Category Archives: Pasta

Mar2

Tomato Mac

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Tomato Mac

This is so easy, simple and so delicious! I love it!

  • 2 cups elbow or shell macaroni, cooked according to package directions
  • 3 cups tomato juice (or any tomatoes you prefer)*
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

*If you don’t have tomato juice, you can easily make it with 1/2 cup tomato sauce plus 1/2 cup water = 1 cup.

Drain macaroni. Add tomato juice, butter, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir to melt the butter. Ladle up into the bowls and serve with Parmesan cheese and additional salt and pepper.

Serves 4.

“Salvation from sin means moving from spiritual darkness to God’s light.”

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Jun11

Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet

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Chicken Alfredo Pasta Skillet

I love skillet meals.  They are so quick and easy to get your dinner on the table in a hurry.  This was very flavorful and we all just loved it.

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon minced  garlic
  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 lb. short pasta noodles
  • 1/2 cup bacon bits
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Add oil and chicken pieces to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat.  Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper while cooking.  Allow chicken to brown.

Add garlic and saute with chicken 1 to 2 minutes.  Add butter and let it melt before adding cream, water, bouillon, herbs and pasta and then bring to a boil.

Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and allow to simmer for 15 minutes until noodles are tender.  Stir every few minutes.

Add Parmesan cheese and bacon bits and stir together.  Serve hot.

Makes 4 servings.

“To master temptation, let Christ master you.”

 

 

 

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May5

Garlic Butter Asparagus Skillet

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Garlic Butter Asparagus Skillet

This really got a lot of rave reviews.  I served this with baked chicken, but this could be a wonderful vegetarian meal alone.  The flavor was outstanding!  That is if you love garlic like I do.

  • 1 cup orzo, uncooked
  • 1 lb. asparagus, fresh or frozen (I used frozen)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cook orzo from package directions.  Add the asparagus pieces to the orzo the last 2 minutes of cooking.  Remove from heat and drain.

While pasta is cooking, add butter to a skillet and melt over medium heat.  Stir in garlic and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until lightly browned.  Add orzo and asparagus to the skillet; stir in the cheese, milk, salt and pepper.  Cook for 1 minute.  Remove from heat and serve.  You  may serve with additional Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 delicious servings.

“The love Christ showed for us on the cross is greater than words could ever express.”

Jul18

Lasagna Soup

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Lasagna Soup

This is a very hearty soup.  Comfort food at its best.  It is delicious!!

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
  • 2 lbs. lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 – 2 teaspoons pepper
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 (24-oz.) jar pasta sauce
  • 4 cups beef broth (add up to 4 cups more for runnier soup)
  • 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 12 oz. Mafalda noodles, or use lasagna noodles, broken (I used bow-ties)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded jack cheese blend
  • Parsley for garnish (if desired)

Heat dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Add oil and then chopped onion.  Cook for 3-4 minutes or until partly translucent.  Add in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Add in ground beef and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.  Cook until browned, stirring occasionally.  Drain, if necessary.

Pour in pasta sauce, 4 cups beef broth, crushed tomatoes, and stir to continue.

Add in noodles and allow soup to simmer for 8 minutes, or until noodles are al dente.

Add in heavy cream and cheeses, stir until combined.  Ready to serve.

Add a little sprinkling of cheese on top of bowl and serve.

Makes 12 servings.  (2 cups = 441 calories)

“God’s forgiveness defies our labels of failure or pride.”

 

 

 

 

 

Mar7

Basil Tomato Soup with Orzo

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Basil Tomato Soup with Orzo

This soup is scrumptious!  My husband didn’t think he was going to like it, but after trying it, he asked for seconds.  I think it may even be better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to blend together.

  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cans (28-oz.) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 carton (32-oz.) chicken broth
  • 1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/4 cups uncooked orzo pasta
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese

In a Dutch oven, saute onion in butter for 3 minutes.  Add garlic; cook for 1-2 minutes longer or until onion is tender.  Stir in the tomatoes, broth, basil, sugar and pepper.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the orzo according to package directions; drain.  Add orzo and cream to soup; heat through (do not  boil).  Sprinkle servings with cheese.

Makes 16 servings.  (4 1/2 quarts)

This makes a large batch, but I always love to freeze soup so I have it at a moments notice.

“What steps can you take to discern God’s leading or to acts on His call for your life?”

Jan17

Meatball Soup

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Meatball Soup

You can make this quick and easy soup in a half hour if you have all the ingredients on hand.  This is scrumptiously delicious!  On this beautiful, but very cold day, it tasted so good.  I can’t wait to have seconds.

  • 1 (14.5-oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
  • 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 to 1/2 cups chopped onion
  • 4 (14.5-oz.) cans beef broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 (32-oz.) pkg. frozen meatballs (I used slightly more)
  • 1 1/2 cups small pasta, uncooked  (I used ditalini)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish:  grated Parmesan cheese

Mix together all ingredients except garnish in a large stock pot over medium heat.  Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium-low.  Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes, or until pasta is tender and meatballs are warmed through.  Garnish servings with Parmesan cheese.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

“Care for creation honors the Creator.”

 

 

Oct14

Shrimp Scampi Mac and Cheese

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Shrimp Scampi Mac and Cheese

This was soooo good!  I love shrimp scampi and I love mac and cheese.  This is just a little twist on the two.  You could definitely taste a little spice in it from the red pepper flakes, which I liked.  But if you don’t want any spice, leave out the red pepper flakes.

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I used 2 teaspoons dried.)
  • 1 pound medium pasta shells
  • 2 1/2 cups half and half
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 8 oz. shredded Italian cheese blend (about 2 cups)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons dry white wine
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat until foamy but not brown.  Stir in the panko, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the panko is golden brown, about 5 minutes.  Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley; set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions.  Strain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.  Set aside.

Heat the half and half in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just comes to a simmer.  Continue simmering until the half and half is reduced to 2 cups, about 5 minutes.  Add the cream cheese and cook, stirring, until melted.  Whisk in the Italian cheese blend until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.  Turn off the heat and keep warm.

Meanwhile, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a large saute pan over medium heat.  Stir in the garlic and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.  Pour in the wine and reduce until the alcohol smell is no longer present and the sauce is a nice golden color, about 2 minutes.  Stir in the shrimp and lemon zest and cook, stirring, until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 2 minutes; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and set aside.

Add the pasta and shrimp mixture to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.  Stir in some of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed.  Season to taste with salt, if needed.  Spoon the hot mac and cheese into bowls and sprinkle with the parsley panko.

Makes 4 – 6 servings.

“God is everywhere, is available every time, and listens always.”

 

 

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Aug2

Bacon Tomato Mac and Cheese

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Bacon Tomato Mac and Cheese

This is a copycat recipe from The Corner Bakery Cafe.  We order this just about every time we go there to eat.  I think this is spot on perfect.

  • 12 oz. (3 cups) uncooked elbow macaroni (use anything you like)
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 8 oz. (2 cups) American cheese, shredded or cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 8 oz. (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium (1 cup) tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 4 slices (1/3 cup) crisply cooked bacon, crumbled (I used bacon crumbles.)
  • 1/4 cup coarsely chopped parsley, opt.

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.

Melt butter in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium heat until sizzling; stir in flour, salt, nutmeg and red pepper.  Continue cooking, stirring constantly, 1-2 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and very lightly browned.  Add milk, 1/4 cup at a time, stirring constantly, 5-7 minutes or until mixture is thickened.  Add cheeses; stir until melted and sauce is smooth.  Add cooked macaroni, tomato, 1/3 cup crumbled bacon and parsley, if using.  Garnish with addition crumbled bacon, if desired.

8 servings.

“What difference might we make if we overcome our fears and trust God to use us?”

 

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Jan18

Chicken Spaghetti

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Chicken Spaghetti

This casserole is absolutely delicious!!  It makes a huge amount, so next time I make it, I am going to make the same amount, but put it in two 8-inch square pans.  I will fix one to eat and freeze the other for another time.

  • 1 cut-up fryer chicken
  • 1 pound thin spaghetti, broken into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 (4-oz.) jar diced pimientos, drained
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup finely diced green bell pepper
  • 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Add chicken to a stock pot.  Cover with water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the chicken is cooked, about 25 minutes.

Remove chicken from water using tongs or a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate to cool.

Remove 2 cups of broth from the pot and set aside.

Bring the remaining broth back to a boil and add the spaghetti.  Cook al dente.

Drain the spaghetti, discarding the cooking liquid.  Set aside.  With two forks remove the chicken from the bones.  Shred or cut the meat into bite-size chunks.  Drain the pimientos.

Place the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl.  Add the cream of mushroom soup.  Add 2 cups of the cheddar cheese.  Add the onion, green pepper, pimiento and salt.  Then add chicken and broth.  Stir together well.

Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.  Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until bubbly.

Serves 8.

“Prayer is an intimate conversation with our God.”

Sep27

Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

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Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

This was so easy to make and quick clean-up after.  My version is with ham and peas, but you can make it plain or with broccoli.  Delicious!

  • 3 1/2 cups water, plus extra as needed
  • 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
  • 12 oz. (3 cups) elbow macaroni (small shells would work fine also)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 4 oz. diced deli ham
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 6 oz. shredded mild cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups)
  • 6 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 1/2 cups)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk, macaroni, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to vigorous simmer in 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.  Cook, stirring often, until macaroni is tender and liquid has almost completely evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.

Whisk remaining 1/2 cup evaporated milk, cornstarch, mustard, and hot sauce together in bowl, then stir into skillet.  Stir in ham and peas.  Cook until sauce is slightly thickened, about 1 minute.

Off heat, stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack, 1 handful at a time, until melted.  Stir in extra hot water as needed to adjust consistency.  Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serves 4 to 6.

“To avoid drifting away from God, stay anchored to the Rock.”

 

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