Thursday, February 5, 2009

Sausage and Provolone Penne Bake




This is from Cooking light, but i think it depends on what type of sausage and pasta you use...

1 lb uncooked penne pasta (the Barilla fortified is great)
1 T olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onion
3/4 chopped red bell pepper
1 (12oz) package sausage (turkey/chicken) halved and cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T tomato paste
1 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 t salt
1/4 t dried oregano
1/4 t crushed red pepper
3 (14.5oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
cooking spray
1 cup (4oz) shredded sharp provolone or mozzarella cheese
1 cup (4oz) grated fresh parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
2. Preheat oven to 350
3. Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, sausage, and garlic; saute 5 minutes or until sausage is browned.
4. Add tomato paste and next 5 ingredients (through diced tomatoes); cover.
5. Reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes.
6. Combine pasta and tomato mixture and spoon into 13x9 baking dish coated with cooking spray.
7. Sprinkle with cheeses and bake at 350 for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Artichoke Chicken and Parmasean Orzo


This one is a recent favorite of ours from http://www.cuisineathomespecials.com/ . I credit the great recipe.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breats
salt and pepper
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1 box frozen artichoke hearts thawed and halved (or 1 can drained)
1 cup dry white wine (chardonnay works well)
1/4 cup honey
2 T white wine vinegar
2 T unsalted butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
salt and pepper to taste

1. Dust seasoned chicken breasts with flour.
2. Saute in oil in large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until brown, ~3 min per side.
3. Add artichokes and saute 2 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
4. Whisk wine, honey, and vinegar together then pour over chicken.
5. Simmer 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Finish with butter, then stir in parsley. Season before serving.

1 cup dry orzo
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup Parmesean, grated
salt to taste

1. Bring pot of salted water to boil for orzo.
2. Cook orzo according to package directions; drain.
3. Return pasta to pot and stir in cream and Parmesan.
4. Cook until thick, about 1 minute, then season with salt.