Rigatoni with Tomatoes and Vodka

I have two “pasta with vodka sauce” recipes on this site but this one is my favorite. I use gluten free pasta and leave out the prosciutto when I’m cooking just for Bill & I but when we have guests I prepare as directed. So easy and so delicious, a great comfort dish.

2 Tbsp (1/4 stick) butter

1 small onion, chopped

1 Tbsp dried Italian seasonings, crumbled

1 16 oz. can Italian plum tomatoes, chopped, juices reserved

3 oz. sliced prosciutto or ham, chopped

1/2 cup vodka

3/4 cup whipping cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz. rigatoni or other tubular pasta, freshly cooked

Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and Italian seasonings and saute until onion is translucent, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes, reserved juices and prosciutto and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add vodka and simmer 5 minutes. Add cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, about 4 minutes. Add rigatoni and stir until sauce coats pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Serve, passing remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan separately.

Bon Appetit January 1993

Caramelized Butternut Squash

I didn’t realize that I was out of brown sugar so this did not get prepared for our “party of 2” Thanksgiving.  I added the this recipe anyway because I really do want to try it!

Get Caramelized Butternut Squash Recipe from Food Network

Source: Caramelized Butternut Squash Recipe | Ina Garten | Food Network

Pasta Puttanesca

Loved this recipe on a meatless Friday!  I did omit the anchovy paste.

Source: Pasta Puttanesca Recipe | Ellie Krieger | Food Network

Penne With Vodka Sauce

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Slow Cooker Italian Turkey Meatballs

Colin had seconds, so that’s a hit!  I made the meatballs ahead and froze them in two layers, separated by wax paper.  Also, I doubled sauce and used 2 lbs. turkey with about 1 1/2 additional ingredients.

Source: Slow Cooker Italian Turkey Meatballs | MyFitnessPal

Pesto

I love using basil fresh from my garden to make a delicious and versatile pesto sauce.  Tossed with pasta or topped on fish, it adds so much flavor!

 

Source: Pesto Recipe | Ina Garten | Food Network

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage

Tried a new pasta!  Easy and really good!

Source: Baked Rigatoni with Sausage Recipe | Giada De Laurentiis | Food Network

Simple Bolognese

I’m sure that that I have made this recipe one hundred times and usually I double it to freeze for another dinner!  This bolognese can be served over any pasta but my favorite is over roasted spaghetti squash.  Either way, you can’t go wrong with Giada’s Simple Bolognese.

Source: Simple Bolognese Recipe | Giada De Laurentiis | Food Network

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

The family gave this easy mac and cheese two thumbs up.  Jack even had seconds!

Source: Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe : Trisha Yearwood : Food Network

Spaghetti with Clams and Braised Greens

If you like clams (sorry Steve!), try this easy and healthy pasta dish.  I made it for friends and it was a hit!  I served it with a burrata caprese salad, rustic bread and a Chianti.  Bon Appetit!

Spaghetti with Clams and Braised Greens Recipe – Ashley Christensen | Food & Wine.