Spaghetti with Garlic and Olive Oil This is an oldie but goodie. So simple, yet so flavorful. This is a great weeknight dinner for busy families. You may need to double the recipe because they will ask for seconds.  (Serves 4) Ingredients 1 lb spaghetti 4 cloves garlic chopped 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp red pepper flakes 2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley – chopped ½ cup reggiano parmigiano Directions 1. Add the pasta to boiling salted water. Cook till desired texture. Drain hold aside. 2. In a skillet, add the […]

Rich & Creamy Lasagna In a lasagna pan, ladle in the sauce and cover the bottom of the pan. Add the first layer of the lasagna covering the bottom of the pan. Ingredients Pasta: 2- 16oz boxes boil lasagna For the sauce: 2 – 28oz cans crushed tomatoes 1 – 12oz can tomato paste 4 cloves garlic chopped Extra virgin Olive oil Salt Black pepper Red pepper flakes 12 fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup white wine 4 tablespoons sugar For the filling: 48 oz Polly-O Ricotta cheese 2 large fresh mozzarella – shredded 1 egg 3/4 cup grated cheese Directions […]

Quick Marinara Sauce This tomato sauce is definitely quick and easy. This sauce is great over pasta for a quick and simple meal or can be used as the foundation for dishes  like eggplant parmigiana, chicken cutlet parmigiana and pizza sauce. Ingredients 2-28oz cans San Marzano crushed tomatoes 1 -12oz can tomato paste 4 cloves garlic chopped extra virgin olive oil salt black pepper red pepper flakes 12 fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup white wine 4 tbs sugar Directions In a saucepan, cover the bottom with olive oil. Add 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper […]

Pesto Pesto, also known pesto alla genovese, is a traditional Italian sauce originating from the city of Genoa. It is a quick and easy sauce to prepare and can be enjoyed over poultry and fish as well as pasta. Ingredients ½ cup pine nuts 3 cups cleaned basil 1 cup extra virgin olive oil divided ¾ cup grated cheese salt black pepper Directions 1. In a food processor or blender add the pine nuts, salt and pepper. Pulse until well chopped. 2. Add the basil, 1/2 cup olive oil. Pulse again till well chopped. 3. Add the cheese and ½ cup […]

Peas with Pasta and Ricotta Salata This dish is incredibly easy to make and yet so flavorful and satisfying. This dish can be served as a main dish, just add some hot garlic bread or hot Italian bread with some olive oil for dipping. This dish can also serve up well as a side dish. It pairs well with roasted chicken or a roast beef and seasonal vegetables. Ingredients 2 – 15 oz cans peas 1 large onion finely cut 1 16 oz box Shell pasta, Elbow pasta or Ditalini pasta 4 – 6 ozs sliced ricotta salata Extra virgin […]

Peas and Pasta this pasta and peas dish is a simple and versatile Italian meal that can range from a quick, weeknight butter-and-cheese toss to a more complex dinner. Ingredients 2 – 15 oz cans peas 1 large onion finely cut 1 16 oz box Shell pasta, Elbow pasta or Ditalini pasta Extra virgin olive oil Salt Black Pepper Red pepper flakes 2 chicken bouillon cubes 1/4 cup white wine Directions 1 In a large skillet, cover the bottom with olive oil. Add 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/8 tsp red pepper. Add onion and sauté till […]