Pasta Recipes

Butternut Squash Lasagna

Cooking spray
3 cups chopped onion
10 cup fresh spinach
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded sharp provolone cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
1 (15-ounce) carton ricotta cheese
1 (15-ounce) carton ricotta cheese
3 cups diced peeled butternut squash
6 cups Smoky Marinara
12 oven-ready lasagna noodles (such as Barilla)
1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375°. Heat a large Dutch oven coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion; sauté 4 minutes or until tender. Add spinach; sauté 1 1/2 minutes or until spinach wilts. Combine provolone, parsley, salt, pepper, eggs, and ricotta cheeses in a large bowl.

Place squash in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and cook on high 5 minutes or until tender.

Coat the bottom and sides of 2 (8-inch-square) baking dishes with cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup Smoky Marinara in the bottom of one prepared dish. Arrange 2 noodles over sauce; spread 1 cup cheese mixture over noodles. Arrange 1 1/2 cups squash over cheese mixture; spread 3/4 cup sauce over squash.

Arrange 2 noodles over sauce; spread 1 cup cheese mixture over the noodles. Arrange 1 1/2 cups onion mixture over cheese mixture; spread 3/4 cup sauce over spinach mixture.

Arrange 2 noodles over sauce; spread 1 cup Smoky Marinara evenly over noodles. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan. Repeat procedure with remaining ingredients in remaining pan. Cover each pan with foil.

Bake at 375° for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes.

To freeze unbaked lasagna: Prepare through Step 6. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing to remove as much air as possible. Wrap with heavy-duty foil. Store in freezer for up to 2 months.

To prepare frozen unbaked lasagna: Thaw completely in refrigerator (about 24 hours). Preheat oven to 375º. Remove foil; reserve foil. Remove plastic wrap; discard wrap. Cover lasagna with reserved foil; bake at 375º for 1 hour. Uncover and bake an additional 30 minutes or until bubbly. Makes 2 lasagnas, 6 servings per pan

Smoky Marinara

1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 (28-ounce) can crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, basil, parsley, and oregano; sauté 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in vinegar and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Makes 6 cups

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Linguine

1 (16-ounce) package linguine
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt

Cook linguine according to package directions; drain. Saute garlic and pepper in hot oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add tomatoes and next 4 ingredients; cook 3 to 5 minutes. Toss together pasta and tomato mixture; garnish, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Tomato-Chicken Pasta

1 (9-ounce) package fresh fettuccine
1/4 cup boiling water
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato sprinkles
2 teaspoons olive oil
Cooking spray
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
1 pound chicken breast tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, divided
1/4 cup (1 ounce) preshredded fresh Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. While pasta cooks, combine water and tomato sprinkles in a small bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Drain.

While tomato soaks, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add shallots and chicken, and saute 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; stir in wine and cream. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine the pasta, tomato, chicken mixture, 1/4 cup basil, cheese, and salt, tossing well to coat. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup basil and pepper. Makes 4 servings

Chicken and Noodles with Peanut Sauce

5 ounces uncooked Japanese curly noodles (chucka soba)
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup hoisin sauce
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons dark sesame oil, divided
1 pound chicken breast tenders
1 1/2 cups red bell pepper strips
1 tablespoon bottled ground fresh ginger
1 teaspoon bottled minced garlic
1/2 cup chopped green onions, divided

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Combine broth and next 5 ingredients (broth through crushed red pepper) in a bowl; stir well with a whisk.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; sauté 4 minutes. Add bell pepper; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Combine chicken mixture and noodles in a large bowl.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in pan over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; cook 15 seconds. Stir in broth mixture; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add the broth mixture and 1/4 cup green onions to noodle mixture; toss well. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup green onions. Makes 4 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.

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 fat-free, less-sodium 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

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 fat-free, less-sodium 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

Roasted Pepper, Kalamata, and Prosciutto Pasta

3 red bell peppers (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 yellow bell pepper
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, quartered
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 ounces prosciutto, sliced into 1/8-inch strips
6 cups hot cooked pappardelle pasta (about 12 ounces uncooked pasta)
6 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Parsley sprigs (optional)

Preheat broiler. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 10 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and cut into thin strips.

Combine olives and next 6 ingredients (olives through black pepper) in a bowl. Add bell pepper strips and chopped parsley; toss gently to combine.

Cook prosciutto in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 3 minutes or until crisp; remove from pan. Add bell pepper mixture to pan; cook over low heat 3 minutes or until heated.

Place pasta in a large bowl. Add bell pepper mixture and prosciutto; toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired. Makes 6 servings

Gomiti with Broccoli Rabe, Chickpeas, and Prosciutto

Ask your butcher or deli manager to give you the end of the prosciutto for this dish. It is much easier to cut into strips and tends to be meatier. Gomiti is similar in shape to elbow macaroni. Grana Padano is a hard cheese that is usually found with Parmesan cheese near the deli section in the grocery store.

6 quarts water
2 teaspoons salt
1 pound uncooked gomiti (short, curled, tube-shaped pasta)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup sliced garlic (about 10 to 12 garlic cloves)
1 (3-ounce) prosciutto end piece, cut into (1/4-inch-wide) julienne strips
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 (16-ounce) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
10 cup coarsely chopped broccoli rabe (about 1 [1-pound] bunch)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated Grana Padano cheese

Bring 6 quarts water and 2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a large stockpot. Stir in pasta; partially cover, and return to a boil, stirring frequently. Cook 8 minutes or until pasta is almost al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 2 cups cooking water.

While pasta cooks, heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic and prosciutto; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add pepper; cook 2 1/2 minutes or until prosciutto is crisp, stirring frequently. Add reserved 2 cups cooking water and chickpeas; bring to a boil.

Add broccoli rabe (do not stir); cover, reduce heat, and simmer 7 minutes or until broccoli rabe is tender. Uncover; simmer 15 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Add pasta, and cook 1 minute or until pasta is al dente, tossing to combine. Remove from heat; stir in cheese. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings

Mediterranean Shrimp and Pasta

2 teaspoons olive oil
Cooking spray
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups chopped plum tomato
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
2 tablespoons capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups hot cooked angel hair pasta (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)
1/4 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add garlic; sauté 30 seconds. Add shrimp; sauté 1 minute.

Add tomato and basil; reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes or until tomato is tender. Stir in kalamata olives, capers, and black pepper. Combine shrimp mixture and pasta in a large bowl; toss well. Top with cheese. Makes 4 servings

Fontina and Mascarpone Baked Pasta

1 pound uncooked penne
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (about 1 ounce)
3 cups milk
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded fontina cheese
1/4 cup (2 ounces) mascarpone cheese
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking spray
3 (1-ounce) slices white bread
1 tablespoon butter
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; keep warm. Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and milk in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk.

Cook 10 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove from heat; add cheeses, stirring with a whisk until smooth. Stir in salt and black pepper. Add cooked pasta, stirring to coat. Spoon pasta mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Tear bread into several pieces. Place bread in a food processor; process until fine crumbs measure 1 1/2 cups. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Stir in breadcrumbs until well combined. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over pasta mixture. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle with parsley. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Penne with Spinach, Feta, and Olives

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 garlic cloves, crushed
6 cups hot cooked penne (about 12 ounces uncooked tube-shaped pasta)
2 cups chopped spinach
1/4 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
2 tablespoons capers
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl. Add pasta, spinach, olives, capers, and cheese; toss well. Makes 4 servings

Pasta Shells with Tuscan Tuna

8 ounces uncooked medium seashell pasta (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
2 tablespoons capers
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil
2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 (7-ounce) bags white albacore tuna in water

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain pasta in a colander over a bowl, reserving 2 tablespoons cooking liquid. Return pasta to pan. Add reserved 2 tablespoons cooking liquid, onion, and remaining ingredients; toss well. Makes 4 servings

Shrimp Sautéed with Fresh Tomatoes, Wine, and Basil

3 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1 cup ice cubes
1 1/4 pounds large shrimp
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup coarsely chopped seeded peeled tomato
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cups hot cooked vermicelli (about 6 ounces uncooked pasta)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Combine water and 1/2 cup salt in a large bowl, stirring until salt dissolves. Pour salt mixture into a large zip-top plastic bag. Add ice and shrimp; seal. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Remove shrimp from bag; discard brine. Peel shrimp.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; sauté 15 seconds. Add shrimp, and sauté 1 minute.

Add wine; cook 1 minute, scraping pan to loosen browned bits. Add tomato, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper; cook 3 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove from heat; serve over pasta. Sprinkle with basil. Makes 4 servings

Orecchiette with Leeks, Peas, and Pecorino

1 pound dry orecchiette or some other short pasta
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 leeks (white and light green parts only), thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 10-ounce package frozen peas, thawed
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup (4 ounces) grated Pecorino
2 teaspoons lemon zest

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leeks, season with the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, about 7 minutes.

Add the garlic and peas and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir in the cream and 3/4 cup of the Pecorino. Simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 4 minutes.

Drain the pasta and return it to pot. Add the sauce, lemon zest, and mint and toss. Divide the pasta among shallow bowls and sprinkle with the remaining Pecorino and pepper. Makes 4 servings

Shrimp with Roasted Red Pepper Cream

1 (7-ounce) package vermicelli
1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained
1 (8-ounce) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup low-sodium, fat-free chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 pounds cooked, peeled large shrimp
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Garnish: fresh basil sprig

Prepare pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and oil. Keep pasta warm. Process red peppers and next 4 ingredients in a blender or food processor until smooth, scraping down sides. Pour mixture into a large skillet.

Cook over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring often, until thoroughly heated. Add shrimp, and cook, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat. Serve over hot cooked pasta. Sprinkle with basil. Garnish, if desired. 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

Ragù Alla Bolognese with Fettuccine

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
5 ounces ground veal
5 ounces ground pork
5 ounces ground round
1 cup dry white wine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 bay leaf
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can chicken broth
1 (10 3/4-ounce) can tomato puree
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 (9-ounce) packages fresh fettuccine, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
Parsley sprigs (optional)

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot; cover and cook 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove onion mixture from pan.

Add veal, pork, and beef to pan; cook over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Add wine, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and bay leaf; bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes. Add the onion mixture, broth, and tomato puree; bring to a simmer. Cook 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Stir in milk and minced parsley; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Add pasta, and toss to coat. Sprinkle evenly with cheese. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Sweet-Hot Asian Noodle Bowl

3/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup lite soy sauce
1/3 cup honey
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon Asian chili-garlic sauce
16 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 (15-ounce) can cut baby corn, rinsed and drained
1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and drained
1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup (about 4 ounces) thinly sliced snow peas
1/3 cup finely chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Whisk together first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; set aside. Cook spaghetti according to package directions in a large Dutch oven; drain and return pasta to Dutch oven.

Pour vinegar mixture over hot cooked pasta. Add baby corn and next 5 ingredients, and toss to combine. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot or cold. Makes 8 servings

Creamy Fettuccine with Shrimp and Bacon

1 pound uncooked fettuccine
2 bacon slices (uncooked)
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 garlic clove, minced
1 1/2 cups frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup shredded carrot
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup (4 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well; keep warm. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 6 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in pan. Crumble bacon; set aside.

Add shrimp and garlic to pan; sauté over medium-high heat 2 minutes. Add peas and carrot; cook 2 minutes or just until shrimp are done. Transfer shrimp mixture to a large bowl; keep warm.

Combine milk, flour, salt, and pepper, stirring with a whisk. Add milk mixture to pan; cook over medium heat 3 minutes or until thickened and bubbly, stirring constantly with a whisk. Remove pan from heat; add cheese, stirring until blended.

Add milk mixture to shrimp mixture; stir until combined. Add pasta and 1/4 cup parsley, tossing gently to coat. Transfer pasta mixture to a platter, or divide evenly among each of 8 plates; sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup parsley and crumbled bacon. Serve immediately. Makes 6 to 8 servings

Shrimp, Tomato, and Basil Linguine with Warm Goat Cheese Rounds

Most goat cheese is soft and creamy, and ideal for molding into patties and baking. Prepare the goat cheese rounds a day ahead and refrigerate to make this recipe extra easy.

1 (1-ounce) slice white bread
1 (4-ounce) package log-shaped goat cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 1/2 cups chopped seeded peeled plum tomatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 cups hot cooked linguine (about 12 ounces uncooked pasta)
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Basil sprigs (optional)

Preheat oven to 400°. Place bread in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until coarse crumbs measure 1/2 cup. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on a baking sheet; bake at 400° for 2 1/2 minutes or until golden brown.

Transfer to a shallow plate; cool completely. Slice goat cheese crosswise into 4 rounds. Press both sides of each round into breadcrumbs. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet; chill.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes. Stir in tomato, water, sugar, and pepper; cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp and salt; cook 4 minutes or until shrimp are done. Remove from heat. Cover; keep warm.

Bake cheese rounds at 400° for 10 minutes or until soft but still holding their shape. Add pasta and 1/2 cup basil to tomato mixture; toss to combine. Divide pasta mixture evenly among 4 bowls; top each serving with 1 goat cheese round. Garnish with basil sprigs, if desired. Makes 4 servings

Shrimp Florentine with Caramelized Garlic

Garlic:
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
20 garlic cloves, peeled
Cooking spray

Shrimp:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 teaspoon butter
3/4 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups frozen loose-leaf spinach, thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
4 cups hot cooked linguine (about 8 ounces uncooked pasta)

Preheat oven to 350°. To prepare garlic, combine 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and garlic in a bowl. Place garlic mixture on a jelly-roll pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.

To prepare shrimp, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp; sauté 3 minutes or until done. Remove shrimp from pan.

Melt butter in pan over medium heat. Stir in half-and-half, broth, cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, red pepper, and black pepper. Cook 1 minute or until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Stir in shrimp and spinach; cook 1 minute. Combine shrimp mixture, garlic mixture, and pasta in a large bowl; toss well. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings

Marinara Sauce Over Rotini

1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 tablespoon capers
4 cups hot cooked rotini (about 4 cups uncooked corkscrew pasta)

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add basil and the next 6 ingredients (basil through tomatoes); bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in capers. Serve over pasta. Makes 4 servings

Farfalle with Creamy Wild Mushroom Sauce

The exotic mushroom blend, a combination of shiitake, cremini, and oyster mushrooms, is sold in eight-ounce packages. If unavailable, you can use all cremini mushrooms.

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 6 to 8 servings

Linguine with Caper and Green Olive Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 26-ounce jar marinara sauce
1 6.75-ounce jar Spanish olives, drained and roughly chopped
1 3.5-ounce jar capers, drained and roughly chopped
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1-pound box linguine

Heat the olive oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper in a large saucepan over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the marinara sauce, olives, capers, parsley, and lemon zest.

Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the linguine according to the package instructions. Drain and add the linguine to the sauce, tossing to coat. Transfer to a large serving dish and serve family-style.

Note: Capers and olives are often packed in brine, which can make a dish very salty. If you are watching your salt intake, rinse them before cooking. Makes 4 to 6 servings

Pasta with Lemon Cream Sauce, Asparagus, and Peas

If long fusilli is not available in your market, linguine works just as well. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives, if desired.

8 ounces uncooked long fusilli (twisted spaghetti)
1 3/4 cups (1 1/2-inch) slices asparagus (about 1/2 pound)
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1 tablespoon butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup vegetable broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/3 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Dash of ground red pepper
Coarsely ground black pepper (optional)
Lemon slices (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Add asparagus during last minute of cooking time. Place peas in a colander. Drain pasta mixture over peas; set aside.

Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic to pan; sauté 1 minute. Combine broth and cornstarch in a small bowl; stir until well blended. Add broth mixture to pan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Stir in cream, juice, salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper. Add pasta mixture to broth mixture; toss gently to coat. Garnish with coarsely ground black pepper and lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately. Makes 4 servings