Penne with Shrimp and Herbed Cream Sauce

Cook Time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings


Ingredients

1 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, and deveined
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
1 (15-ounce) can whole tomatoes, drained, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup white wine
1/3 cup clam juice
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan


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 and set aside.


In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook, stirring frequently until the shrimp turn pink and is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and set aside.


Add the tomatoes, 1/4 cup basil, 1/4 cup parsley, and the red pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the wine, clam juice, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, the cooked shrimp, the cooked pasta, and the remaining herbs. Toss together until all ingredients are coated. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.


Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve immediately.

From: foodnetwork.com

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Cook Time: 1 hr 20 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 8 to 10 servings


Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 (1 1/2 to 2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup water
3 amaretti cookies, crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups whole milk
Pinch nutmeg
3/4 cup (lightly packed) fresh basil leaves
12 no-boil lasagna noodles
2 1/2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan


Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash and toss to coat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the water into the skillet and then cover and simmer over medium heat until the squash is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Cool slightly and then transfer the squash to a food processor. Add the amaretti cookies and blend until smooth. Season the squash puree, to taste, with more salt and pepper.


Melt the butter in a heavy medium-size saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, whisking often, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg. Cool slightly. Transfer half of the sauce to a blender*. Add the basil and blend until smooth. Return the basil sauce to the sauce in the pan and stir to blend. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.


Position the rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 375 degrees F.


Lightly butter a 13 by 9 by 2-inch glass baking dish. Spread 3/4 cup of the sauce over the prepared baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on the bottom of the pan. Spread 1/3 of the squash puree over the noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Drizzle 1/2 cup of sauce over the noodles. Repeat layering 3 more times.


Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and bake the lasagna for 40 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the lasagna. Continue baking uncovered until the sauce bubbles and the top is golden, 15 minutes longer. Let the lasagna stand for 15 minutes before serving.


*When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.

From: foodnetwork.com

Rotini with Salsa di Limone

Cook Time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings


Ingredients

1 pound rotini pasta
1 1/4 pound Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 cup crumbled ricotta salata cheese or feta cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


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 pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.


Place the hot pasta in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, ricotta salata cheese, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Toss to combine, adding the remaining pasta water, if desired. Serve.

From: foodnetwork.com

Neopolitan Calamari and Shrimp Salad

Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings


Ingredients

4 cups chicken broth
1/2 pound orzo pasta (about 1 cup)
1/2 pound calamari, whole bodies and tentacles
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise, about 1-inch wide
1 Japanese eggplant, sliced lengthwise, about 1-inch wide
2 Roma tomatoes, halved lengthwise
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3 ounces arugula (about 3 cups)
3/4 cups chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 lemons, juiced
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper


Directions

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth 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 pasta and place in a large bowl.


Meanwhile, place a grill pan over medium-high heat or preheat a gas or charcoal grill.


Drizzle the fish, zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the calamari and shrimp, just until cooked through, about 1 to 2 minutes a side. Grill the zucchini and eggplant until tender, about 4 minutes a side. Grill the tomatoes just until grill marks appear, about 2 minutes.


Add the orzo, cannellini beans, arugula, basil, and parsley to the bowl. Cut the calamari bodies into 1-inch rings. Cut the zucchini, eggplant, and tomatoes into roughly about 1-inch cubes. Add the vegetables and calamari to the bowl with the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Finally, add the shrimp on top of the salad. Gently spoon the salad into a serving bowl and serve.

From: foodnetwork.com

Penne with Turkey Meatballs

Cook Time: 1 hr 50 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings


Ingredients

1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup grated Romano
1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups tomato sauce, recipe follows
1 pound dried penne pasta


Directions

In a large bowl add bread crumbs milk and mix until well combined. Mix in eggs and 1/2 cup Romano cheese and mix well. Add turkey and gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Season with salt and pepper. Shape into golf-size balls.


In a large skillet heat the oil over medium high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown, about 8 minutes total. Add tomato sauce and bring to a boil. Lower heat and allow meatballs to simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off heat and keep warm on stove. Be careful not to overhandle the meatballs since they are soft and fragile.

In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander. Do not rinse pasta with water since you want to retain the pasta natural starches so that the sauce will cling to the penne.


Remove meatballs from sauce and place in serving bowl. Pour some tomato sauce over meatballs, but leave about 1 cup of sauce in skillet. Place the cooked penne into the skillet with the remaining sauce and toss well. Pour sauced pasta into a large serving bowl. Serve alongside the meatballs.


Simple Tomato Sauce:

Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Ease of Preparation: Easy


1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional


In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5-10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.


Add half the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.


If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to six months.


From: foodnetwork.com

Bucatini All'Amatriciana with Spicy Smoked Mozzarella Meatballs

Cook Time: 55
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings


Ingredients

All'Amatriciana Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
6 ounces pancetta, diced
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 (14-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano


Meatballs:

1 small (6-ounce) onion, grated
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus 1/4 cup
1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons ketchup
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
8 ounces ground beef
8 ounces ground veal
2 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 (1/2-inch) cubes
1 pound bucatini or other long pasta


Directions

For the sauce: In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and reserve. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the cooked pancetta. Simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens, about 15 minutes. Stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper, to taste.


For the meatballs: Position an oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


In a large bowl, combine the onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 2/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and veal. Using your hands, combine all ingredients gently but thoroughly. Shape the meat mixture into 16 (1 1/2-inch-diameter) meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so that the mozzarella is completely covered with the meat mixture. Bake the meatballs for 15 minutes until cooked through.


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 and place in a large serving bowl. Add the meatballs and sauce. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and Parmesan.


From: foodnetwork.com

Turkey and Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

Cook Time: 1 hr
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 to 8 servings


Ingredients

1 (12-ounce) box jumbo pasta shells (recommended: Barilla)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon
1 (8 to 10-ounce) package frozen artichokes, thawed and coarsely chopped
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

5 cups Arrabbiata Sauce, recipe follows
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella (about 5 ounces)


Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and partially cook until tender but still very firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain pasta.


Meanwhile, in a large heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the garlic and cook until the onions are soft and starting to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is slightly golden and cooked through. Add the artichoke hearts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool.


In a large bowl combine the cooled turkey mixture with the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, basil, parsley, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine.


To stuff the shells, cover the bottom of a 9 by 13 by 2-inch baking dish with 1 cup of Arrabbiata sauce. Take a shell in the palm of your hand and stuff it with a large spoonful of turkey mixture, about 2 tablespoons. Place the stuffed shell in the baking dish. Continue filling the shells until the baking dish is full, about 24 shells. Drizzle the remaining Arrabbiata Sauce over the shells, top with the grated mozzarella. If freezing, cover tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 1 day and up to 1 month.


To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake until the shells are warmed through and the cheese is beginning to brown, about 60 minutes (20 minutes if shells are unfrozen.)


Arrabbiata Sauce:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces sliced pancetta, coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 garlic cloves, minced
5 cups jarred or fresh marinara sauce


Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and saute until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until tender, about 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce and red pepper flakes and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and let cool until ready to use.

Yield: approximately 6 cups

From: foodnetwork.com

Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes (Spring)

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

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.

From: foodnetwork.com

Turkey Bolognese

Cook Time: 30 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 4 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
* 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
* 1 pound shredded cooked turkey (preferably dark meat)
* 3 cups marinara sauce
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1 pound spaghetti
* Freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

Heat the oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium heat. Add the
onion and garlic and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the
carrot and celery and saute until the vegetables are tender, about 5
minutes. Add the turkey and saute 1 minute. Add the marinara sauce.
Decrease the heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 15 minutes to
allow the flavors to blend, stirring often. Stir in the basil. Season
the sauce, to taste, with salt and pepper. (The sauce can be made 1
week ahead. Cool the sauce completely, then transfer it to a container
and freeze for future use. Bring the sauce to a simmer before using.)

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water
until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring often, about 8
minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Add the pasta
to the sauce and toss to coat, adding enough reserved cooking liquid
to moisten as needed. Serve with the Parmesan.

From: foodnetwork.com

Baked Orzo with Fontina and Peas

Cook Time: 30 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

* 4 cups chicken broth
* 1 pound orzo pasta
* 3 tablespoons butter, plus more to grease the baking dish
* 1 onion, chopped
* 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
* 1 cup Marsala wine
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 4 ounces shredded fontina cheese (about 1 cup)
* 4 ounces diced fresh mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup)
* 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13-inch baking dish.

Bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat in a medium
saucepan. Add the orzo and cook until almost tender, about 7 minutes.
Pour the orzo and the broth into a large bowl. Set aside.

Meanwhile, melt the butter over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add
the onions and saute until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms
and continue to saute until the mushrooms are beginning to turn golden
around the edges, about 7 minutes. Add the Marsala. Scrape the brown
bits off the bottom of the pan and cook until the Marsala has reduced
by half, about 5 minutes. Add the mushroom mixture to the orzo in the
large bowl. Add the cream, fontina, mozzarella, peas, salt, and
pepper. Stir to combine. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking
dish.

In a small bowl combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and dried thyme.
Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the pasta. Bake until
golden, about 25 minutes.

From: foodnetwork.com

Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina

Cook Time: 40 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

* 1 cup pastina pasta (or any small pasta)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup cubed chicken breast (1-inch cubes)
* 1/2 cup diced onion (about 1/2 a small onion)
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
* 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
* 1 tablespoon butter, plus more for buttering the baking dish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the
pasta and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally, about 5
minutes. Drain pasta into a large mixing bowl.

Meanwhile, put the olive oil in a medium saute pan over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 3 minutes. Add the onions and garlic,
stirring to combine, and cook until the onions are soft and the
chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Put the chicken
mixture into the bowl with the cooked pasta. Add the canned tomatoes,
mozzarella cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Place
the mixture in a buttered 8 by 8 by 2-inch baking dish. In a small
bowl mix together the bread crumbs and the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle
over the top of the pasta mixture. Dot the top with small bits of
butter. Bake until the top is golden brown, about 30 minutes.

From: foodnetwork.com

Chicken and Orzo Frittata

Cook Time: 30 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

* 3/4 cup orzo pasta
* 6 eggs
* 1/3 cup whole milk ricotta
* 1/4 cup creme fraiche
* 2 cooked chicken breasts, cubed (about 2 cups)
* 4 scallions, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley
* 1/3 cup diced roasted red bell peppers
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the
orzo and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring
occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.

In a large bowl combine the eggs, ricotta, and creme fraiche and stir
until the eggs are beaten and the ingredients are combined. Add the
cooked orzo, chicken, scallions, parsley, red bell peppers, salt, and
pepper. Stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes.
Turn on the broiler. Place the pan under the broiler until golden on
top, about 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and let set for 5 minutes.
Cut into wedges and serve with a side salad.

From: foodnetwork.com

Orecchiette with Mini Chicken Meatballs

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings (about 60 mini meatballs)

Ingredients

* 1 pound orecchiette pasta
* 1/4 cup plain bread crumbs
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 tablespoon whole milk
* 1 tablespoon ketchup
* 3/4 cup grated Romano
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken stock, hot
* 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
* 8 ounces bocconcini mozzarella, halved
* 1/2 cup 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.

In a medium bowl, stir together the bread crumbs, parsley, eggs, milk,
ketchup, Romano cheese, and the salt and pepper. Add the chicken and
gently stir to combine.

Using a melon baller (or a teaspoon measure), form the chicken mixture
into 3/4-inch pieces. With damp hands, roll the chicken pieces into
mini meatballs.

In a large (14-inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook without moving until
brown on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn the meatballs over and
brown the other side, about 2 minutes longer. Add the chicken stock
and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Using a wooden spoon, scrape up the
brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and
simmer until tomatoes are soft and meatballs are cooked through, about
5 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Transfer pasta to a large serving bowl and add the Parmesan. Toss to
lightly coat orecchiette, adding reserved pasta water, if needed, to
loosen the pasta. Add the meatball mixture, mozzarella cheese, and 1/2
cup of the basil. Gently toss to combine. Garnish with the chopped
basil.

From: foodnetwork.com

Orecchiette with Toasted Breadcrumbs

Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

* 1 pound dried orecchiette or other small shaped pasta
* 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* 2/3 cup Italian seasoned dried bread crumbs
* Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
* 1 cup finely chopped prosciutto
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Directions

In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Cook pasta
until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium-sized saute pan, heat the oil until warm. Since
the bread crumbs will cook quickly, you don't want to add them into a
hot pan, otherwise they can burn. Add the breadcrumbs and stir
constantly. Season lightly with salt and pepper since flavored bread
crumbs may already have seasoning. Saute for about 2 minutes. Remove
from heat and set aside.

Drain pasta in a colander. Working quickly, add pasta to the saute pan
and stir to combine. Add Parmesan and the chopped prosciutto. Mix
thoroughly. Pour into large serving bowl and garnish with chopped
parsley.

From: foodnetwork.com

Orecchiette with Mixed Greens and Goat Cheese

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 1 serving (double, triple the recipe for company)

Ingredients

* 1 cup dried orecchiette pasta
* 2 cups Mediterranean-style mixed salad greens
* 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes (packed in olive oil), chopped
* 1 tablespoon goat cheese, crumbled
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
* Pinch salt
* Pinch freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring a medium 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 pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of
the water.

In medium bowl, mix the salad greens with the sun-dried tomatoes, goat
cheese, and Parmesan. Top with warm pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved
pasta water. Toss to combine and wilt the greens. Season with a pinch
each of salt and pepper, or to taste. Garnish with additional
Parmesan, if desired, and serve.

From: foodnetwork.com

Fusilli with Shrimp, Orange and Arugula

Cook Time: 10 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta:

* 1 pound fusilli pasta
* 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 shallots, minced
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 pound medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* 2 tablespoons white wine

Vinaigrette:

* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
* 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
* Salad
* 2 large oranges
* 5 ounces arugula
* 15 (5 ounces) large pitted green olives, halved

For the Pasta:

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
shallots and garlic. Cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Season the
shrimp with salt and pepper, Add the shrimp and white wine to the pan.
Saute for 2 to 3 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked
through.

For the Vinaigrette:

Combine the lemon zest and lemon juice in a small bowl. Slowly add the
oil, whisking constantly, until mixture is smooth, Season with salt
and pepper, to taste.

For the Salad:

Using a paring knife, remove the peel and white pith from the oranges.
Over a large serving bowl, cut between the membranes of the oranges to
form segments. Allow the juice from the oranges to drip into the
serving bowl. Add the arugula and olives to the serving bowl. Toss
lightly to combine.

Add the hot pasta and the vinaigrette to the serving bowl and toss
until arugula is wilted and all the ingredients are combined.

From: foodnetwork.com

Rigatoni with Eggplant Puree

Cook Time: 40 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

1 medium eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 pint cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, whole
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1 pound rigatoni pasta
1/4 cup torn fresh mint leaves
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl combine the eggplant, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive
oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Spread the vegetables out in
an even layer on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven until the
vegetables are tender and the eggplant is golden, about 35 minutes.

While the vegetables are roasting, place the pine nuts in a small
baking dish. Place in the oven on the rack below the vegetables. Roast
until golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and reserve.

Meanwhile, 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 pasta into a large
bowl and reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid.

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor. Add the torn mint
leaves and extra-virgin olive oil. Puree the vegetables.

Transfer the pureed vegetables to the bowl with the pasta and add the
Parmesan. Stir to combine, adding the pasta cooking liquid 1/2 cup at
a time until the pasta is saucy. Sprinkle the pine nuts over the top
and serve.

Baked Rigatoni with Bechamel Sauce

Cook Time: 30 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients
Bechamel sauce:

* 1 stick unsalted butter (4 ounces)
* 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 quart whole milk, at room temperature
* Pinch fresh nutmeg
* Sea salt and white pepper
* 1 cup grated fontina
* 1/2 pound thinly sliced prosciutto, julienned
* 1 pound dry rigatoni
* 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Bechamel sauce:

In a 2 quart saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour
and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Always stirring, gradually
add the milk and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and
creamy. Simmer until it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
This will take approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in
nutmeg, 1/2 cup fontina, prosciutto and season with salt and white
pepper. Set aside.

In a large pot, bring to a boil 6 quarts of salted water. Add the
rigatoni and cook for about 5 minutes. Since you will be cooking the
pasta a second time in the oven, you want to make sure the inside is
still hard. Drain in a colander. Return pasta to the pot and pour in
bechamel sauce. Using a wooden spoon, mix well until all the pasta is
coated with the sauce.

Into a greased 13 by 9-inch baking dish, pour the pasta with cream
sauce. Smooth out top and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup fontina. Dot
the top with diced butter and bake in oven for 25 minutes or until
bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth

Cook Time: 20 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

* 8 cups low-salt chicken broth
* Freshly ground black pepper
* 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

Directions

Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover and bring to a boil
over high heat. Season the broth with pepper, to taste. Add the
tortellini. Simmer over medium heat until al dente, about 7 minutes.

Ladle the broth and tortellini into soup bowls. Top with parsley and
Parmesan crisps and serve.

Parmesan Crisps:

Yield: 8 to 10 crisps

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Pour a heaping tablespoon of Parmesan onto a silicone or parchment
lined baking sheet and lightly pat down. A silicone baking sheet is
highly recommended. Repeat with the remaining cheese, spacing the
spoonfuls about a 1/2 inch apart.

Bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Cool.

Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli

Cook Time: 1 hr 40 min
Level: Intermediate
Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

* 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons for boiling water
* 6 ounces button mushrooms, sliced
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1/4 cup mascarpone
* 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnishing
* 6 egg roll wrappers (6 1/2 by 6 1/2-inch squares)
* 2 large eggs, beaten with 1 teaspoon water
* 1/2 cup mushroom (cremini, shiitake, button), finely chopped
* 2 cups tomato sauce
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large saute pan heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil. When almost
smoking, add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook until
all the liquid has evaporated from the mushrooms, about 6 minutes. Add
spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and place mixture
into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until you get a coarse
texture. Place in bowl and stir in mascarpone and Parmesan cheese.
Check for seasoning and set aside.

Line up 3 wrappers on a cutting board. Brush with the egg and

water mixture. Using a tablespoon, arrange 4 dollops of the filling on
each wrapper – 2 on the first row and 2 on the second – 1-inch apart.
Place another wrapper directly on top, pressing around the filling and
sealing the edges. Using a fluted ravioli cutter, cut out squares of
ravioli. Each filled wrapper will yield 4 raviolis, giving you a total
of 12 ravioli. Place ravioli onto a floured baking sheet and keep
covered with a linen towel.

In a large pot, bring to a boil 4 quarts of salted and oiled water.
Carefully add small batches of ravioli, about 3 to 4 at a time. This
will prevent them from crowding in the pot and sticking together. Cook
for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a spider strainer, carefully remove the
ravioli and place on the plate. Tent with foil to keep warm and
continue cooking remaining ravioli.

In a saute pan, heat remaining 1/4 cup olive oil. When almost smoking,
add chopped mushrooms and saute until soft and most of the liquid has
evaporated, about 8 minutes. Carefully pour in tomato sauce and simmer
for 5 minutes.

Divide ravioli between 2 serving plates. Top with mushroom tomato
sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

From: foodnetwork.com