. Cover and boil for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Season with salt and pepper.
Serve with Parmesan cheese.

Mexican Pasta Skillet

Jennifer S.

1 lb extra-lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion, minced
16 oz mild salsa
1 cup tomato sauce (from 15-oz can)
1 1/2 cups water
2 cups uncooked regular or multigrain elbow macaroni
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese (2 oz)

In 12-inch skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly cooked; drain.
Stir in salsa, tomato sauce and water. Heat to boiling. Stir in macaroni, corn and beans. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender.
Sprinkle with cheese. Cover; let stand 1 to 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Hard Rock Cafe Twisted Mac n Cheese

Ingredients
• 2 cup cavatappi pasta
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 4 ounce velveeta
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, ground
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced and roasted
• 2 teaspoon seasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon parsley, minced
Instructions
1. Use a large saucepan to cook pasta following the directions on the package, then drain
2. Combine milk, velveeta, cheddar cheese, jack cheese, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in the
same saucepan, and heat over low heat for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Add pasta and roasted pepper to the pan, and then toss to coat pasta.
3. Combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley in small bowl.
4. Pour pasta into a serving bowl and then sprinkle parmesan breadcrumbs over the top.

Pesto Cavatappi

Summer S.

½ lb white mushrooms, sliced
1 lb. chicken breasts (boneless/skinless)
1 pkg Knorr pesto sauce
3T Christopher Ranch Pesto sauce (jar in veggie section)
1c. heavy cream (or half & half)
2T olive oil
1 bottle yummy Italian dressing (I like Paul Newman’s Original Family Recipe)
1 pkg. Cavatappi noodles
In a 350 degree skillet- place chicken (whole), cover with Italian dressing- place lid. 10 min one side, 10 min the other, uncovered 5 min. You can either add mushrooms to the chicken the last 15 min- or saute them separately with butter/garlic. 
While this is cooking- in a small sauce pan, prepare Knorr sauce to package directions, add pesto paste and cream- simmer until ready to serve.
Boil Cavatappi according to package (approx 11 min.)
Cut chicken into nice sized bite-chunks. In a “fry pan” add olive oil and noodles. Toss until warm.  Add chicken and mushrooms, toss until warm.  Add sauce and toss until “glistens”. If it looks “dry” add more cream. 
Sounds like a lot of work- its not- and its DELICIOUS!

Olive Garden Alfredo Sauce

Summer S.

1 stick of butter
1 pint of Heavy Cream
4 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 - 3/4 C. Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. Garlic powder
2 T. chopped parsley
lots of cracked pepper to taste.

In a saucepan melt butter. When butter is melted add cream cheese, whisk to combine. When the cream cheese is blended in, add heavy cream. Simmer this for 15 - 20 minutes on low. You may wish to season with a little salt and pepper.
IMPORTANT note: don’t let this come to a boil (very gently rolling is okay) otherwise it separates too easily and gets “glucky”. 
I think its best served with penne- but then again, it is called fettuccine Alfredo

Baked Mac & Cheese

Kristi L.

1 pkg. (8oz) elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups milk
8 oz. Cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cook macaroni as package label directs; drain.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan; remove from heat. Stir in flour, salt & pepper till smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boiling, stirring. Reduce heat. Simmer mixture 1 minute. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese and macaroni. Pour into a 1 1/2 quart casserole and sprinkle remaining cheese over top.
4. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese is golden brown.
5. Eat it with happiness.