Pasta Recipes

Linguine with Asparagus, Parmesan, and Bacon

3 cups (1-inch) sliced asparagus (about 1 pound)
1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated linguine
4 bacon slices (uncooked)
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup (2 ounces) preshredded Parmesan cheese
Shaved Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cook asparagus and pasta according to pasta package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; set aside. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp; cool slightly. Remove bacon from the pan, reserving 2 teaspoons drippings in pan.

Crumble bacon. Add onion, garlic, and oregano to drippings in the pan; sauté 4 minutes or until onion is lightly browned. Add tomatoes; cook 2 minutes. Add broth; bring to a boil. Stir in butter, salt, and pepper; remove from heat.

Place asparagus mixture in a large bowl; add tomato mixture and juice, tossing well. Top with bacon and shredded cheese. Garnish with shaved Parmesan, if desired. Makes 4 servings

Baked Linguine with Meat Sauce

2 pounds lean ground beef
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons sugar
8 ounces uncooked linguine
1 (16-ounce) container sour cream
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Cook beef and garlic in a Dutch oven, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; simmer 30 minutes. Set mixture aside.

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Place pasta in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Stir together sour cream, cream cheese, and green onions. Spread over pasta. Top with meat sauce.

Bake at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with Cheddar cheese, and bake 5 more minutes or until cheese melts. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve with a salad and bread, if desired. Makes 8 servings

Fettuccine Alfredo

1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/3 cups milk
1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
2 tablespoons cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups hot cooked fettuccine (8 ounces uncooked pasta)
2 teaspoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Cracked black pepper

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in flour. Gradually add milk, stirring with a whisk. Cook 6 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly.

Add 1 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, cream cheese, and salt, stirring with a whisk until cheeses melt. Toss sauce with hot pasta. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and chopped parsley. Garnish with black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

Pasta Carbonara Florentine

Whisked eggs and Parmesan cheese are stirred into a skillet of just-cooked pasta to form a rich, creamy sauce that coats the noodles. The spinach isn't traditional but adds color and a subtly earthy flavor twist.

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

Moroccan Chicken with Almond Couscous

Chicken:
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8 chicken thighs (about 2 pounds), skinned
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups shallots, peeled and quartered
1 1/4 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided
12 whole pitted dates, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Couscous:
3/4 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
3/4 cup uncooked couscous
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Preheat oven to 375°. To prepare chicken, combine first 9 ingredients in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture. Reserve remaining flour mixture.

Heat oil in a large ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes on one side. Turn chicken; remove skillet from heat. Combine reserved flour mixture and shallots; add to skillet. Stir in 1/4 cup broth and dates. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes or until chicken is done.

Remove chicken from skillet. Place skillet over medium heat; stir in 1 cup broth. Cook 1 minute; stir in cilantro. Return chicken to pan. Cover; remove pan from heat.

To prepare couscous, combine 3/4 cup broth, water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon cumin in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Stir in almonds. Serve with chicken and sauce.

Note - If you don't have couscous, boil-in-bag rice--either brown or white--makes a quick substitute. 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

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 4 servings

Tuscan Pasta With Tomato-Basil Cream

1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated four-cheese ravioli
1 (16-oz.) jar sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce
2 tablespoons white wine
2 medium-size fresh tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish: fresh basil strips

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, pour Alfredo sauce into a medium saucepan. Pour wine into sauce jar; cover tightly, and shake well. Stir wine mixture into saucepan.

Stir in chopped tomatoes and 1/2 cup chopped basil, and cook over medium-low heat 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Toss with pasta, and top evenly with 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish, if desired. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Pasta with Broccoli and Sausage

1 pound orecchiette or some other short pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed, or 1 pound ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 head broccoli, ends trimmed
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the sausage and cook, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the broth and red pepper and bring to a boil.

Then add the broccoli, cover, and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the butter and Parmesan and cook, uncovered, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2 minutes. Add the drained pasta, season with the salt and black pepper, and toss to combine. Makes 4 servings

Baked Goat Cheese Over Garlicky Fettuccine

6 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled kabocha or butternut squash (about 2 1/4 pounds)
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Cooking spray
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (4-ounce) packages goat cheese
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
1 pound uncooked fettuccine
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
Rosemary sprigs (optional)

Preheat oven to 425°. Place squash and bell pepper in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil; toss well. Arrange vegetables in a single layer on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, rosemary, and black pepper. Bake at 425° for 40 minutes, stirring once.

Place goat cheese in freezer 10 minutes. Cut cheese crosswise into 8 equal rounds. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Dredge each round in breadcrumbs; place on a baking sheet. Bake at 425° for 6 minutes.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking water. Return pasta to pan; add reserved pasta cooking water, remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, red pepper, and garlic, tossing to coat.

Place 1 1/4 cups pasta in each of 8 shallow bowls; top each serving with about 1/2 cup squash mixture and 1 goat cheese round. Garnish with rosemary sprigs, if desired. Makes 8 servings

Spicy Shrimp and Fettuccine

8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups chopped plum tomato (about 5)
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add red pepper and garlic to pan; sauté 1 minute.

Add shrimp; sauté 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and next 4 ingredients (through salt); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in pasta; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.

Place 1 1/2 cups pasta mixture on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

Curried Chicken Penne with Fresh Mango Chutney

Chutney:
2 cups diced peeled ripe mango (about 2 mangoes)
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chopped peeled fresh ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt

Chicken:
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup light coconut milk
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons red curry paste
1 to 2 teaspoons Thai fish sauce
2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups cauliflower florets
4 cups hot cooked penne rigate (about 2 cups uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

To prepare chutney, combine first 9 ingredients in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until most of liquid evaporates and mixture is thick, stirring occasionally.

To prepare chicken, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chicken; sauté 5 minutes. Combine coconut milk and next 4 ingredients (coconut milk through fish sauce), stirring with a whisk.

Add coconut mixture to pan; bring to a simmer. Add broccoli and cauliflower; cover and cook 7 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in chutney and pasta; toss well to combine. Sprinkle with green onions, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Pasta with Vodka Cream Sauce

Nothing coats pasta quite like whipping cream. Although the dish uses canned tomatoes and broth for convenience, it tastes fresh because of the basil stirred in at the end.

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

Broccoli Alfredo

1 tablespoon salt
½ 1-pound box dry fettuccine
4 cups (8 ounces) broccoli florets
4 tablespoons butter
1 cup freshly grated good-quality Parmesan
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

Place the salt in a large pot of water and bring to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package directions for al dente.

During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli. Drain in a colander, reserving 1 cup of the water; set aside. Place the butter in the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and stir until melted.

Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, then stir in 1/3 cup of the Parmesan. Add the fettuccine and broccoli and the cayenne and nutmeg, if desired; toss.

Remove from heat and sprinkle with another 1/3 cup of the Parmesan and the pepper. Toss again, adding more pasta water if the fettuccine is too sticky. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Makes 4 servings

Tomato Fettuccine with Shrimp and Arugula

8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped Vidalia or other sweet onion
2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved lengthwise
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
3/4 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/3 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
5 cups trimmed arugula (about 2 ounces)

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

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add tomatoes and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add pasta, reserved 1/2 cup cooking liquid, 1/2 teaspoon salt, half-and-half, and pepper; toss well. Cook over medium-low heat 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated and shrimp are done. Add arugula; toss well. Makes 4 servings

Pasta with Asiago Cheese and Spinach

3 cups boiling water
4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil (about 2 cups)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 garlic cloves, crushed
6 cups hot cooked cavatappi (about 12 ounces uncooked ridged, spiral pasta)
1 (10-ounce) bag fresh spinach, torn
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Asiago cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Combine boiling water and sun-dried tomatoes in a bowl; let stand 30 minutes. Drain and chop. Combine tomatoes, oil, salt, pepper, and garlic in a large bowl. Add pasta and spinach; toss gently. Sprinkle with cheeses; toss gently. Makes 8 servings

Brown Rice Penne with Eggplant

Brown rice pasta has a firm texture that partners well with hearty toppings. It's also good in baked pasta dishes. Top with freshly ground black pepper for even more spicy heat.

1 (16-ounce) package brown rice penne (or ziti)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups cubed eggplant (about 1 small)
1 cup finely chopped onion (about 1 medium)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (26-ounce) jar pasta sauce
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) preshredded Italian-blend or Parmesan cheese, divided

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant and onion; sauté 8 minutes or until onion is browned. Stir in garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add salt, pepper, and pasta sauce; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil.

Toss eggplant mixture with pasta. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese; toss gently. Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Baked Rigatoni with Beef

Slightly undercook the pasta because it cooks again in the oven.

4 cups Tomato Sauce
1 pound ground round
4 cups cooked rigatoni (about 2 1/2 cups uncooked pasta)
1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
Cooking spray
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Prepare Tomato Sauce. Preheat oven to 350°. Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until browned; stir to crumble. Drain well.

Combine beef, rigatoni, Tomato Sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Tomato Sauce

Canned tomatoes and other standard pantry ingredients team up for a quick tomato sauce that'll beat the jarred variety any day. Use it anywhere you might use store-bought, such as on pasta, in lasagna, or over polenta.

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 (28-ounce) cans whole plum tomatoes, undrained and chopped
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 bay leaves

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, oregano, and garlic; cook 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Add wine and remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove bay leaves.

Note: This sauce will freeze well for up to 3 months. Place it in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag and freeze. Makes 8 cups

Cajun Shrimp and Andouille Alfredo Sauce Over Pasta

1 pound unpeeled, medium-size fresh shrimp
1 (12-ounce) package fettuccine
1/2 pound Andouille sausage, chopped
1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
4 celery ribs, chopped (about 1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons salt-free Cajun seasoning
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
6 ounces Velveeta, cubed
3/4 cup chopped green onions
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Peel shrimp, and devein, if desired. Set aside. Prepare fettuccine according to package directions; drain pasta, and set aside.

Cook sausage in a large Dutch oven over medium heat 10 minutes or until browned; remove sausage, and drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in Dutch oven. Set sausage aside.

Melt butter in drippings in Dutch oven over medium heat. Add shrimp, and cook 5 minutes or just until shrimp turn pink. Remove shrimp, and keep warm.

Add onion and next 3 ingredients; cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat 10 minutes. Stir in Cajun seasoning and flour. Cook over medium heat, 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in chicken broth.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Boil 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low, and stir in heavy cream; cook over medium-low heat 8 minutes or until mixture simmers. Add pasteurized cheese cubes, sausage, and shrimp, stirring until cheese melts.

Stir in chopped green onions, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Serve over hot cooked fettuccine. Makes 6 servings

Spaghetti with Anchovies and Bread Crumbs

Italian grocers and specialty stores carry whole salt-packed anchovies, typically sold by the piece, which are meatier and more flavorful than oil-packed.

6 salt-packed anchovies or 12 best-quality anchovy fillets in olive oil, divided
1 pound spaghetti
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
6 large garlic cloves, minced
1 or 2 small fresh or dried hot red chiles such as peperoncini or Thai, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf parsley
3/4 cup Toasted Fresh Bread Crumbs, divided

If using salt-packed anchovies, rinse them under cold water. With your fingers, pry them open along the back and lift out backbone to yield 2 fillets. Rinse fillets again to remove any fine bones; pat dry on paper towels.

If using anchovy fillets in olive oil, lift out of jar or tin, leaving oil behind (no need to rinse oil-packed fillets). Finely chop 6 fillets; set aside. Cut remaining 6 fillets into 4 or 5 pieces each; set aside.

In an 8-qt. pot, bring 5 qts. well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender to the bite, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, put olive oil, garlic, finely chopped anchovies, and chiles in a deep 12-in. frying pan (with at least 2-in. sides) or wide pot and cook over low heat, stirring, until anchovies dissolve. Stir in parsley and remaining anchovies; turn off heat.

When pasta is almost done, set aside 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain pasta and transfer to pan of anchovy sauce. Toss quickly until all the strands are well coated. Add some reserved cooking water if pasta seems dry.

Set aside 2 tbsp. bread crumbs, then add remainder to pasta and toss again. Divide pasta among 8 warm bowls and sprinkle each serving with some reserved bread crumbs. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Toasted Fresh Bread Crumbs

Crunchy toasted bread crumbs are a traditional substitute for cheese on pasta

1 4-in. length (4 oz.) of an Italian-style bread with crust, such as Pugliese
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 300°. Cut bread into cubes and scatter on a baking sheet in 1 layer. Bake 15 minutes, or until cubes feel dry on the outside but still moist inside.

When bread cubes are cool, put in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Set aside 3/4 cup firmly packed bread crumbs; save remaining for future use.

Heat oil in a 10-in. frying pan over medium heat just until warm (not hot). Add reserved bread crumbs and stir to coat with oil. Cook, stirring constantly, until bread crumbs are evenly golden brown and crunchy, about 5 minutes. Makes about 3/4 cup

Note: The secret to making evenly browned bread crumbs is to cook them in a skillet and stir without pause.

Fettuccine with Blue Cheese Sauce

1/2 cup pine nuts
1 1/2 (4-ounce) packages crumbled blue cheese, divided
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated fettuccine, cooked
2 cups tightly packed torn spinach, cut into thin strips
6 ounces thinly sliced ham, cut into thin strips
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt

Place pine nuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 7 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.

Cook 1 cup blue cheese, half-and-half, and cream cheese in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, 5 minutes or until mixture is smooth. Keep warm.

Toss cooked pasta with spinach strips and next 3 ingredients. Pour blue cheese sauce over pasta, and toss to coat. Sprinkle pasta with remaining 1/2 cup blue cheese and pine nuts. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Italian Meatballs with Spaghetti

1 pound ground lean beef (7% or less fat)
2 cups finely chopped onions (3/4 lb.)
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons fine dried bread crumbs
1 tablespoon minced garlic
About 1/2 teaspoon salt
About 1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 can (28 oz.) tomato purée
1/3 cup dry red wine (see notes)
1/3 cup fat-skimmed beef broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon sugar
3/4 pound dried spaghetti
About 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley

In a covered 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring 2 1/2 to 3 quarts water to a boil. In a bowl, mix beef, 1/2 cup onions, egg white, bread crumbs, 1/2 tablespoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Shape mixture into 12 equal balls (about 1 3/4 in. each).

Place meatballs in a single layer, without crowding, in an 11- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over high heat; turn as needed to brown on all sides, about 5 minutes total per batch. As meatballs are browned, transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

Add remaining 1 1/2 cups onions and 1/2 tablespoon garlic to frying pan; stir often until onions begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add tomato purée, wine, broth, basil, and sugar; stir until boiling.

Add browned meatballs to sauce; when sauce boils, cover, reduce heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are no longer pink in the center (cut to test), 8 to 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add spaghetti to boiling water and cook until barely tender to bite, 7 to 9 minutes; drain well. Mound spaghetti in a wide bowl. Pour meatballs and sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese and parsley; serve with salt, pepper, and additional cheese to add to taste.

Notes: If desired, omit red wine in sauce and add 1/3 cup more beef broth. Serves 4

Linguine with Pancetta and Parmesan

1 (9-ounce) package fresh linguine
Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chopped pancetta or ham (about 2 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1 (26-ounce) bottle Italian herb pasta sauce
1/4 cup chopped ripe olives
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. While pasta cooks, heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat.

Add onion, pancetta, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Add pasta sauce; cook 5 minutes. Stir in olives and capers. Add pasta; toss to combine. Sprinkle with cheese. Makes 4 servings

Asparagus Pasta With Toasted Pecans

1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta
1 bunch fresh asparagus (about 1 pound)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 3/4 cup)
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup pecan halves, toasted and divided
Garnishes: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground pepper

Prepare pasta according to package directions; rinse and drain. Snap off tough ends of asparagus, and cut into 2-inch pieces.

Sauté asparagus in hot oil in a large skillet over medium heat 4 minutes. Stir in red bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Stir in salt and pepper.

Toss together pasta, asparagus mixture, basil, 1/2 cup cheese, butter, and 1/2 cup pecans. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup cheese and 1/2 cup pecans. Garnish, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Penne with Pancetta, Spinach, and Buttery Crumb Topping

8 ounces French bread
Cooking spray
3/4 cup (3 ounces) chopped pancetta
3/4 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/3 cup all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 ounces)
3 3/4 cups milk, divided
1/4 cup half-and-half
6 cups chopped fresh spinach
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 cups hot cooked penne (about 1 pound uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
1/4 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 425°. Place bread in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs measure 4 cups; set aside.

Heat a large nonstick saucepan over medium-high heat. Coat with cooking spray. Add pancetta, onion, and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until onion is tender. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Place flour in a small bowl; gradually add 3/4 cup milk, stirring until smooth.

Add flour mixture, remaining 3 cups milk, and half-and-half to pan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Add spinach; cook 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese melts.

Place pasta in a large bowl. Add sauce mixture to pasta; toss well. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine breadcrumbs and butter; toss well. Sprinkle over pasta mixture. Bake at 425° for 6 minutes or until crumbs are lightly browned. Makes 8 servings