One Pot Tomato Soup with Tortellini and Italian Sausage

Take your tomato soup to a whole new level by adding Italian sausage and cheesy 3 cheese tortellini! This recipe is an easy one to make and it only messes up one pot.  I love a meal that is an easy clean up.  I used a mild sausage but if you like it spicier use a spicier sausage, add red pepper flakes or some dashes of cayenne pepper.

At first I thought there weren't enough tortellini but once they puffed up after cooking the balance was better.  I would still almost use another 1/2 bag of them!   As the garden is coming into season, again, squash from the garden would be a nice addition to this soup.

One Pot Tomato Soup with Tortellini and Italian Sausage           Printable Recipe

1 pound Ground Mild Italian Sausage (If you can't get it ground, buy cased sausages and remove the casing)
1 small onion, shredded or finely diced
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes (or 2 pints home-canned diced tomatoes pureed*)
4 cups homemade chicken broth (or 2 - 14.5 oz cans)
10 basil leaves, sliced thin
1 Small Pkg (9 oz) Three Cheese Tortellini
Approx 2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup shredded Parmesan
salt and pepper to taste

One Pot Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta

Lazy...and no desire or time for washing more than one pan when we are done with the meal.  That's a good way to describe me lately.  I threw what we liked together in a pot and this is what I came up with.  

I can see several substitutions and additions to this dish that would be just as wonderful. Some ideas I had were to substitute chicken broth for the water and using some chopped veggies  (like squashes) from the garden.

One Pot Creamy Tomato and Basil Pasta                                        Printable Recipe

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 medium onion, diced

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

14 leaves of fresh basil, sliced thin

2 dashes of cayenne pepper

3-1/2 cups water

9 ounces spaghetti (I used Jovial's Einkorn pasta but you could use GF too)

12 ounces grilled chicken, cut into chunks (optional)

1/2 cup whole milk (or cream)

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper as desired

Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti Squash Bowls

I've been making this dish ever since I shared my Chicken Parmesan recipe and had spaghetti squash from the garden.  Some years the squash seem to be never ending.  If kept in a dry, cool place they are available during the winter as well as fall.  This dish is great if you are trying to cut down on carbs or want a change up from pasta.

The next time I make this recipe I'll make a batch of my Garlic Cream Sauce to layer with the marinara sauce.  I love the added creaminess of it!

If you are wondering what happened to the other half of my "boat" -- my family is what happened.  They are usually a bit more patient when they know I need photos but my husband was "starving" and started whacking away!!

Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti Squash Bowls                                Printable Recipe

8-10 boneless chicken tenders

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 beaten egg

1 cup breadcrumbs *

Jar of your favorite pasta sauce ( I used my own Roasted Marinara)

1-2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Top 10 Recipes of 2015

2015 has drawn to its end and it's always fun to look back and see some of the fan favorites.  Most of them are from this year but a few from last year snuck in. 

I hope you enjoy the look back with me. Click on the title to see the recipe or click on the "pin it" link to go right to Pinterest to re-pin for later!

Top 10 Recipes of 2014

2014 is drawing to an end and I thought we should take a look back at some of the fan favorites.  Most of them are from this year but a few from last year snuck in. 

I hope you enjoy the look back with me. Click on the title to see the recipe or click on the "pin it" link to go right to Pinterest to re-pin for later!

Tuscan Roma Chicken and Pasta

There is this pizza, called Tuscan Roma, that I LOVE from a local pizza chain . It's Roma tomatoes, spinach, alfredo sauce and of course cheese! I have my own recipe to make it a home.

This hearty pasta takes all of those flavors I love and puts it all together in this creamy pasta dish.  Italian comfort food, good for the tummy and good for the heart!

Tuscan Roma Chicken and Pasta

1-1/4 pound chicken breasts or tenders

olive oil

salt and pepper

Sauce:

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1-1/2 Tablespoons flour*

1/4 cup white wine

1/2 cup chicken broth

1-1/2 cups whole milk or half and half if you prefer it richer

4 ounces fresh spinach, chopped

6 ounce bag (1-1/2 cups) shredded Parmesan (not the stuff in the shaker)

1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped

4 ounces spaghetti noodles (or other favorite pasta, GF works well too)

Spaghetti Meatballs (with Gluten Free Options)

On top of spaghetti, all covered in....I think you know the rest!! Piled high on pasta or stuffed in a sandwich, these meatballs are versatile! With just one mess you can make extra and freeze them for another time which is great when ground beef is on sale.

Spaghetti Meatballs (with Gluten Free Options)                         Printable Recipe

2 eggs
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 pound ground beef
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (sometimes I use 1/2 grated and 1/2 shredded)
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs *
1 jar favorite pasta sauce
cooked pasta *


In large bowl beat eggs, garlic, and parsley. Crumble the beef over the mixture and mix well. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs; mix gently.


Shape into 1-1/2 inch balls using a medium size scoop. Makes 16 balls. *

Roasted Marinara Sauce

Some of you have asked for my roasted marinara recipe and so I will offer a guide on how I make it. There are no exact measurement as each batch can be different depending on the intensity of the flavor of your tomatoes, onions, and peppers.  I make each batch and taste it until I am satisfied. 

You'll notice no garlic in my recipe.  Italian ladies everywhere are shaking their heads.  You are welcome to add it to your sauce.  My husband cannot have garlic so I do not use it and it is still very tasty.

Roasted Marinara Sauce

Red and Yellow Tomatoes (need to be mostly reds due to acid level needed)
Green  or Yellow Peppers (1-2 per baking dish)
Sweet Yellow Onions (1-2 per baking dish)
Olive Oil
Fresh Basil (good handful if using 3 baking dishes)
Fresh Oregano (small handful if using 3 baking dishes)
Fresh Parsley (optional) (small handful if using 3 baking dishes)
Salt
Sugar
Cayenne Pepper (few dashes per batch)

Spring Pasta Salad

A local grocery store makes this colorful pasta salad.  My mom found the recipe online but it didn't taste quite like what you can buy from her store so she changed it up to make the flavor right and served it this past weekend.  It's sweet, tangy and gets some crunch from the veggies.  Try this for your next potluck! 

Spring Pasta Salad                                                                         Printable Recipe

10 ounces dry shell shaped pasta*  (GF works too)

1-1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 plus 1/3 cup sugar

3-1/2 Tablespoons white vinegar (may need more to taste)

2 cups peeled and thinly sliced cucumber**

1 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup diced sweet yellow onion

1 cup peeled and thinly sliced carrots
1 cup chopped celery***

Mexican Chicken Alfredo

Most times when I go to the Mexican restaurant or even here at home when I make my own chicken fajitas I have leftovers  Although delicious, sometimes another meal of the same dish just doesn't appeal.  I took my garlic cream sauce (minus the garlic and spinach) and mixed it with pasta and my leftover chicken fajitas to make this re-vamped dish.  So creamy but with a little kick!

Mexican Chicken Alfredo

Olive oil
1 T flour** 
1/2 cup white wine (less if yours is strong flavored)
2 cups half and half (I use whole goat milk)
1 to 1-1/2 cups shredded Parmesan (not the stuff in the shaker)

6 ounces pasta, cooked and drained (I used Tinkyada gluten free)
Leftover chicken fajita meat and veggies, chopped
1 to 2 cups shredded Mexi blend cheese, Chihuahua cheese, and/or mozzarella

Spaetzle

A German plate of food isn't complete unless it has a pile of spaetzle. It's super quick and easy to make.  We use a spaetzle maker (see link at end of the recipe) to press out super long noodles.  

Spaetzle

Per person:
1 egg
3/4 cup flour
1 Tablespoon water
1 teaspoon salt

Start a large pot of water to a rolling boil.  Lightly beat eggs and water.  Add salt, then flour.

Foodie Friends Friday Linky Party #85

Welcome to the Foodie Friends Friday 

Nothing but NOODLES Pasta Party!!

Cheesy Bacon and Ranch Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Bacon and Ranch Chicken Pasta

4 ounces pasta (I used gluten free penne)
8 ounces of bacon
1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4-1" chunks
2 Tablespoons flour
1/2 T dry ranch mix
1-1/2 cups milk
4 ounces Velveeta or 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain and keep a lid on pot until sauce is ready.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in large skillet until crisp.  Drain on paper towel, reserving 1 Tablespoon of the bacon grease in the pan.

Add chicken and cook until no longer pink.  (My chicken was a little frozen so it gave way to juices and didn't brown as nice as it would otherwise.)

 Sprinkle flour onto chicken and stir to coat.

Add milk, stirring as you go to keep lumps from forming.  I really like my flat whisk for this job!

Cook until thick and bubbly.

Stir in ranch seasoning.   Use more than 1/2 Tablespoon if you like.  

Add in cheese and bacon, stirring until cheese is melted. Stir in drained pasta and serve.

Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce

Grilled Chicken with Creamy Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Sauce 

1-1/4 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
olive oil
salt/pepper

2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Tablespoons diced shallots
2 Tablespoons flour
1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes 
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced or 1 teaspoon basil paste (I used Gourmet Garden brand)
1-1/2 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup half and half

4 ounces angel hair pasta (other pasta would work too)

Prep your shallots and sun dried tomatoes.  I started off with julienned sun dried tomatoes and chopped from there. If you are slicing fresh basil, prep it too.  I used the basil paste since that is what I had on hand at the time.

 Measure your half and half and chicken broth.

Drizzle the olive oil in pan, add shallots and saute for just a moment or two so as not to burn the shalllots. 

 Add the flour, cooking for a moment.

Add chicken broth and half and half mixture a little bit at a time.  Whisk along the way so as not to have lumps. When it has thickened stir in your tomatoes and basil.  Place a lid on top so it doesn't skin over while you cook the pasta and chicken.

Trim chicken breasts. I cut them so they are flatter and then cut off the tip so it cooks more evenly and doesn't dry out on the end. I chop up the extras for a meal on another night.

Place chicken in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Stir to coat. Grill chicken until no longer pink inside.

Cook pasta.  Angel hair cooks in 4-6 minutes so make sure you start them a little bit after your chicken. 

If timing is not your thing you can cook your chicken ahead and chunk it up, setting aside until your sauce and pasta are done.  Then throw it all in one big pot, stir, and serve family style! This is most likely how I will do mine next time.

Baked Honey Mustard Mac and Cheese

My husband came up with this idea.  I adapted a cheesy sauce recipe I had already been using to incorporate his idea.  I must say, it's tasty and a nice change up on mac n cheese!

Baked Honey Mustard Mac and Cheese

8 ounces macaroni, rigatoni, or other favorite pasta shape (I used Tinkyada GF)
3 Tablespoons olive oil
3 Tablespoons flour
2-1/2 cups milk
8 ounces Velveeta (or you can use 2 cups shredded cheddar or any other cheese you like)
2 Tablespoons mustard *
2 teaspoons honey
pinch of nutmeg
1 cup panko bread crumbs
2 Tablespoons olive oil or butter, melted

Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking make your cheese sauce.  Add oil and flour to pan.  Heat and cook for a minute.  Add in milk, bit by bit, whisking as you go until the sauce has thickened. Stir in cheese until melted.  Add in honey, mustard, and nutmeg.  Taste it, you want just a hint of the mustard coming through but not so much it overwhelms. Pour into drained pasta.

Stir to coat the pasta. Dump into 1-1/2 quart baking dish.

Mix panko and olive oil or butter together.  Top the pasta mixture   Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until top is nice and brown** and the macaroni and cheese is bubbling.

*I used my homemade which is fluffy and full of air.  If you purchase a dijon mustard for this you will want to use less!

**I made my dish with plain panko.  It was OK but the addition of a fat will make it brown nicer and have a better flavor.

Baked Spaghetti

Eating spaghetti this way is much easier than slurping up the noodles.  Lately we've been using the spaghetti squash from the garden in place of the pasta.  We love it! 

Baked Spaghetti                                                                                       Printable Recipe

8 ounce pkg spaghetti noodles* (I used GF)

1 pound ground beef

1 jar spaghetti sauce (or approximately 3 cups homemade marinara)

2 eggs

1/3 cup grated Parmesan

1/2 to 3/4 cup garlic cream sauce

1 to 2 cups shredded mozzzarella

Pizza Casserole

After I made this, my husband said it reminded him of a pasta dish a popular pizza place makes.  I hadn't thought of it but now that he had mentioned it, yes it does.  It was never one I ordered since the veggies were always still crunchy.  We like soft veggies.  If you like the add ins be sure to cook them first unless you like them crunchy. They also used assorted pasta. Mix and match as you like!

Pizza Casserole

8 ounce box of pasta (I used gluten-free elbow macaroni)
2 - 14 ounce jars pizza sauce (or 3 cups of homemade)
1 pound cooked ground beef
1/2  of a 7 ounce package pepperoni slices (use 2/3 cut in half for in the casserole and 1/3 cut into quarters on top)
2 cups shredded mozzarella (or Italian Blend Cheese)

Other options for stir ins:
mushrooms
green peppers
onions
sausage

Cook and drain pasta.  Mix together all of the ingredients except for the cheese and 1/3 of the pepperoni slices.

 Dump into 9 x 13 pan (you can grease if you want - I never seem to remember to.) If you want to freeze it, slide it into a bag, when ready to use, thaw, dump in dish and bake.

Sprinkle on mozzarella.  I made two dishes, one with and one without mushrooms.

Top with pepperoni slices.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and the pepperoni is nice and crispy on top.

Green Pasta

Nice change up from the usual marinara sauced pasta.  My youngest daughter named the dish.

Green Pasta

frozen or fresh ravioli
OR
other favorite pasta shape
or gnocchi
(reserve some of the pasta water from cooked pasta)
basil pesto
grated Parmesan

Cook your pasta and drain until most of the liquid is out.  Sprinkle on some Parmesan and add a dollop or two or three of the pesto.  Stir.  There should be enough liquid to mix with the pesto and Parmesan to make a lovely green sauce.  Feel free to serve with more Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Rigatoni Macaroni Salad

This is Aunt Connie's recipe that my mother-in-law Pat always made.  (Not to be confused with my mom Connie, even though she is an aunt. ;) )

Rigatoni Macaroni Salad

1 pound box rigatoni macaroni (or other favorite pasta shape, gluten free would work too)

3/4 cup olive oil

2 cups sugar

2 cups vinegar

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 Tablespoon salt

1 onion

1 green pepper

1 small jar pimento (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions.  I used penne today. Don't cook it until it's mush, it needs to stand up to marinading in the liquid.  Drain off hot water.  You can cool pasta faster by running cool water on it.  Drain again.

Mix together oil, sugar, vinegar, pepper, and salt. Isn't my organic olive oil a pretty color?

Chop green pepper (or use any color you like.)

Chop onion (use yellow or even red as I had on hand.)

I never seem to have pimento on hand so always leave it out. Other pepper colors would be so pretty in here!

Combine with pasta and then dump oil mixture over the top. 

Stir.  Let set for 24 hours, stirring occasionally to be sure all the pasta soaks in the flavors. If you must make it the same day do it in the morning so it at least has the day to sit.

You can store this in the fridge for a while since it has vinegar in it.  Sometimes I cook a little more pasta and throw it back in the liquid that filters out when I scoop up the pasta/veggies.