Antipasto Style Penne Recipes

ANTIPASTI PENNE

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the soppressata and cook, stirring, until blistered and the oil turns reddish, about 3 minutes. Add the artichoke hearts and olives and stir to coat. Add the tomatoes, the reserved pasta water, basil leaves and 2 tablespoons of olive brine. Bring to a simmer and cook until most of the water evaporates and the sauce thickens slightly, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Add the sauce and mozzarella to the pasta in the pot and stir to combine. Divide among 4 bowls and garnish with more basil.

"ANTIPASTO" PASTA WITH SAUSAGE, ARTICHOKE HEARTS, AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid; return pasta to pot.
• Toast pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Cook sausage and tomato paste, stirring, 1 minute. Stir in artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Add sausage mixture and 3/4 cup pasta cooking liquid to pot with pasta; season with 1/4 tsp. pepper. Toss to coat and add remaining 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid, if needed, to loosen.
• Divide pasta among plates. Season with pepper and top with peperoncini.

POTLUCK ANTIPASTO PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cold water and drain. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beans, vegetables, cheeses, meats, olives and chives. , In a small bowl, whisk the vinaigrette ingredients. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate. Toss before serving.