Holiday Pasta Toss Recipes

HOLIDAY PASTA BAKE (PASTICCIO-ISH)

Steps:

• For the meat sauce: Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the meat and cook, without stirring, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Break it up with a wooden spoon, then add the onion, garlic and cinnamon and cook, stirring, until starting to soften, about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine and bring to a simmer. Add the crushed tomatoes and oregano and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened and the flavors come together, about 1 hour.
• For the pasta bake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Brush a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish with olive oil and set aside.
• Bring a pot of water to a boil and salt liberally. Add the pasta, give it a stir and cook for about 6 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with the meat sauce and 1 cup of the Parmesan. Transfer it to the casserole dish.
• Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and toast for 1 minute. Add the milk and nutmeg, whisking continuously to combine. Season with salt and pepper and continue to cook, whisking, until the mixture has thickened slightly, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in the remaining 1 cup Parmesan until melted. Whisk in the eggs and set aside.
• Pour the bechamel over the meat sauce. Bake until the top is golden brown and puffy, about 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

HOLIDAY PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. In the same pan, heat dressing and spinach over medium heat. Return pasta to pan and toss to coat. Sprinkle with poppy seeds if desired.

FRESH TOMATO PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• To remove peels from tomatoes, fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Place tomatoes, one at a time, in boiling water for 30 seconds. Immediately plunge in ice water. Peel skins with a sharp paring knife and discard. Chop pulp; set aside. , Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large skillet, cook garlic in oil over medium heat for 1 minute or until tender. Add the parsley, basil, oregano, salt, sugar, pepper and reserved tomato pulp. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add cream; heat through. , Drain pasta and transfer to a serving bowl. Pour tomato sauce over pasta; toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

PROSCIUTTO PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• Cook linguine according to package directions, adding peas during the last 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute garlic, Italian seasoning and pepper in oil until garlic is tender, about 1 minute. Stir in prosciutto., Drain linguine; add to skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cheese.

SIMPLE PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• Cook and drain pasta as directed.
• While pasta is cooking, in a large pot, heat olive oil and saute chicken, garlic, salt, garlic powder, basil, and oregano until chicken is cooked.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for two minutes.
• Remove from heat and toss with pasta.
• Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

SPICY SICILIAN PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• In large skillet over medium heat, heat oil; add mushrooms, pepperoni, onion, garlic and oregano and crushed red pepper if using.
• Cook 5 minutes or until mushrooms are tender; stir in tomatoes and let simmer on low heat.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain reserving ½ cup pasta cooking water.
• Add water to sauce and stir.
• Toss hot pasta and sauce; sprinkle with cheese.
• (7-1cup servings).

SPANISH PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic and thyme.
• Stir in sliced olives and chopped tomatoes.
• Toss with pasta and serve.