Pizza and Pasta Sauce

This is my go-to red sauce. I use it on everything from pizza, to pasta, to meatballs. I always make a double batch of my homemade pizza and pasta sauce and freeze some for later. It is packed with tomato flavor and has the perfect herb flavor. There’s a healthy dose of garlic and shallot to add that richness you want. I am a big fan of this sauce.

Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce

Thicker Or Thinner. Your Call

Depending on what you use this sauce for, you might want to puree it slightly in a blender. Or use a blender stick. We prefer our homemade pizza and pasta sauce a little thicker and chunky, even if we use it on pizzas. It’s not tomato juice. I want to not only taste the tomato I want to see it and bite into it!

Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce
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5 from 1 vote

Homemade Pizza and Pasta Sauce

A great tasting sauce ready in no time. Perfect for pizza or pasta.
Course Sauce
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, sauce
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 62kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

  • ΒΌ cup olive oil
  • 3-5 cloves garlic chopped
  • 2-3 shallots chopped
  • 3 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 3 tablespoon fresh marjoram chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can chopped tomatoes
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)

Instructions

  • Heat oil over high heat.
  • Add garlic, shallots, thyme and marjoram and saute for 3 minutes.
  • Add wine and reduce by 1/2, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the two cans of tomatoes.
  • Simmer, stirring often, for 7 minutes.
  • Add 1/2 -3/4ths of the can of tomato paste, sugar, and hot pepper flakes.
  • Simmer an additional 7 minutes, stirring often.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste and add the basil, cook another 1 minute.

Notes

Refrigerate sauce until ready to use. It also freezes well.

Nutrition

Calories: 62kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 97mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 407IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Vegetable and Meatball Soup

I had pretty low expectations when I set out to make this vegetable and meatball soup. I was very pleasantly surprised in the end. It came out very tasty despite being incredibly easy to make. This isn’t some fru-fru dish here. You’re not going to spend hours in the kitchen prepping for it. It’s not that kind of a thing.

Easiest Soup Ever.

I’ll definitely make this vegetable and meatball soup again! It’s perfect on a night when I just don’t have a lot of time to throw dinner together, but still want a filling meal. I get my vegetables in every bite. Along with a little protein. And some carbohydrates. It’s truly dinner in a bowl!

For another a-little-different meatball recipe, try my Hawaiian BBQ meatballs with fried rice.

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4 from 1 vote

Vegetable and Meatball Soup

This isn’t some fru-fru dish here. You’re not going to spend hours in the kitchen prepping for it. It’s not that kind of a thing.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword meatballs, soup, vegetable
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 286kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine beef broth, meatballs, beans, tomatoes, spices, and vegetables in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  • Bring to a boil.
  • Stir in the pasta and return to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to a simmer and continue simmering for 10 minutes or until the pasta is done.

Notes

Serve with a slice of warmed, crusty French bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 275mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

I’m always on the lookout for a new salad, specially if it has macaroni in it. This three bean macaroni salad is somewhat similar to our popular peas and pasta salad. It has a nice creamy dressing and a nice crunch thanks to onion and bell pepper. The addition of dill really makes the dressing even better. And oh, the dressing. Delicious.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

Cheese Is Optional

I can see adding cubed pepper jack cheese to this three bean macaroni salad to really take it over the top. So I included it in the recipe, though I didn’t make it with the cheese. I trust my judgement on this one.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my regular-ole-macaroni salad. Classic flavor in every bite.

This recipe is based on a recipe from Kraft.

Three Bean Macaroni Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Three Bean Macaroni Salad

I’m always on the lookout for a new salad, specially if it has macaroni in it. This three bean macaroni salad is somewhat similar toΒ our popular peas and pasta saladΒ in that it has a nice creamy dressing and a nice crunch thanks to onion and bell pepper. The addition of dill really makes the dressing even better.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword beans, pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 188kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain well and let cool.
  • Place all of the beans, the bell pepper and onion in a large bowl and mix.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Italian dressing.
  • Pour dressing over vegetables and stir to combine.
  • Add in the pasta and the dill and stir until the pasta is well coated.
  • Add cheese and stir gently.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 381mg | Potassium: 149mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 340IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Taco Pasta

Last week was taco week here. Every dish I made was taco-themed. Now, that’s not to say any of them were traditional, but they definitely had that great taco meat flavor. This taco pasta is no exception.  The sauce is delicious – creamy with a taco kick. If you’re craving taco flavor, but are tiring … Continue reading “Taco Pasta”

Last week was taco week here. Every dish I made was taco-themed. Now, that’s not to say any of them were traditional, but they definitely had that great taco meat flavor. This taco pasta is no exception.  The sauce is delicious – creamy with a taco kick. If you’re craving taco flavor, but are tiring of handheld tacos, try this instead.

Taco Pasta

A Delicious Main Dish. And A Side Salad?

There’s a lot of great flavor in this taco pasta. The addition of flavorful meat makes for a quick and easy dinner dish. But you can also serve this as a side dish by just leaving out the meat.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

I love my homemade taco seasoning. I make a huge batch and always have it on hand.

Taco Pasta
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4 from 1 vote

Taco Pasta

Last week was taco week here. Every dish I made was taco-themed. Now, that’s not to say any of them were traditional, but they definitely had that great taco meat flavor.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, taco
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 740kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain well.
  • Brown the ground beef in a large pot.
  • Add onion and cook until just starting to soften.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  • Add the taco seasoning and salsa. Stir. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the pasta, cream cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Serve topped with shredded cheese and jalapenos and/or cilantro if desired.

Notes

Use a thick salsas or your pasta will end up runny.

Nutrition

Calories: 740kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 1433mg | Potassium: 712mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1801IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 218mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Stuffed Pasta Shells

Welcome to my version of the standard stuffed pasta shells. Glorious large pasta stuffed with tons and tons of ooey-gooey cheeses. Mushroom-laden sauce. No one is going away hungry after devouring some of this goodness. This makes a big batch, enough for a big get-together. I served these stuffed pasta shells with plenty of my gotta-have-it garlic bread. It is definitely the perfect combination. Ok, I threw in a green salad too to keep things on the healthy side. A bit.

Stuffed Pasta Shells

Spice It Up. Just A Bit.

For a kicked-up version use spicy Italian sausage. I did. And I might have slipped in a few good pinches of red pepper flake too.

I highly recommend that you shred or grate your own cheese at home. Don’t buy the pre-shredded or pre-grated stuff. It has stuff added to it to keep it from sticking together. That ‘stuff’ affects how the cheese melts. Shred it yourself and use the good stuff.

Also try my slow cooker spaghetti and meatballs.

Stuffed Pasta Shells
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5 from 1 vote

Stuffed Pasta Shells

No one is going away hungry after devouring some of this goodness.Β This makes a big batch, enough for a big get-together.Β 
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Keyword stuffed pasta shells
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 334kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F.
  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, cook sausage until done. Drain.
  • Combine the eggs, ricotta, parsley, salt, pepper and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Stuff mixture into shells (I used a cookie press, but you can also put the stuffing into a plastic bag, cut a corner off, and squeeze).
  • Place shells into a 9×13 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the pasta sauce, mushrooms, remaining cheese and sausage.
  • Pour over the pasta shells.
  • Bake for 45-60 minutes or until bubbly hot.

Notes

Also great with a little Pecorino-Romano cheese added.

Nutrition

Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1216mg | Potassium: 219mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 448IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 429mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Sometimes, I’m all about making a quick and easy dinner. But that doesn’t mean I will sacrifice flavor. This recipe for spicy sausage pasta uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. The end result was nice and creamy, with a good bit of heat. It ain’t fancy, but it didn’t have to be fancy. Just good.

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Nothing Fancy Here. But It Is Tasty.

You can tone down the heat in this dish, but honestly, it’s not that spicy. For nice little change, substitute andouille (cooked thoroughly) for the smoked sausage.

Although I used fresh, dried pasta works just as well. Just cook per the package instructions and enjoy!

Also try my spicy sausage and sun-dried tomato penne pasta.

Spicy Sausage Pasta
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4 from 1 vote

Spicy Sausage Pasta

This recipe for spicy sausage pasta uses ingredients I almost always have on hand. The end result was nice and creamy, with a good bit of heat. It ain’t fancy, but it didn’t have to be fancy. Just good.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, sausage, spicy
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 578kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. (I used a 12″ cast-iron skillet)
  • Add the sausage and onion and cook until both are lightly browned.
  • Add the garlic, stir, and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Add broth, tomatoes, cream, and salt and pepper (to taste) and stir.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the pasta.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the cheese.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
  • Place skillet under the broiler until the top is starting to brown and the sauce is bubbly hot.
  • Serve garnished with green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

You can also use andouille sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 127mg | Sodium: 1789mg | Potassium: 597mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 694IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 114mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Spicy Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Rigate

I have been a diehard fan of Chile Pepper magazine for years. Despite what the name might suggest to you, it’s not a magazine about over-the-top way-too-hot peppers and foods and sauces. Instead, it has a variety of recipes and articles, catering not only to chile heads, but also people that just want a little kick to their foods. Everything I have made from the magazine has turned out absolutely fantastic. They aren’t playing around. Grab yourself a copy off the news-stand or order a subscription online. Or do what I did and have a subscription for years. And years. And make some of their great recipes like this spicy sausage and sun-dried tomato penne rigate.

Spicy Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Rigate

A Plate Of Spicy Happiness

This spicy sausage and sun-dried tomato penne rigate dish is creamy, with just a little heat, thanks to spicy sausage, red pepper flake and hot cheese. The original recipe used sliced chicken breast, but I went with chicken sausage for a little more spice. Any chicken would work in this dish, though.

The sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach add a great twist to what would be a great meal by itself. This doesn’t take long to make and will wow your guests with great flavors.

I like to use my good ole trusty Dutch oven to make this dish and pretty much darned near anything like it on my stovetop. It’s nice and big and sturdy. That extra weight helps it maintain and distribute heat perfectly. As an added bonus, it’s actually pretty easy to clean up too!

Also try my easy-to-make but still awesome spicy sausage and pasta.

Spicy Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Rigate
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Sausage and Sun-Dried Tomato Penne Rigate

This sausage and pasta dish is creamy, with just a little heat, thanks to spicy sausage, red pepper flake and hot cheese. The original recipe used sliced chicken breast, but I went with chicken sausage for a little more spice.Β 
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta, sausage, spicy, sun-dried tomato
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 703kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions. When done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain and reserve the pasta.
  • Drain the sun-dried tomatoes but save the oil. Chop or slice the tomatoes.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the onion, and mushrooms and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook another minute.
  • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook, stirring often, until the spinach wilts. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
  • Add another tablespoon of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil to the skillet. Add the sausage and cook until done and lightly browned. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Reduce heat to medium and add the cream and shredded cheese. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat to simmer. Stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Add the cooked pasta and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir.
  • Add the red pepper flakes, cooked vegetables and sausage. Stir.
  • Simmer for 10 minutes. If mixture is too thick add a bit more of the reserved pasta water and stir.
  • Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Use your favorite sausage.

Nutrition

Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 117mg | Sodium: 1065mg | Potassium: 559mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3312IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 417mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

I thought this slow cooker tortellini soup was absolutely fantastic. The sauce was perfect. Nice and tomato-y. But the big hit for me was the tortellini. It absorbed some of the great sauce and became great little scrumptious bites. I used fresh tortellini, but frozen would work just as well. So would ravioli.

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

It’ll Warm You To The Bone

Sprinkled with a bit of freshly grated Parmesan, this slow cooker tortellini soup was the ideal dish on a cool day.

Fennel can be a little too strong (that licorice flavor can drown out everything!), so use as much or as little as you like. Or not. And don’t be afraid to add a few splashes of hot sauce or a good amount of dried red pepper flake for some kick.

Also try my slow cooker spicy kielbasa cabbage soup. Perfect on a cool day.

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
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5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

I thought this slow cooker tortellini soup was absolutely fantastic. The sauce was perfect. Nice and tomato-y
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword crockpot, slow cooker, soup, tortellini
30 minutes
Total Time 7 hours
Servings 6
Calories 448kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until cooked through. Add the onion and garlic in the last few minutes of the cooking. They don’t need to cook or get all the way tender, I just like them to have a little bit of that “skillet-cooked” flavor.
  • While the beef is cooking, pour the crushed tomatoes, petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato condensed soup in the slow cooker. No need to drain any of the cans!
  • Add in the sugar and seasonings – the dried basil, fennel, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • I loved the amount of seasoning in this soup, but definitely adjust these seasonings to your personal preference. You can always start with less seasoning and add more.
  • Stir in the cooked ground beef with onions and garlic. Add in the beef broth (I dissolved beef bouillon cubes into boiling water).
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-7 hours.
  • About 15-20 minutes before you are ready to serve, pour the frozen tortellini’s into the soup. Turn the slow cooker up to high (or leave it if it was already on high) and let the tortellini cook.
  • Serve in bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a large spoonful of ricotta cheese (I love stirring these cheeses in – SO good), any extra seasonings you want, and some freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with a slice of hot garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1412mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 237IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 150mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Peas and Pasta Salad

There’s something about the ‘pop’ of putting peas in a smooth, creamy pasta salad. I added in some ham I had smoked a while back that was hiding in the back of the freezer. It added a nice smoky flavor to the salad. If you don’t have any ham, you can leave it out and still have a great peas and pasta salad. For extra crunch, add in some finely chopped green and red bell pepper.

Peas and Pasta Salad

Different Cheeses For Different Tastes

For extra smoky goodness, substitute a smoked cheddar instead. Or for a lighter cheese flavor use mild cheddar. Monterey Jack cheese is also great in this salad.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

The original recipe came from Sunny Anderson.

Also try my old fashioned macaroni salad.

Peas and Pasta Salad
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5 from 1 vote

Peas and Pasta Salad

There’s something about the ‘pop’ of putting peas in a smooth, creamy pasta salad.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta salad, peas
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 706kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Drain well and let cool.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add the red onion, mayo, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and sugar to a small bowl.
  • Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
  • Add to the pasta and fold to combine.
  • Add the remaining ingredients to the large bowl and fold to combine.

Notes

Always stir before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 706kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 835mg | Potassium: 354mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 23.1mg | Calcium: 81mg | Iron: 1.8mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Mardis Gras Pasta Salad

Well, this Mardis Gras pasta salad sure came out pretty. And good tasting, too. All of the colors are Mardis Gras are there. Gold (er… yellow). Green. Purple. This salad is almost like a slaw, except for the pasta.

Mardis Gras Pasta Salad

A Few Notes and Changes

I wouldn’t be afraid to add more mustard to this Mardis Gras pasta salad. My preference is Zatarain’s Creole mustard although Dijon could be substituted (in a pinch). I also shredded the cabbage pretty fine. I didn’t want big pieces of cabbage like I would normally do for a slaw, so I used a box grater. But you can thin shred your cabbage if you prefer.

I almost always use Blue Plate mayonnaise in the dishes I make. I think it is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

Also try my crab pasta salad and my Tuscan pasta salad.

Mardis Gras Pasta Salad
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4 from 1 vote

Mardis Gras Pasta Salad

Well, this Mardis Gras pasta salad sure came out pretty. And good tasting, too.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta salad
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 243kcal
Author Mike

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per package instructions.
  • Rinse and drain well then let cool slightly.
  • Transfer to a large bowl.
  • Add remaining ingredients (start with just 3/4 cup of the mayo) and stir to combine.
  • If mixture is too dry add more mayonnaise, one tablespoon at a time, stirring, until the salad is the desired thickness.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Stir again before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 608mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.