Three-Cheese Tortellini in Sage Browned Butter

It seems that lately I’ve been in an Italy frame. This light yet delicious Tortellini Supper is the perfect end to a long work week. So light – so flavorful. It invites the diner to kick of their shoes, breath deep and say “oh yeah, it’s time to unwind”. I simply adore “browned butter” for that nutty flavor. There is something about browning the butter that brings a whole new level of flavor to everything.

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One-Pot Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes and Basil

Kiddo made supper over the weekend. Whenever I print out recipes for him to follow, I don’t include photos. Most of the time, he doesn’t need pictures. Kiddo knows his way around the kitchen well enough not to require visual aids. This time around, it was a mistake. Not that the finished dish in any way suffered, but he would have been spared the need to be creative.

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Conchiglie (Shell) Pasta Kissed with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Red Wine

This spicy Pasta dish has been one of those recipes that has been on and off my menu planner for weeks now. Most of the ingredients are those that are always on hand. You would think it would have been a snap to make. Convenience made it just the opposite. Since I didn’t need to shop for anything,  it was easy to push this meal out when life does what it does and things got in the way.

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Cacio e Pepe, a Dish as old as Rome Itself

Cacio e Pepe is a pasta dish of Roman Cuisine. Cacio e Pepe means cheese and pepper in several central Italian dialects. Just as the name suggests, the main ingredients are pepper and Pecorino Romano cheese over an egg-noodle pasta. Cacio e Pepe is one of the most ancient dishes of the Roman Empire. For centuries, this simple dish was a stable among Roman shepherds. Dried pasta, aged cheese and black pepper are easy-to-carry ingredients that are hard to spoil in the fields. Today we have the convenience of butter to enhance the creaminess of the sauce.

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Portobella Mushroom Ravioli

We all love the convenience of store-bought prepared foods – those heat and serve wonders that make life a little easier. With a little fuss; a store-bought Mushroom Stuffed Ravioli Pasta can be transformed into a flavorful; rich dish that is as attractive as it is yummy. When served with a tossed salad and warm garlic bread or Buttery-Chive Crescent Rolls the family can gather around the dinner table with lightening speed.

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Cheesy Baked Tortellini Casserole

This wonderful recipe was inspired by my  blogger-friend Jan over at Mommermon, who received her inspiration from no.2 pencil. Giving credit where credit is due; I have included links to both sites below.

Jan’s Kitchen

Number-2 Pencil

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Best Ever Not Homemade Cheese Tortellini

A long time ago (way back in May 2014) I discovered what must be the best Pasta Company on the planet, Giovanni Rana. Every pasta I’ve sampled in their line blows my mind. Their phenomenal Maine Lobster Ravioli is what truly got me hooked. Hands down, the best commercially prepared Lobster Ravioli I’ve ever tasted. In my opinion Giovanni Rana and their approach to a wonderful line of products continues to ring true to their commitment to quality. Quality ingredients make all the difference in the world, be it cooking from scratch or using prepackaged foods. Giovanni Rana may cost more than other pastas, but then again you get what you pay for. One thing is certain, you need not sacrifice flavor for a quick, easy meal.

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Italian Macaroni and Cheese

First let’s talk about Kraft Mac and Cheese for a moment. You know the stuff I’m talking about – comes in a box with a package of powdered cheese. In 1916, Kraft was awarded a patent on their powdered cheese. While the company did not create powdered cheese, it did come up with a new way of processing the powdery substance. By 1937 Kraft had perfected its Mac and Cheese Dinner. The timing was perfect. World War II was looming just over the horizon, and the impact of a world war would create a demand for Kraft Mac and Cheese.

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Linguine with Basil Tomato

This is another of those wonderful One-Pot Wonders. I love them, if for no other reason than because everything cooks up in a single pot. (Making this equally popular with my KP crew – Hubby and Kiddo). Always one to give credit where credit is due, we can thank Donna at Apron Strings for this beautiful one-pot creation. Don’t you simply adore any meal that can be cooked up in just one pot?   Continue reading “Linguine with Basil Tomato”

Capelli d’angelo with Creamy Roasted Pepper Sauce

After a long day away from home, we all yearn for a supper that is easy to prepare, visually stimulating and satisfying to both our taste buds and hungry tummies. What could be easier than to boil a big pot of pasta, then toss all that delicate Angel Hair goodness in a rich, creamy sauce? I love this sauce, be it over pasta (today’s featured entrée) or chicken or better yet gently sautéed shrimp. If you like, this particular pasta dish could be elevated even further simply by adding a handful of sautéed garlic shrimp just before serving. Why only a handful?  The pasta in its rich, creamy pink sauce is the star of the evening.

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Baked Cheese Tortellini Casserole

The first time I read this recipe, I had my doubts. Alfredo sauce and Spaghetti sauce blended together – really? I like them both, although with cheese filled pastas and seafood filled pastas, I’ve always been partial to a light, creamy sauce such as an Alfredo over the robust, tomato-based Spaghetti sauce. It never occurred to me to marry the two together in one dish. Oh my stars, what a great combination!

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