Category Archives: Pasta

Ham Linguine

2 cups ham, shredded into medium-sized pieces
1 pound linguine
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen, thawed
lemon zest, and juice of 2 lemons
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground
1/4 cup mint, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cook pasta according to pkg. directions. While pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  When pan begins to smoke, sauté garlic for one minute.  Add the ham and continue to sauté until ham begins to brown.  Finally, add the peas; sauté for one more minute. While skillet is still hot, drain the pasta and add to the ham mixture.  Add the lemon zest, juice, salt, pepper and 2 more tablespoons of olive oil.  Sauté for 1-2 minutes to let the flavors combine.  Remove from heat and toss with herbs.  Serve immediately.
6  Servings

Easy Day Before Casserole

7 oz. macaroni (uncooked)
1 can celery soup
1 can mushroom soup
1 small jar pimentos (optional)
4 oz. mushroom pieces
1 small onion, chopped
2 c. milk
1/2 lb Velveeta cheese diced
1/4 c. green pepper diced
2 c. ham, chicken or turkey, cooked and chopped
1 can water chestnuts, sliced
Combine all ingredients. Place in buttered 3 quart or 9×13 inch pan. Refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 1 hour before baking. Preheat oven to 350. Bake one hour.
8  Servings

Creamy Veggies with Spaghetti

1/2 lb broccoli florets
1 cup sliced zucchini
1 cup sliced fresh mushroom
1 cup thinly sliced carrot
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces spaghetti
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves minced garlic
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon thyme
2 cups milk
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
In large skillet, sauté broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots in oil until crisp-tender.  Set aside.  
Cook spaghetti according to package directions.  
In another saucepan, sauté onion and garlic in butter for 30 seconds. Stir in flour, bullion and thyme.  Slowly add milk, bring to a boil.  Cook and stir for 2 minutes.  Reduce heat to low; stir in cheeses.   Add vegetables; heat through.  Drain spaghetti; toss with vegetable mixture.
4  Servings

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
4 ounces linguine, cooked al dente
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 thinly sliced green onion
1-2 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.  In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.  Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.  Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.
2  Servings

Crabmeat Alfredo

1/4 cup fresh parsley
1/4 cup roasted red peppers
6 ounces fettuccine (approx. 1/3 box)
2 tablespoons garlic butter
one 8-ounce tub fresh jumbo lump crabmeat
1/4 cup white wine
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
1 1/2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
Fill saucepan 3/4 full of hot water, cover and place on high heat to boil for pasta.  Wash parsley. Remove and discard stems.  Using food chopper, chop parsley (enough for 1/4 cup). Set aside.
Dice roasted peppers into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.
Check pasta water for boil. When boiling, add pasta and cook uncovered for 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Measure remaining ingredients and place near stove.
Preheat sauté pan on high for 1-2 minutes.  Add garlic butter and swirl to coat. Add: roasted peppers, parsley, and crabmeat; cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add wine and cook for 1 minute.  Add whipping cream and cook for 1 minute.  Remove pasta from heat and drain in colander.  Add to crabmeat mixture: pasta, cheese and steak seasoning; cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve.