Supreme Pizza Pasta Salad

Another pasta entry. I really need to get out of my pasta kick. This one is a favorite in our house. I make it at least once a month. I will admit I don't add the mushrooms (Mike isn't a fan) and the pepperoni(I'm not a fan).

When I made this tonight I doubled the sauce, Mike said it was too saucy so it might be better to half the sauce the second go around.

Salad-

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

1/2 red onion, chopped

8 white button mushrooms, sliced

1 green pepper, chopped

1 pepperoni stick, sliced

1 lb mozzarella cheese, diced

basil

bow - tie pasta

Sauce-

1 tsp garlic salt

1 tsp oregano leaves

1 tbls tomato paste

2 tbls red wine vinegar

1/3 cup olive oil

black pepper

Combine salad ingredients, basil and cooked pasta. Whisk garlic salt, oregano, tomato paste and vinegar in a small bowl. Stream in olive oil while continuing to whisk. When oil is incorporated, pour dressing over pasta salad. Add black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Very delicious!

Chicken Caesar Pasta

Here is another pasta recipe. Pasta is perfect for summer since it doesn't take long or heat up the house. This recipe is at it's best when it's cold and has been made the night before.


16 oz. box rotini
2 boneless chicken breasts
1 bottle Cardini’s original Caesar dressing
1 Tbsp. crushed garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 Tbsp. Mrs. Dash seasoning
1/3 red onion, chopped

Cook pasta and drain. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and stir-fry in garlic & oil. Mix chicken in with the pasta. Add dressing, onion, and Mrs. Dash. Garnish with cherry tomatoes (optional: cut them in half).

Penne with Beef

This is a fabulous dish for summer. Doesn't take long to make and doesn't heat up the house. I got this recipe a year or two ago from Giada De Leurentis from the Food Network.

Ingredients:
Steak (strip is best, I use two)
1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Garlic - I use powder
3/4 cut olive oil and 3 tbls.
1 pound penne pasta
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tbls. dijon mustard
salt for pasta water and steak
1/2 tsp pepper for dressing and some for steak
basil - to your liking
parsley - to your liking

Directions:
Season steak(s) with salt, pepper, italian seasoning and garlic powder. In a skillet, heat 3 tbls. olive oil over medium heat. Cook steaks about 7 minutes per side(like six minutes per side). Remove the meat from pan and let is rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the steak.

Cook pasta. Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.

In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, herbs and 3/4 cup olive oil. In a large bowl toss the pasta with half of the dressing and the reserved water. Add the steak, more dressing and season with salt pepper.

This super easy and delicious. Give it a try.

Picture to come soon. Having computer/camera issues.

New Cooking Blog

I've decided to start a new blog that will focus on cooking. I love to cook and share recipes. I'm not the world's greatest cook, but I love trying new recipes and becoming a better cook. I will post a least one recipe a week with a picture. Please feel free to share with me your favorite recipes and cooking adventures.