Category: Pasta

Italian Pepper and Sausage Dinner

This Italian Pepper and Sausage Dinner is the type of dish I love; it’s easy to make but it tastes as if it was difficult to make. I make it so often I don’t even need the recipe.

The family loves it as well as guests.

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, it’s even better the second time around.

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Italian Pepper and Sausage Dinner
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Italian Pepper and Sausage Dinner
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

This Italian Pepper and Sausage Dinner is a restaurant quality meal that's easy to make at home.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Italian Pepper and Sausage Dinner
Servings: 6
Calories: 345 kcal
Ingredients
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lb Italian sausage sweet and taken out of the casing
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thinly
  • 1 yellow bell pepper sliced thinly
  • 1 large yellow onion sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 1/2 cups stewed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
  • salt
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Romano cheese
  • grated Parmigiana-Reggiano cheese
  • top with a few fresh basil leaf
  • 1 lb rotini noodles cooked al dente
Instructions
  1. In a large skillet brown the sausage until it is cooked through. Drain the fat and drain the sausage on paper towels.
  2. In the same pan heat the olive oil and add and sauté the peppers, and onions, until the onion is translucent and then add the garlic and sauté gently but do not brown. The vegetables should be tender.
  3. Stir in the tomatoes, spices, Romano cheese and sausage. Cover the pan and simmer all over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes. If your mixture seems too thick you can add a little water or red wine.
  4. While the meat mixture is cooking, the pasta can be prepared as per directions. You do not want to overcook the pasta. You want a little firmness to the noodles.
  5. When you are ready to serve use a large platter. The noodles first, then spoon the meat mixture over.
  6. Mix slightly. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano-Reggiano and place fresh basil leaves atop.
  7. This goes well with a green salad with Italian oil and vinegar dressing, and most of all a good hard-crusted peasant bread.

Enjoy!

Up Next:

Kielbasa Cabbage and Onions – Slow Cooker

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Recipe based on one by glitter
Photo by Chef Mommie

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Top Ramen Chow Mein – Super Cheap & Delicious

This Top Ramen Chow Mein is a super cheap and easy way to feed your family on a budget. It’s made from top ramen noodles and whatever leftovers you have.

 

Use any leftover meat you have in the fridge from the night before and your favorite veggies.

Excellent recipe! This really hits the spot! Very easy and economical and it tastes great too.

I like to add just a touch of sesame oil just like in the restaurants.

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Top Ramen Chow Mein
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Top Ramen Chow Mein
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Top Ramen Chow Mein is a really inexpensive way to feed the family. Kiddies love it!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: Top Ramen Chow Mein
Servings: 6
Calories: 295 kcal
Instructions
  1. Boil the veggies in a pot just until tender, slightly firm.
  2. In a separate pot, boil the noodles 3 or 4 minutes, and drain the water out.
  3. In a skillet, heat the oil over med-high heat and add the noodles. As they are sizzling, open only one packet of the seasoning provided in the Top Ramen packet, and sprinkle over the noodles ( using both seasoning packs will make it too salty).
  4. Stir the noodles occasionally allowing them to brown and crisp up a little. Add the veggies and meat, and drizzle lightly with soy sauce. Cook a few more minutes until the veggies are tender and the noodles are seasoned and cooked well.

 

Enjoy!

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Oriental Ramen Broccoli Coleslaw

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Recipe based on one by aimbrulee
Photo by Halfpint1981

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Spicy Homemade Hamburger Helper

Spicy Homemade Hamburger Helper is a great recipe if you want something tastier than the stuff from the grocery but still with the ease of preparation.

 

Cheap, quick, easy, and delicious. It doesn’t get any better than that!!!

The recipe is not only easy but versatile. You can add any vegetables that you may have in the house and adjust the spices to suit yourself.

You can change the type of pasta/sauce used too.

Every time you make it, it can be different from the last time! You can even make it using ground chicken, turkey, or even seafood (or with no meat at all!)

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Spicy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Print
Spicy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

Give this Spicy Homemade Hamburger Helper recipe a try and you'll never buy store bought again!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Spicy Homemade Hamburger Helper
Servings: 6
Calories: 385 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1/2 Spanish onion or 1 regular onion chopped finely
  • 1 green pepper chopped finely
  • black pepper to taste
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder not garlic salt!
  • 1 680 ml can of your favorite spaghetti sauce
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • pasta
  • Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
  1. Chop onions and saute with meat and green peppers until meat is browned. Add the spaghetti sauce and lower heat and cover and cook for about 15 min.
  2. Cook the pasta in a separate saucepan. Drain the pasta and add to the meat sauce. Mix well.
  3. Add the grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

 

Enjoy!

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Hamburger Noodle Bake – Delicious & Inexpensive

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Recipe based on one by Ranikabani
Photo by FrenchBunny

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Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese

This Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese recipe is very simple. It takes the ‘blue box’ of mac and cheese and kicks it up to make it taste a bit more homemade.

 

Just a few added ingredients and steps and you have creamy, cheesy, and delicious mac and cheese.

I have never really liked boxed mac and cheese but this recipe changed that.

The buttery garlic flavored Ritz crackers and the red pepper really kicks up the flavor.

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Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese
Print
Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Resting Time
5 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

This upgrade really makes boxed mac n cheese a decent dish!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese
Servings: 4
Calories: 295 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 14 oz package Kraft macaroni and cheese (dinner, blue box)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 buttery garlic flavored crackers crushed (like Ritz)
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Prepare the Mac n Cheese dinner as directed on the package.
  3. Stir in 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese, the sour cream and pepper.
  4. Spoon into a greased 1-1/2 quart baking dish; sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese.
  5. Combine the melted butter and cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the top.
  6. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

 

Enjoy!

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Ham Hocks and Beans – Cheap And Delicious

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Recipe based on one by jaynine
Photo by Caroline Cooks

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Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo

This Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo will be a hit with the whole family! Leftovers are great, too. Just add a splash of milk or water to get the right consistency.

Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo

Just like the famous restaurant’s dish.

Excellent! It really does taste like what they serve at the Olive Garden. This recipe makes a lot of sauce and it is very filling.

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Print
Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese
  • 1 pint heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese preferably fresh
  • 1 lb fettuccine prepared as directed
Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. When the butter is melted, add the cream cheese. When the cream cheese is softened, add heavy cream. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Simmer for 15-20 minutes over low heat, stirring constantly.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan.
Recipe Notes

Serve over hot fettucine noodles.

Enjoy!

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Recipe based on one by Robbie Rice
Photo by run for your life

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Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad – Potluck Perfection

Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad is one of the best pasta salads I have ever eaten! Perfect for pot lucks because it will feed a bunch.

 

It can be made with any kind of pasta. I like tri-color spirals.

It’s light and refreshing and goes well with everything from burgers or steaks to grilled chicken or just eaten alone.

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Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad
Print
Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Refrigerate
12 hrs
Total Time
12 hrs 25 mins
 

Perfect for picnics or that potluck where you want to impress!

Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad
Servings: 6
Calories: 325 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 16 oz package angel hair pasta (break in half) or 1 (12 -16 ounce) package tri-color spiral pasta
  • 4 firm ripe seeded diced tomatoes
  • 1 2 1/4 ounce can sliced black olives, drained
  • 2 medium cucumbers peeled pulp removed and diced
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 1 small green bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 1 small yellow bell pepper seeded and diced
  • 3 1 oz packages hidden valley ranch dressing mix
  • 1 2/3 ounce package Italian salad dressing mix (prepared as directed on package only using half the oil called for)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. Prepare the Italian dressing mix according to directions (but using about 1/2 the oil called for).
  3. Mix the Ranch dressing with vinegar and oil.
  4. Drain the pasta well and rinse with cold water, drain well again.
  5. Place all the ingredients into large bowl and toss well.
  6. Refrigerate 12 hours. Toss before serving.

 

You can use 1/2 of a green, yellow, and orange bell pepper to add more color.

You can add other raw hard vegetables such as julienned carrots, blanched asparagus, sliced radish, anything you like.

Enjoy this Ranch Picnic Pasta Salad!

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Cheese Toasts – Much Better Than Garlic Bread

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Recipe based on one by Shawn C
Photo by Sheri-BDB

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Asian Summer Pasta Salad

Asian Summer Pasta Salad is an easy light supper or lunch pasta salad. It’s simple to add chicken, bacon, or shrimp to make it a little heartier if you like.

 

This is a great recipe, light but flavorful. The next time I have leftover pasta, I will think of this recipe, and make it!

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Print
Asian Summer Pasta Salad
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

Delicious pasta salad with an oriental flair!

Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: Asian Summer Pasta Salad
Calories: 365 kcal
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces cooked spaghetti
  • 3/4 cup carrot julienned
  • 3/4 cup zucchini julienned
  • 3/4 cup bell pepper julienned (red, green, yellow or orange)
  • 1/2 cup green onion and tops chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken or 1⁄2 cup cooked shrimp or 1⁄2 cup cooked bacon or 1⁄2 cup cooked turkey chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or flakes
  • 1 teaspoon ginger root finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • coarsely chopped peanuts or cashews
  • fresh cilantro
Instructions
  1. When you cook the spaghetti, break it into thirds or fourths upon dropping it in the boiling water.
  2. Mix the cooked and cooled spaghetti and vegetables in a large bowl. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl mix the vegetable oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, pepper (or flakes), ginger root and garlic. Whisk to combine.
  4. Add the dressing to the pasta and the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour to combine flavors.
  6. Garnish with chopped peanuts or cashews and cilantro.

 

Enjoy!

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Crock Pot Orange Chicken – Easy Asian Style Dinner

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Recipe based on one by Yia Yia
Photo by Mme M

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Southwestern Pasta Salad

Southwestern Pasta Salad is a perfect side dish. Everybody loves it. I made it recently and it was the first time I’ve ever used buttermilk in a pasta salad and I was quite impressed.

Southwestern Pasta Salad

I love the flavor, just the perfect hint of the salsa. Oh, a generous sprinkle of cayenne pepper for me. I like spicy!

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Print
Southwestern Pasta Salad
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces bow tie pasta or pasta of your choice
  • 2 hard boiled eggs chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery chopped fine
  • 1/4 cup fresh salsa homemade or the refrigerated variety sold in the produce section
  • 2 scallions chopped
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 cup Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until tender. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
  2. Combine all the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Add the pasta and stir until the pasta is coated.
Recipe Notes

Refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

Enjoy!

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Recipe based on one by PanNan
Photo by Calee

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Mushroom Bacon Pasta

This Mushroom Bacon Pasta is a fantastic pasta recipe. Practically perfect! I really like the extra-something that the hot pepper flakes adds to the dish.

Mushroom Bacon Pasta

If you like mushrooms, you’ll like this pasta dish! Make it a main course, or serve it as a side dish.

So different from tomato based pasta recipes and from now on one of my favorites.

This dish also easily doubles.

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Print
Mushroom Bacon Pasta
Ingredients
  • 1/2 pound spaghetti or linguini
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 ounces diced bacon
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 teaspoons capers drained
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
  1. Note: use any type of mushrooms you like, or a combination; try button, cremini or shiitake.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water; cook until al dente then drain well; place in a serving bowl and reserve.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over low heat, heat one tbsp of the olive oil. Add bacon and mushrooms to skillet and cook, stirring, until browned. Add remaining oil to skillet, then the capers, garlic, salt and hot pepper flakes.
  4. Cook, stirring, for about 10 minutes or until garlic is just slightly golden.
  5. Stir in basil (you can also substitute fresh parsley, for a different taste) and toss with cooked pasta.
Recipe Notes

Serve with Parmesan cheese on the side.

Enjoy!

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Recipe based on one by Lennie
Photo by CulinaryExplorer

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Skillet Baked Ziti – One Pan & Delicious

Only one pan, easy clean-up, and very good flavor. This Skillet Baked Ziti pasta dish is truly one of my favorites and my friends all love it, too!

 

It’s easy to make, yet fancy enough to impress your guests.

One of the easiest, if not the easiest pasta recipes I’ve ever made. I love the simplicity and one-pan factor with this dish.

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Skillet Baked Ziti
Print
Skillet Baked Ziti
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

One pan easy and delicious. That's what this recipe for Skillet Baked Ziti is!

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Skillet Baked Ziti
Servings: 4
Calories: 345 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • salt & fresh ground pepper
  • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups water
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta 3 3/4 cups
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaf minced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
  1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 475.

  2. Combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet and saute over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. (If your skillet is not ovensafe, transfer the pasta mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish before sprinkling with the cheese and baking).

  3. Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15-18 minutes.
  5. Stir in cream, Parmesan, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Serve.

 

Enjoy!

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Skillet Grilled Catfish Cajun Style

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Recipe based on one by berly333
Photo by May I Have That Recipe

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