Dexters Mediterranean Pasta Toss Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN PENNE

Steps:

• In a large pot, cook penne according to package directions.
• (I sometimes like to add vegetable boullion to the water during cooking to give the penne a little extra flavor); Drain and set aside.
• In a large wok style pan combine onions, peppers, garlic and Italian herbs with olive oil and sauteé until tender crisp, about 10 to 12 minutes.
• Mix in the kalamata olives and sundried tomatoes, cook another 2 minutes, or until heated through.
• Add the cooked penne, feta and freshly ground black pepper to the pan and toss gently to mix.
• Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until feta begins to melt.
• Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• Pasta cooking directions:.
• 1. Bring water to a boil and add capellini/angle hair pasta.
• 2. Reduce heat and cover until pasta is cooked.
• 3. Drain and toss with 1 ounce extra virgin olive oil.
• Mediterranean Toss directions:.
• 1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium high heat.
• 2. Add chicken (cook 8-10 minutes or until chicken is completely cooked).
• 3. Add garlic and toss.
• 4. Add artichokes, olives and a pinch of salt and pepper. Do not toss ingredients.
• 5. Add white wine so it can absorb the seasonings and cook the garlic.
• 6. Toss ingredients and let alcohol cook off and reduce in volume by half.
• 7. Add pesto, tossing until ingredients are evenly coated.
• 8. Throw in pasta and toss.
• 9. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute.
• 10. Add spinach and toss until spinach is slightly wilted.
• 11. Add feta and toss lightly until everything is mixed*.
• 12. EAT!
• * You could also plate the pasta and then sprinkle the feta on top instead of tossing it inches.

DEXTER'S MEDITERRANEAN PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• 1. Heat sauté pan to medium hot. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and fennel. To pan, add butter and shrimp. Sauté until spices are singed. They should be a little brown and nutty. Add the garlic and toss. Add the artichokes, olives, tomatoes and another pinch of salt and pepper. Do not toss ingredients. Immediately refresh pan with the white wine to let the wine absorb the seasonings and cook the garlic. Toss ingredients and let alcohol cook off and reduce in volume by half. Add chicken broth to moisten.
• 2. Add pesto, tossing until ingredients are evenly coated, then throw in pasta and heat everything back up.
• 3. Just before plating add spinach. Toss again and when spinach is wilted, plate immediately. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top.
• Chef's note: You can sub out the shrimp for chunks of chicken or sauté the dish without meat. Recipe can be multiplied for more people, but this dish really works the best when sautéed in a hot pan for one person.