Pasta Recipes

Turkey Tetrazzini

1 package (1 pound) linguine
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
4 to 5 drops hot pepper sauce
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and cayenne until smooth. Gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cream.

Drain linguine; add 2 cups sauce and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Make a well in center of noodles, making a space about 6 in. x 4 in.

To the remaining sauce, add the turkey, mushrooms, pimientos, parsley and hot pepper sauce; mix well. Pour into center of dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-30 minutes longer or until bubbly and heated through. Makes 8-10 servings.

Penne and Chicken Tenderloins with Spiced Tomato Sauce

1 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound chicken breast tenders, cut into (1-inch) pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups canned diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup white wine
8 ounces uncooked penne
1/4 cup (1 ounce) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; rub over chicken. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 minutes, turning once. Remove from heat; set aside.

Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds or until garlic is soft. Add tomatoes and wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add chicken, and simmer 5 minutes.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Toss pasta with sauce in a large bowl. Sprinkle with cheese and basil. Makes 4 servings

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 (8-oz.) package elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (8-oz.) block sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded and divided

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Keep warm. Melt butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until smooth. Cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, and cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes or until thickened.

Remove from heat. Stir in salt, black and red pepper, 1 cup shredded cheese, and cooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-qt. baking dish; top with remaining 1 cup cheese. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Classic Lasagna

2 medium onions, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound lean ground beef
1 (14.5-oz.) can basil, garlic, and oregano diced tomatoes
2 (6-oz.) cans tomato paste
1 (8-oz.) can basil, garlic, and oregano tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked
8 cups boiling water
1 (16-oz.) container ricotta cheese
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 (6-oz.) packages part-skim mozzarella cheese slices
Garnish: chopped fresh parsley

Sauté onion in 1 Tbsp. hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add beef, and cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until beef crumbles and is no longer pink.

Drain beef mixture, and return to skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes, next 4 ingredients, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 30 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf; set meat sauce aside.

Place lasagna noodles in a 13- x- 9-inch pan. Carefully pour 8 cups boiling water and remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil over noodles. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir together ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, remaining 1/4 tsp. salt, and remaining 1/4 tsp. pepper until blended.

Spoon half of the meat sauce mixture in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Shake excess water from noodles, and arrange 6 noodles over meat sauce; top with half of ricotta mixture and 1 package mozzarella cheese slices. Repeat layers once.

Bake, covered, at 350° for 55 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until bubbly. Let lasagna stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired. Makes 8 to 10 servings

Creamy Pepperoni Ziti

1 package (16 ounces) ziti or small tube pasta
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup chopped pepperoni
1/2 cup each chopped onion, mushrooms, green pepper and tomato
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, soup, mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, onion, mushrooms, green pepper, tomato, cream, broth and seasonings.

Transfer to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake 5-10 minutes longer or until bubbly. Makes 8 servings.

Tortellini Marinara

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 package (15 ounces) refrigerated marinara sauce
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced Italian tomatoes, undrained
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.

Stir in marinara sauce, tomatoes and mushrooms. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender.

Drain tortellini; stir into skillet. Sprinkle with cheese. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Makes 8 servings.

Shrimp Arrabbiata

6 ounces fresh linguine
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup prechopped onion
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and keep warm. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle shrimp with salt; add shrimp to pan. Cook 2 minutes on each side or until shrimp are done.

Transfer shrimp to a bowl. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in pan. Add onion, minced garlic, basil, and crushed red pepper to pan; sauté 1 minute. Add tomato paste and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Cook 3 minutes or just until sauce begins to thicken. Return shrimp to pan; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Add parsley to the pan, stirring well to combine. Serve over pasta. Makes 4 servings

Curried Couscous with Broccoli and Feta

1 3/4 cups water
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/2 cups small broccoli florets
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dry-roasted cashews, chopped
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon bottled minced fresh ginger
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Bring 1 3/4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; gradually stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. While couscous stands, steam broccoli florets, covered, for 3 minutes or until tender.

Combine couscous, broccoli, onion, and next 10 ingredients (onion through chickpeas), tossing gently. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 5 servings (serving size: about 1 1/4 cups)

Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Feta Cheese

1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated fresh linguine
3/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
2 tablespoons slivered almonds
2 tablespoons preshredded fresh Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain through a sieve over a bowl, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pan.

While pasta cooks, place tomatoes and next 6 ingredients (through black pepper) in a food processor; process until finely chopped.

Combine tomato mixture and the reserved 1 cup cooking liquid, stirring with a whisk. Add to pasta; toss well to coat. Sprinkle with feta. Makes 4 servings (serving size: 1 cup)

Pasta Primavera

1 1/2 cups baby carrots, trimmed (about 6 ounces)
3 cups uncooked cavatappi or penne pasta (about 8 ounces)
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 cups pattypan squash, halved (about 8 ounces)
3/4 cup shelled green peas
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil in a stockpot. Add carrots; cook 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Add pasta to boiling water; cook according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash; sauté 3 minutes. Add carrots, peas, salt, pepper, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Stir in wine, scraping pan to loosen browned bits.

Stir in cream and juice; cook 1 minute. Add pasta and cheese; stir well to coat. Remove from heat; stir in basil and parsley. Makes 4 servings (serving size: 2 cups)

Fettuccine With Portobello-Alfredo Sauce

1 (12-ounce) package fettuccine
1 (6-ounce) package portobello mushrooms
1/2 cup butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup whipping cream
1 cup milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
Garnish: Italian flat-leaf parsley sprigs

Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. Remove brown gills from undersides of mushroom caps using a spoon, and discard gills. Chop mushrooms.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; add mushrooms and garlic, and sauté 5 to 6 minutes or until tender. Stir in cream and milk. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat; reduce heat, and simmer, whisking constantly, 10 minutes.

Stir in cheese, pepper, and salt; stir constantly until cheese melts and mixture thickens. Stir in 2 tablespoons parsley. Serve over hot cooked pasta. Garnish, if desired. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Greek Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta

1 pound uncooked angel hair pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (6-ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breasts, halved
2 cups chopped red onion
1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
3/4 cup (3 ounces) feta cheese, crumbled

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; sauté 3 minutes on each side.

Add onion and next 5 ingredients (through tomatoes) to pan; stir well. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 25 minutes or until chicken is done.

Remove from heat; sprinkle with cheese. Serve with pasta. Makes 8 servings (serving size: 1/2 chicken breast, about 1/2 cup tomato mixture, and about 1 cup pasta)

Farfalle with Creamy Wild Mushroom Sauce

1 pound uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
1 tablespoon butter
12 ounces presliced exotic mushroom blend
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup dry white wine
2/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Minced fresh parsley (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the mushrooms, onion, shallots, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook 12 minutes or until liquid evaporates and mushrooms are tender, stirring occasionally. Add wine; cook 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.

Remove from heat. Add the cooked pasta, whipping cream, cheese, and 2 tablespoons parsley, tossing gently to coat. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Garnish with minced fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Linguine With Clam Sauce

1 (12-oz.) package linguine
2 (6 1/2-oz.) cans chopped clams
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup olive oil
1 (8-oz.) package sliced fresh mushrooms
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed dried red pepper
Garnish: freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta in a Dutch oven according to package directions. Drain and return to Dutch oven; set aside. Drain clams, reserving juice.

Melt butter with oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add mushrooms and garlic, and sauté 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. Add clams, white wine, basil, and next 4 ingredients; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes.

Stir reserved clam juice into pasta in Dutch oven; cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Remove from heat; add mushroom mixture, tossing to coat. Garnish, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Spaghetti with Italian Meatballs

3/4 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 can (28 ounces) Italian crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 cup water
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Meatballs:
4 slices white bread, torn
1/2 cup water
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground beef
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti

In a large saucepan, cook onion and garlic in oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, soak bread in water for 5 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, parsley, salt and bread. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls.

In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, brown meatballs in batches in oil over medium heat. Add meatballs to sauce; return to a boil.

Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until meatballs are no longer pink. Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain. Serve with meatballs and sauce. Makes 10 servings.

Beef-Broccoli Lo Mein

4 cups hot cooked spaghetti (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)
1 teaspoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
4 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chopped broccoli
1 1/2 cups vertically sliced onion
1 (1-pound) flank steak, cut into thin strips
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon chile paste with garlic

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Combine pasta and sesame oil, tossing well to coat. While pasta cooks, heat peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ginger and garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add broccoli and onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add steak, and sauté 5 minutes or until done.

Add pasta mixture, soy sauce, and remaining ingredients; cook 1 minute or until lo mein is thoroughly heated, stirring constantly. Makes 6 servings

Shrimp Pad Thai

8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/4 cup low-sodium teriyaki sauce
2 tablespoons hot water
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/4 teaspoon Sriracha (hot chile sauce, such as Huy Fong)
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp
4 cups snow peas
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/3 cup chopped dry-roasted peanuts
5 lime wedges

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain and set aside. Combine teriyaki sauce, hot water, peanut butter, and Sriracha, stirring with a whisk.

Heat the sesame oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Add shrimp; sauté for 2 minutes or until shrimp are almost done. Add teriyaki sauce mixture, and cook for 2 minutes or until sauce thickens.

Add pasta and snow peas; cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated, stirring well. Sprinkle with cilantro and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges. Makes 5 servings

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated fettuccine
1/2 pound sliced fresh mushrooms
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1 package (10 ounces) fresh baby spinach
1 jar (17 ounces) Alfredo sauce
1/3 pound thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms and onion in butter until tender. Add spinach. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook just until spinach is wilted.

Stir in Alfredo sauce and prosciutto; cook for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Drain pasta; add to sauce and toss to coat. Makes 4 servings.

Spaghetti Carbonara

2 eggs
3 ounces parmesan cheese
1/2 cup loosely packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
1/4 pound pancetta or thin-cut bacon
2 cloves garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound spaghetti or spaghettini

Put a large pot of water on to boil. Meanwhile, crack eggs into a large bowl and beat lightly. Finely shred or grate cheese, add 1/2 cup to eggs, and set the rest aside. Finely chop parsley and add to eggs. Add pepper and whisk to combine well. Set aside.

Cut pancetta or bacon into 1/4-in.-thick slices, peel and chop garlic, and set both aside. Heat olive oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat.

Add pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add wine and cook until liquid is reduced by about half. Remove from heat and set aside.

When water boils, add salt and spaghetti. Boil pasta until it is tender to the bite. Drain well and immediately pour pasta into bowl with egg mixture. Toss to thoroughly coat pasta with egg mixture (the heat from the pasta will partly cook the egg and melt the cheese).

Pour pancetta mixture on top of pasta and toss to combine thoroughly. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Pasta with Leek, Pepper, and Chive Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 1/2 cups thinly sliced leek (about 3 large)
3 yellow bell peppers, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch strips
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (4 ounces) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese
3 cups hot cooked orecchiette pasta (about 3/4 pound uncooked)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add leek and bell pepper strips; saute 4 minutes. Stir in broth, rind, and juice; cook 3 minutes.

Add the cream cheese. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook until cream cheese melts (about 2 minutes), stirring constantly.

Add pasta, salt, and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Stir in Parmesan and remaining ingredients. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

Bucatini with Eggplant and Roasted Peppers

2 large yellow bell peppers
1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3/4 pound)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano
2 tablespoons capers
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
12 ounces bucatini or linguine
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated ricotta salata or Romano cheese

Preheat broiler. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise, and discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand.

Broil 10 minutes or until peppers are blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag, and seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and cut into strips. Reduce oven temperature to 425°.

Arrange the eggplant cubes in a single layer in a 2-quart baking dish. Pour 1 cup water over the eggplant. Bake at 425° for 35 minutes or until eggplant is tender, adding more water as needed.

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oregano, capers, and garlic; sauté 1 minute. Stir in eggplant, bell peppers, salt, black pepper, and tomatoes. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/2 cup cooking liquid.

Combine pasta, eggplant mixture, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large bowl, tossing to coat. Add the reserved cooking liquid, if necessary, to coat the pasta. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 6 servings

Spinach Fettuccine

1 pound uncooked fettuccine
1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup (2 ounces) cream cheese
3/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh pecorino Romano cheese
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, drained, squeezed dry
10 center-cut bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (about 1 1/4 cups)
Parsley sprigs (optional)

Cook pasta according to package instructions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add reserved pasta water and cream cheese, stirring with a whisk until smooth.

Combine broth and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Add flour mixture to pan, stirring with a whisk to combine; bring to a boil. Cook 2 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat; add pecorino Romano, stirring until smooth. Add half-and-half, salt, and pepper. Stir in spinach. Combine cheese mixture and pasta in a large bowl, tossing to coat.

Place about 1 cup pasta mixture in each of 8 bowls; top each serving with 2 1/2 tablespoons bacon. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Makes 8 servings

Pasta Carbonara Florentine

Cooking spray
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1 (6-ounce) package bagged prewashed baby spinach
6 slices center-cut bacon, chopped
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons dry white wine
8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 large egg
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and spinach; cook 1 minute or until spinach wilts, stirring constantly. Remove spinach from pan; place in a bowl.

Add bacon to pan; cook 3 minutes or until crisp, stirring frequently. Remove bacon from pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan; set bacon aside.

Add onion to drippings in pan; cook 2 minutes or until tender, stirring frequently. Add wine; cook 1 minute or until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat; keep warm.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well, reserving 1 tablespoon cooking liquid. Immediately add pasta and the reserved cooking liquid to onion mixture in skillet. Add spinach and bacon; stir well to combine. Place skillet over low heat.

Combine remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, cheese, pepper, egg, and egg white, stirring with a whisk. Add to pasta mixture, tossing well to coat. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

Pasta with Vodka Cream Sauce

1/2 pound uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup vodka
1/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1/4 cup whipping cream
3 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil

Cook the pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and keep warm. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion to pan; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic; sauté 1 minute.

Add vodka; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until liquid is reduced by about half. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, broth, and tomatoes; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, and simmer 8 minutes. Place tomato mixture in a blender. Remove center piece of blender lid (to allow steam to escape); secure blender lid on blender.

Place a clean towel over opening in blender lid (to avoid splatters). Process until smooth. Return tomato mixture to pan; stir in cream. Cook 2 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat. Stir in cooked pasta, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and basil. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

One-Pot Pasta

1 pound lean ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 (8-ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (26-ounce) jars tomato-basil pasta sauce
1 cup water
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook ground beef in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring until it crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Wipe Dutch oven clean.

Sauté onion and mushrooms in hot oil over medium-high heat 8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, and sauté 1 minute. Stir in beef, pasta sauce, 1 cup water, and next 3 ingredients.

Bring sauce to a boil; add ravioli. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes or until pasta is done. Stir in cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings