Tag: pasta

Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Categories Recipes1 Comment on Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

Basil-y, garlicky, and cheesy, this Sausage & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta is packed with flavor!  It’s a dinner that’s highly customizable, so be sure to check out the variation possibilities!

Feeding a group:

Follow the instructions as they are!

Not feeding a group:

If you’re only feeding one or two people, and the entirety of the dish will not be consumed on the first night, I recommend keeping the components separate.

Make the batch of pesto and store it in the refrigerator.  For each new day:

  • Make the pasta fresh
  • Stir in a serving of the pesto from the fridge
  • Add in the sausages, cheeses, and sun-dried tomatoes

This is because pesto and sun-dried tomatoes do not always reheat well without getting an oily consistency, and it’s a meal that overall tastes ideal when fresh!  (It’s best not to microwave this one.)

Can you use store-bought pesto?

Feel free to experiment!  You can adjust the add-ins to taste based on what variety you use.  This recipe uses the basic ingredients of my Nut-Free Pesto.

Other variations:

This meal is super versatile if you have any dietary restrictions!

  • Gluten-free?  Use gluten-free pasta.
  • Dairy-free?  Use vegan cheeses.
  • Vegetarian?  There are tons of veggie sausages out there!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Food Processor
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • A Large Pot
  • A Colander
  • 10 x 15 Baking Or Serving Dish (or equivalent)

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

PESTO

Equates to approx. 1 1/4 Cups if substituting store-bought

  • 3 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves, packed
  • 3 Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3/4 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

PASTA

  • 1 lb Penne, or pasta of choice

ADD-INS

  • 12 oz Spicy Italian Chicken Sausages, cooked and chopped
  • 1 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, blotted to remove excess oil, and chopped/halved
  • 4 oz Crumbled Feta
  • 1/4 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese

TO SERVE

  • Extra Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
  • Optional – Red Pepper Flakes, to taste

Directions:

PESTO

Wash, dry, and de-stem the basil leaves

Peel the garlic cloves

Blend the basil leaves and garlic cloves in a food processor, then add in the olive oil and blend again until thoroughly mixed

Once smooth, pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the 3/4 cup parmesan

Add sea salt and black pepper to taste

Set aside

PASTA

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions

Drain in a colander and set aside

SAUSAGES

While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausages according to the package instructions

Chop into small bite-sized pieces

Set aside

SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Blot the tomatoes to remove the excess oil from the jar, and chop in half into bite-sized pieces

Set aside

ASSEMBLE

Add the pasta, sausage pieces, and sun-dried tomatoes into a 10 x 15 baking or serving dish (or equivalent)

Stir in scoops of the pesto until well-coated

Mix in the feta and the 1/4 cup parmesan 

Serve with extra sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper to taste

Enjoy!

Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Categories Recipes, Sides1 Comment on Easy Italian Pasta Salad

Summer is pasta salad season, and this Easy Italian Pasta Salad is a delicious contribution for your next barbecue or picnic!  It works as a side or a light vegetarian lunch or dinner.  It’s herby, lemony, and cheesy, as well as very customizable if needed.

The texture of the cooked pasta absolutely tastes the freshest the day of cooking, so while leftovers are still tasty, I definitely recommend serving it straight away if possible!

I love the shape of rigatoni, but any similarly-sized pasta, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle, would work great!

Main Supplies Needed:

  • A Large Pot
  • Knife & Cutting Board
  • A Cheese Grater (unless the cheese is pre-grated)
  • A Colander
  • 10 x 15 Glass Baking Dish (or similar for serving, see Directions)

Servings: 6 Bowls, Or 12 Small Sides

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Pasta Of Choice, rigatoni or equivalent size
  • 10 oz Cherry Tomatoes, halved
  • 1 Dry Pint Grape Tomatoes, halved 
  • 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Lemon Juice From 1 Large Lemon
  • 2 Tsp Dried Basil
  • 1 Tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Plus Extra For Serving, finely grated
  • Sea Salt And Black Pepper, to taste

LINKS TO INGREDIENT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Red Pepper Flakes | Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot

While the pasta is cooking, halve the tomatoes and set aside

Grate the cheese if it is not pre-grated

Drain the pasta in the colander, then let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes

Transfer the pasta into a large baking dish or bowl that will be used for serving, and potentially storing in the fridge (such as a 10 x 15 glass baking dish)

Coat the pasta in the olive oil, stirring evenly

Stir in the halved tomatoes

Add in the lemon juice and mix in evenly

Mix in the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder

Add the parmesan and evenly stir it all in

Sprinkle and stir in sea salt and black pepper to taste, taste testing until it reaches your preference

Serve immediately at room temperature, or store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator**

Include optional extra parmesan when serving

**Leftovers can be brought back to room temperature before serving

Enjoy!

Want more pasta salad?  Try my Easy Greek Pasta Salad!

Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta

Categories Recipes3 Comments on Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta

When it comes to quick and easy weeknight meals, baked pastas are crowd-pleasers!  This Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta is super simple to make and reheats flawlessly when it’s time for leftovers!

  • Vegetarian? No problem! The ground beef could easily be swapped with your favorite meat alternative!

  • Different pasta preferences? No biggie! I used penne, but any similarly shaped pasta will work great.

  • Looking for serving ideas? This dish is really tasty served with a bit of extra parmesan cheese on top and some garlic bread on the side!

Servings: Approx. 6

Ingredients:

TO COOK

  • 12 oz Pasta, penne or equivalent
  • 3 Small Zucchini, finely chopped
  • 1 lb Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 Tbsp + 1 Tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (+ enough to grease the pan)
  • Pinches Of Sea Salt And Black Pepper
  • 2 24 oz Jars Arrabiata Pasta Sauce
  • 10 Mozzarella Cheese Slices
  • 1/2 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese

TO SERVE

  • Fresh Basil To Garnish
  • Extra Parmesan Cheese To Top
  • Optional – Garlic Bread On The Side!

Directions:

PREP

Very lightly grease a 9 x 13 pan with olive oil

COOK ZUCCHINI & BEEF

In a large wok or pot, add the zucchini and the 1 tbsp of olive oil, and cook on medium heat until well done (lightly browned and soft)

Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper

Remove the cooked zucchini from the wok/pot, and set aside

Add the other 1 tsp of olive oil to the wok/pot along with the ground beef

Cook the ground beef on medium heat, breaking it up as you go, until browned

Mix in a pinch of salt and pepper

Add the cooked zucchini into the cooked beef, along with 1/2 of the first jar of pasta sauce

Turn the heat off for the zucchini/beef mixture

PREPARE PASTA

Preheat the oven to 350º while you prepare the pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions

Drain the pasta, and add it into the zucchini/beef mixture, along with the rest of the first jar of pasta sauce

LAYER & BAKE

1 – Transfer 1/2 of the zucchini/beef/pasta mixture into the baking pan, until the bottom is covered

2 – Layer on 1/2 of the second jar of pasta sauce

3 – Add on 6 of the 10 mozzarella slices, spread evenly

4 – Add the other 1/2 of the zucchini/beef/pasta mixture

5 – Spread on 1/4 more of the second jar of pasta sauce (The final 1/4 can be saved for if leftovers get dry)

6 – Top with the other 4 slices of mozzarella along with the parmesan

Bake for 40-42 min – The cheese will be melted, and the exposed pastas on top will be a little bit firm and chewy.  If you prefer it more underdone, or a softer pasta texture, you can absolutely bake it for less time!  Start checking it at around 30 min.

SERVE

Serve and garnish with fresh basil, with extra parmesan available

Optional – Serve with bread or garlic bread on the side

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored sealed/airtight in the baking pan in the refrigerator.]

Want more layered and baked meals?  Try my Baked Eggplant Parmesan!

Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta

Categories Recipes, Sides2 Comments on Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta

If you love cheese, eggs, and veggies, you cannot go wrong with this easy Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta!  From the red pepper and garlic to the salty eggy coating to the cheesy bites of mushroom, this simple dinner is a winner when you need a tasty weeknight meal.

While this combination is inherently vegetarian, you could easily add in a meat option such as traditional or chicken sausages.  You could also keep it vegetarian but add some extra protein with veggie sausages as well.  It works perfectly as a side or light main meal as it is, and can be transformed into a heartier main meal with this optional addition!

Servings: 4 Mains or 8 Sides

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz Pasta Of Choice
  • 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
  • 2.5 Cups Diced Baby Bella Mushrooms
  • 5 oz Baby Spinach
  • 4 Eggs
  • 2 Slices Mozzarella Cheese
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, To Taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste
  • 1 Tsp Dried Basil
  • Parmesan for serving

Directions:

Prep by mincing the garlic with a press, dicing the mushrooms, and measuring the spinach 

Boil water to prepare to cook the pasta according to package instructions

While the water is boiling and the pasta cooks, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the garlic to a large wok or skillet and warm up the garlic on medium heat

Add in a few red pepper flakes, to taste

Add in the mushrooms and spinach, and cook until the veggies are done to your liking

Turn the heat down to low

Scramble the eggs in a bowl and set aside

Just before draining the finished pasta, take out about 2 spoonfuls of the boiling water and mix it into your scrambled eggs

Drain and rinse the pasta, then add it into the veggie mix and coat evenly, adding in the third tablespoon of olive oil as well to keep it from sticking

Add in salt and black pepper to taste, the basil, as well as another pinch of red pepper flakes

(I would recommend starting with less red pepper and having more available for serving so that you don’t accidentally add more than you’d like)

Add the scrambled egg mixture, tossing the pasta mix continuously for a minute or two, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking

Tear up the cheese slices and mix in until melted evenly

Taste test to determine if additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes are needed

Serve with parmesan cheese along with extra salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.]

Love eggy pastas?  Try my Egg & Sausage Carbonara!

Egg & Sausage Carbonara

Categories Recipes4 Comments on Egg & Sausage Carbonara

This Egg & Sausage Carbonara is a long-time family favorite!  Originally inspired by Rachael Ray’s 1998 version of her Spaghetti Carbonara: Pasta with Bacon and Eggs (found in the First printing of 30-Minute Meals), this easy pasta dish was made by my mom often when we were young, and still now when we all visit home.  Doubling the ingredients can make it a perfect choice for feeding a crowd, and for the vegetarians, it’s an easy swap to use your favorite veggie sausages instead!

Servings: About 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 Mild Or Spicy Italian Chicken Sausages Of Choice, such as Bilinski’s (Traditional Italian sausage can be used if preferred over chicken)
  • 1 Pound Spaghetti
  • 4 Minced Garlic Cloves
  • 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Plus Extra For The Sausages
  • 4 Eggs
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste
  • 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Black Pepper And Sea Salt, To Taste

Directions:

Slice the sausages into 1/2 inch pieces, and cook them with olive oil over medium heat until browned and crispy.  They can then be removed from the pan and set aside

Boil water for the pasta

Beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions

While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, evenly pour in the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and heat up the garlic on low heat (sprinkling in some red pepper flakes to taste)

Just before draining the finished pasta, take out about 3 spoonfuls of the boiling water and add it into your egg mixture

Drain and rinse the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet of garlic and olive olive, turning the heat up to medium

Coat the pasta evenly, then add in your cooked sausage pieces

Pour in the scrambled eggs, and toss it all together for about 1 minute, or until the eggs are cooked to your liking

Remove from heat, and mix in the parmesan and a generous amount of black pepper

Serve with extra cheese, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

For more eggy pasta, try my Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta!

Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Categories Recipes, Sides2 Comments on Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Meal prep doesn’t get easier than this Easy Greek Pasta Salad!  Perfect for use as a ready-made side dish or main meal, this recipe takes only minutes to prepare and can last you all week long!  The real best part is how customizable it is:  If you have alternate vegetables you’d prefer to substitute, use them!  If you want a bit more protein, add meat!  If you enjoy extra cheese, add more feta.  There are endless variations!

If experimenting in the kitchen isn’t your thing, fear not.  I promise this particular ingredient combo will be a crowd-pleaser at your next summer cookout, potluck, or family dinner.  No occasion?  No problem!  I love having this dish on hand for pre-made meals to go.  It’s the perfect work lunch.

It’s packed with tons of colorful veggies for a nutrition bonus, and depending on the serving size the batch can stretch a long way! 

Servings: 5 – 6 medium/large (or around 10 very small sides)

Ingredients:

Directions: 

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and then set aside to cool off

Chop up the tomatoes, peppers, and cucumber into bite-sized pieces

Using a very large bowl, coat the cooled pasta in half of the greek dressing (Cooled cooking pots or baking dishes work well too.  Choose whatever you have on hand.)

Add the chopped veggies to the bowl

Then add the black olives and feta to the bowl as well

Add the remaining dressing and toss until all is evenly mixed

Add sea salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish with fresh parsley

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can easily be stored sealed/covered in the refrigerator.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Love Greek flavors? Try my Greek Chickpea Salad!

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pasta

Categories Recipes, Sides2 Comments on Roasted Brussels Sprout Pasta

If you’re a fan of crispy roasted brussels sprouts, you’ll love this Roasted Brussels Sprout Pasta!  It can be enjoyed as either a side dish or main meal depending on what you’re serving, and you can use any type of pasta that you prefer!

If you’re serving it as a main meal and looking to add in extra protein, the addition of a chopped sausage (either chicken or veggie) would be a delicious option.

If you’d like to prepare this dish for a group, simply multiply the single serving measurements by the amount of diners.  For optimal taste and texture, it’s best to eat this one right away while the brussels sprouts are still warm and crispy from the oven!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

FOR THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS

  • 1 Pound Brussels Sprouts
  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (enough to coat)
  • Sea Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)

FOR THE PASTA

  • 1 & 1/3 Cups Pasta Of Choice (dry)
  • 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Sea Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste, generous amount recommended)

TO SERVE

  • Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

FOR THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Preheat the oven to 400°

Cut the bottoms/tips off of the sprouts and peel off the outer layer

Cut each sprout in half (smaller ones can be left whole)

Toss in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper

Spread evenly on a baking sheet

Cook for about 35 minutes (stirring/flipping halfway) or until the outside is brown and crispy

FOR THE PASTA

Based on the cooking time for your pasta of choice, prepare it according to the package instructions timed to finish around when the sprouts will be coming out of the oven

Once cooked and drained, add pasta to serving bowl

Coat lightly with the olive oil

Season with salt and pepper to taste

TO SERVE

Mix the roasted brussels sprouts into the pasta

Add additional salt and pepper if needed after taste testing

Add parmesan cheese to taste when serving

Enjoy!

Want more pasta? Try this Egg & Sausage Carbonara!

Baked Broccoli Mac & Cheese

Categories Recipes, Sides1 Comment on Baked Broccoli Mac & Cheese

If you’re looking to transform mac and cheese from a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant order copycat, I have the secret: A crispy breadcrumb topping!  It makes all the difference in this Baked Broccoli Mac & Cheese!

This pasta bake is quick and easy with only simple ingredients needed.  It’s also quite customizable.  Should you have a preference to use a different type of cheese or vegetable, it can be made entirely your own.

That being said, I highly recommend this particular combination!  The broccoli is very complimentary in both taste and texture, and there’s just the right amount of subtle kick from the pepper jack that really ties all of the flavors together.

The contrast of the crispy cheese and breadcrumb topping paired with the saucy pasta center makes this meal perfect to serve hot from the oven, but in a smaller household it can easily be stored as leftovers for readymade meals or sides in the days to follow.  This recipe makes 6 servings, and whether you’re feeding a group or meal prepping for yourself, it’s designed to make the cooking as easy as possible. (Cue the cheese slices in lieu of shredding!)

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Elbow Pasta (dry)
  • 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 Cup White Whole Wheat Flour (or flour of choice)
  • 1 Tsp Sea Salt
  • Black Pepper (about 10 total rotations from the grinder)
  • 1/4 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 1/4 Cups Oat Milk
  • 1 3/4 Cups Vegetable Broth
  • 8 Slices Mild Cheddar Cheese
  • 5 Cups Broccoli (measured while frozen/raw)
  • 1/4 Tsp Paprika
  • 2 Slices Muenster Cheese
  • 2 Slices Pepper Jack Cheese
  • 1/2 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

Directions:

PREP

Preheat the oven to 350°

Grease a 9 x13 inch baking dish

Cook the broccoli (I microwaved from frozen), cut into small pieces, and set aside

COOK THE PASTA

Prepare the elbow pasta according to the package instructions.  Be sure to rinse it with cold water once drained

CREATE THE SAUCE

While the pasta is cooking, in a wok/vessel of similar size, melt the butter

Stir the flour into the melted butter until evenly combined

Next, stir in the sea salt, half of the black pepper (about 5 rotations from the grinder), and the cayenne

Add in the oat milk and vegetable broth, cooking and stirring on medium heat until well blended

Melt in the 8 slices of cheddar, stirring until smooth

COMBINE THE FILLING ELEMENTS

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce

Add in the cooked broccoli pieces

Also add in the other half of the black pepper (5 rotations from the grinder) and the paprika

Transfer into the greased baking dish

CREATE THE TOPPING

Tear the 2 muenster slices and the 2 pepper jack slices into small pieces, and evenly disperse over the top of the pasta

To follow, top with the bread crumbs

BAKE

Bake for around 17 minutes

To brown and crisp the top, broil for an additional 2 and 1/2 minutes.  Rotate the pan, then broil a second time for 1 and 1/2 – 2 minutes (or until lightly browned)

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly

If desired, an additional sprinkle of salt can be added when serving

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can easily be stored in the refrigerator by simply covering up the cooled cooking dish and storing it in there as is.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Want more baked pasta? Try this Baked Zucchini Beef Pasta!

Pumpkin Mushroom Pasta

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This Pumpkin Mushroom Pasta is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite autumn flavors year-round and can easily be whipped up on a busy weeknight!  It can function as either a vegetarian main course or as a side dish.  I used a traditional Italian durum wheat pasta, but feel free to use whatever type you like if you are gluten free or have other preferences!

Servings: Approx. 3 

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz Baby Bella Mushrooms
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 3/4 Cup Half and Half
  • 3/4 Tsp Sea Salt
  • Black Pepper, (about 10 rotations from the grinder)
  • 1/4 Tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Pinch Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 15 oz Can Pumpkin Puree
  • 1 Tsp Saigon Cinnamon
  • 1.5 Tsps Light Brown Sugar
  • 7 Tsps Finely Chopped Fresh Sage
  • 13 oz Pasta Of Choice
  • Additional Sea Salt And Black Pepper For Topping/Serving 

Directions:

In a medium/large-sized pan, add the extra virgin olive oil and mushrooms

Cook the mushrooms on medium heat until thoroughly tender and brown

Set the mushrooms aside

In a wok, or vessel of similar size, turn the heat to a low-medium setting and melt the butter

Add in the half and half and stir until well blended

Stir in the sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg

Turn the heat down to low

Stir in the pumpkin puree

Add in the saigon cinnamon and brown sugar

Mix in the cooked mushrooms

Add in the sage

Prepare your pasta

Add the cooked pasta into the wok and mix evenly in the sauce

Add additional sea salt and black pepper liberally (to taste) when serving

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored sealed in the refrigerator.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

In the mood for more pasta?  Try this Egg, Spinach, & Mushroom Pasta!

Nut-Free Pesto

Categories Recipes2 Comments on Nut-Free Pesto

If you have nut allergies like me, you’ll know how difficult it can be to find a pesto that is nut-free. This homemade Nut-Free Pesto is so delicious that nobody will miss the pine nuts!

I personally recommend serving this pesto over your pasta of choice, with the addition of your favorite traditional, chicken, or vegetarian sausages. (We personally love this mushroom chicken sausage!) You can also add in some sautéed or roasted vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini.

Vegan? No problem! Simply substitute the parmesan with a vegan alternative!

Other uses for pesto?

  • Add it to homemade pizzas
  • Drizzle it over eggs and toast
  • Spread a layer of it onto lunchtime sandwiches
  • Combine it with salad dressing
  • Toss roasted veggies in it
  • Drizzle it over baked potatoes
  • Make homemade bruschetta with pesto and mozzarella
  • Add it to lasagna
  • Make pesto salmon

Ingredients:

  • 3 Cups Fresh Basil Leaves, packed
  • 3 Large or 4 Small Cloves Garlic
  • 1 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3/4 Cup Finely Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Directions:

Wash, dry, and de-stem the basil leaves

Peel the garlic cloves

Blend the basil leaves and garlic cloves in a food processor, then add in the olive oil and blend again until thoroughly mixed

Once smooth, pour the mixture into a bowl and stir in the parmesan

Add sea salt and black pepper to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir to remix the oil!]

Want more easy pasta dinners? Try my Egg & Sausage Carbonara or Roasted Brussels Sprout Pasta!