Pasta Recipes

Mexican Lasagna

1-1/4 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups salsa
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
1 envelope taco seasoning
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 flour tortillas (10 inches)
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
Sour cream, sliced ripe olives, guacamole and chopped tomatoes, optional

In a large skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in salsa, beans, enchilada sauce, chilies, taco seasoning and pepper; heat through.

Spread 1 cup sauce in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Layer with two tortillas, a third of the meat mixture and 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas and meat mixture.

Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese and top with tortilla chips. Bake 10-15 minutes more or until cheese is melted. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, olives, guacamole and tomatoes if desired. Makes 12 servings.

Beef Ragu with Ravioli

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 pound plum tomatoes, diced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine or additional beef broth
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
2 teaspoons minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (20 ounces) refrigerated cheese ravioli
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Add the tomatoes, broth, wine or additional broth, tomato paste, rosemary, sugar, garlic and salt.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Cook ravioli according to package directions; drain. Top with meat sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired. Makes 4 servings.

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

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

2 cups green beans, trimmed and halved crosswise
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup (1-inch) slices asparagus (about 2 ounces)
6 ounces uncooked fettuccine
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup fresh or frozen green peas
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
2/3 cup half-and-half
1 teaspoon cornstarch
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup (1 ounce) shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Cook green beans in boiling water 1 minute. Add broccoli and asparagus; cook 2 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove vegetables from pan with a slotted spoon; place in a large bowl. Return water to a boil. Add pasta; cook 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and add to vegetable mixture.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup onion, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper; sauté 3 minutes or until onion begins to brown. Add peas, and sauté 1 minute. Add tomatoes; sauté 2 minutes. Combine half-and-half and cornstarch, stirring with a whisk.

Reduce heat to medium. Add half-and-half mixture and salt to pan; cook 1 minute or until sauce thickens, stirring constantly. Pour sauce over pasta mixture; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with basil and cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings (serving size: 2 cups pasta mixture, 1 tablespoon basil, and 1 tablespoon cheese)

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)

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

Spinach and Ricotta-Stuffed Shells

2 cups Basic Marinara, divided
Cooking spray
2 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
1 large egg yolk
1 garlic clove, minced
24 cooked jumbo pasta shells

Preheat oven to 350°. Spread 1/2 cup Basic Marinara over bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Combine ricotta and next 8 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl, stirring well.

Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons filling into each pasta shell. Arrange stuffed shells in prepared dish; spread with remaining 1 1/2 cups Basic Marinara. Cover and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings (serving size: 4 stuffed shells and about 1/3 cup sauce)

Basic Marinara
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chopped yellow onion (about 3 medium)
1 tablespoon sugar
3 tablespoons minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried basil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 cups chicken broth
3 (28-ounce) cans no-salt-added crushed tomatoes

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion to pan; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add sugar and next 7 ingredients (through fennel seeds); cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Stir in vinegar; cook 30 seconds. Add broth and tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Cook over low heat for 55 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Makes about 12 cups (serving size: 1/2 cup)

Creamy Prosciutto Pasta

1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated fettuccine or refrigerated linguine
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.

Cheesy Sausage Penne

1 pound bulk Italian sausage
1 garlic clove, minced
1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce
1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
4 green onions, sliced
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

In a large skillet, cook the sausage and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream and onions.

In a greased shallow 3-qt. baking dish, layer half of the pasta and sausage mixture. Dollop with half of the cream cheese mixture; sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat layers. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 12 servings.

Semolina Lasagna with Spicy Amatriciana

1 cup all-purpose flour (about 4 1/2 ounces)
1 cup semolina flour (about 6 1/4 ounces)
1/3 cup water
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 large eggs

Sauce:
2 bacon slices, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick pieces
4 cups thinly sliced onion
1 tablespoon extravirgin olive oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 cup water
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (such as San Marzano)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Remaining ingredients:
6 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
Cooking spray
1/2 cup (2 ounces) finely chopped fresh mozzarella cheese
6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

To prepare pasta, lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flours in a food processor; process 30 seconds. Combine 1/3 cup water, 2 tablespoons oil, and eggs in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk.

With processor running, slowly pour water mixture through food chute, processing just until dough forms a ball. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; knead lightly 5 times. Shape dough into a disk. Dust dough lightly with flour; wrap in plastic wrap. Let stand 30 minutes.

Divide dough into 6 equal portions. Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), press dough portion into a flat narrow rectangle. Roll the dough into a 20 x 4–inch rectangle, dusting with flour, if necessary (turning dough over occasionally and dusting surface with flour). Lay pasta sheet flat; cover. Repeat procedure with remaining dough portions to form 6 sheets.

To prepare sauce, cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Add onion, 1 tablespoon oil, and garlic to drippings in pan; sauté 5 minutes or until browned, stirring frequently. Add 1/2 cup water and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper. Reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring occasionally.

Bring 6 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Slowly lower 1 pasta sheet into boiling water; cook 1 1/2 minutes or until done. Carefully remove pasta from water with a slotted spoon; lay pasta flat on a jelly-roll pan covered with a damp towel; cover. Repeat procedure with remaining pasta sheets.

Preheat oven to 350°. Place 1 pasta sheet on each of 6 individual baking dishes lightly coated with cooking spray; spoon 1 tablespoon sauce over each serving. Fold noodle over sauce. Repeat procedure 5 times, ending with sauce.

Top each serving with 4 teaspoons mozzarella and 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano. Cover each baking dish with foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until cheese melts and pasta is thoroughly heated. Makes 6 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

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, thawed, drained, and 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.

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

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

Grilled Chicken and Pesto Farfalle

1 3/4 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon salt, divided
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
Cooking spray
20 ounces uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta)
1 tablespoon butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups milk, divided
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 (3.5-ounce) jar pesto (about 1/3 cup)
3/4 cup half-and-half
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
4 cups halved grape tomatoes (about 2 pints)
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Prepare grill to medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Place chicken on grill rack coated with cooking spray; grill 10 minutes or until done, turning after 6 minutes. Remove from grill; let stand 5 minutes. Cut chicken into 1/2-inch pieces; keep warm.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in colander over a bowl, reserving 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Place pasta in large bowl.

Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Combine 1/2 cup milk and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan, stirring constantly with a whisk.

Stir in pesto. Gradually add remaining 1 cup milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cook 8 minutes or until sauce thickens, stirring frequently. Add 1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and 1 cup cheese; stir until cheese melts.

Add chicken and sauce to pasta, tossing well to coat. Add tomatoes and basil; toss gently. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 8 servings

Bow Tie Chicken Pasta

2 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1-1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth
3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute the chicken, zucchini, mushrooms and red pepper in 2 tablespoons butter for 4-5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add the lemon juice and wine or broth.

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until heated through. Drain the pasta; add to skillet. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil and remaining butter. Makes 6 servings.

Bacon Chicken Alfredo

1 package (16 ounces) fettuccine
1 pound sliced bacon, diced
1-1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 jar (16 ounces) prepared Alfredo sauce
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook fettuccine according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 3 tablespoons drippings.

Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken in the drippings over medium-high heat until the juices run clear.
Drain fettuccine; stir into a skillet. Add the Alfredo sauce, spinach, Italian seasoning and bacon. Cook and stir until heat through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Makes 6-8 servings.