Pasta Rustica With Smoked Mozzarella Recipes

PASTA SPIRALS WITH SAUTEED VEGETABLES, OLIVES AND SMOKED MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add scallions and garlic and saute 1 minute. Add carrots and broccoli and saute 5 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add 1/2 teaspoon each salt and black pepper and stir to coat. Add broth, tomatoes, snow peas, and mushrooms and bring to a simmer. Pour sauce over cooked pasta and toss to combine. Top with olives and smoked mozzarella cheese just before serving.
• Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 3 to 5 minutes, until tender. Stir in thyme and cook 1 minute to heat through. Season with salt and black pepper.

SMOKED MOZZARELLA AND PENNE SALAD

Steps:

• Process the dressing ingredients in food processor or blender until smooth.
• Cook pasta until al dente. Drain pasta in colander and run under cold water until well-cooled.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, spinach, roasted red peppers and smoked mozzarella.
• Toss the salad with the dressing then serve.

BAKED PENNE WITH BROCCOLI AND SMOKED MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• During last 2 minutes, add broccoli to pot and blanch while pasta finishes cooking.
• Drain all and set aside.
• Wipe pot dry and add olive oil. Saute onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for a minute or so until fragrant.
• Stir in flour to make a roux.
• Slowly add chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until thick.
• Add cream and bring to simmer to thicken.
• Add chicken and mozzarella and stir until cheese melts.
• Add pasta and broccoli, then stir to combine.
• Transfer to 9x13 baking dish.
• Toss crushed crackers with melted butter.
• Top casserole with cracker crumbs.
• Bake about 20 minutes, until browned and bubbly.
• To freeze: assemble casserole but do NOT top with cracker crumbs. Wrap for freezing, label, then tape cracker crumbs (in a plastic bag) to the outside of the package. Freeze. When ready to bake, thaw, top with crumbs, and bake at 400 for approximately 30 minutes.

PASTA RUSTICA

Steps:

• Cook and drain the pasta.
• Brown the onions in the oil for about 5 minutes.
• Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
• Break the sausage into small pieces and crumble over the onion.
• Brown thoroughly, so no pink remains.
• Add the herbs, pepper flakes, tomatoes, puree, and water.
• Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to med-low and simmer for 30 minutes, until thickened.
• Do no not cover.
• Taste and add salt as necessary.
• Mix together the pasta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and the sauce.
• Spread into a greased casserole dish and top with Parmesan Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes.

PASTA RUSTICA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large deep skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towel; cut or break into 1/2-inch pieces.
• Discard bacon drippings from skillet; add oil. Cook onions in oil over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bell pepper, parsley, garlic and pepper flakes; cook 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and reserved bacon; simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in olives and oregano; simmer 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt, if desired.
• Drain pasta; toss with sauce and cheese. Transfer to serving plates and serve with additional cheese, if desired.