Covered Wagon Wheel Pasta Recipes

DUMP-AND-BAKE WAGON WHEEL PASTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch square baking dishes) with cooking spray.
• In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together dry (uncooked) pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt and basil (if using). Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake (covered) for 25 minutes.
• Remove dish from oven, take off cover, and give the pasta a stir. At this point it should be almost done, but still a bit firm ("al dente").
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5-10 minutes -- or just until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender.
• Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

WAGON TRAIN PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the egg, salt, garlic and pepper. Add beef and mix well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; mix gently. , Crumble beef mixture into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-4 minutes or until heated through. , Drain pasta; place in a serving bowl. Add beef mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Toss until pasta is well coated and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

WAGON WHEELS WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring water to boil in covered pot for pasta.
• Chop whole onion and saute in hot oil in nonstick skillet until onion is soft. Meanwhile, with food processor on, drop garlic through feed tube and mince.
• Combine 1/2 cup of the tap water, as hot as possible, with sun-dried tomatoes, and add to food processor. Process to puree tomatoes. Add remaining 1 1/2 cups of water, and continue to process to combine. Add tomato mixture to skillet and bring to boil. Reduce heat, and continue to simmer to thicken slightly.
• Cook wagon wheels according to package directions.
• Chop parsley and oregano, and add to sauce with lemon juice. Simmer over low heat.
• Grate cheese. When pasta is ready, drain and serve with tomato sauce, sprinkled with cheese.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA WITH PANCETTA AND PEAS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring frequently, until golden and crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Add the shallots to the pan and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the broth and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the snap peas and simmer until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the pasta, cooked pancetta, edamame peas, petite peas, Parmesan, the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil, salt, and mint leaves. Toss until coated, adding the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to loosen the sauce. Transfer to a large bowl and serve.

WAGON WHEEL SUPPER

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. , Stir in the water, soup, corn, spaghetti sauce mix and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. , Drain pasta; stir into beef mixture. Top with cheese; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.