Margherita Pasta Recipes

25 MINUTE MARGHERITA PASTA (LIGHTENED UP!)

Steps:

• Cook pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining.
• Melt butter in olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Increase heat to medium and add onions and HALF of the tomatoes and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 2 minutes (it will be thick).
• Turn heat to low then slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Turn heat to medium high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in chicken bouillon, spices and continue to simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
• Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella cheese until melted, followed by cream cheese until melted.
• Stir in remaining tomatoes and fresh basil. Stir in pasta until well coated, adding additional reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
• Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired.

MARGHERITA CHICKEN

Steps:

• Flatten chicken to 1/2-in. thickness. In a large bowl, combine vinaigrette and garlic. Add chicken; turn to coat. Cover; refrigerate 30 minutes. Drain and discard marinade. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper., On a lightly greased grill rack, grill chicken, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat 5 minutes. Turn; top with marinara, basil, tomatoes, artichokes, onions and cheese. Cover and cook until chicken is no longer pink and cheese is melted, 5-6 minutes.

PASTA MARGHERITA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain. Place in large bowl.
• While pasta cooks, combine basil, garlic, onions, and tomatoes in food processor. Pulse 10 times or until coarsely chopped. Add Parmesan to pasta, stirring until cheese melts.
• Stir in tomato mixture, olive oil, salt, pepper. Toss gently to coat pasta. Top with diced mozzarella.

MARGHERITA PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add garlic, cook and stir 1 minute.
• Add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper; cook and stir another 3 minutes.
• Add pasta to skillet and toss well.
• Add chicken broth and stir. Toss with Parmesan cheese.

CREAMY BASIL MARGHERITA SPAGHETTI

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a medium frying pan over low heat. Add tomato, onion, green onions, and garlic. Reserve 2 tablespoons basil and add the rest to the frying pan. Cook for 5 minutes.
• While vegetables cook, melt butter in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Add 1 cup cream and continue to whisk for 1 to 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper. Add remaining cream and stir. Add granulated garlic, thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce.
• Taste sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Add cooked vegetables to the sauce, mix well, and simmer over low heat while pasta boils.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook angel hair pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain.
• Mix Parmesan cheese and reserved basil together in a bowl.
• Serve the pasta in a large plate or bowl. Ladle cream sauce over. Top with Parmesan-basil mixture and another squeeze of lemon juice.