This recipe is quite versatile. Add whatever veggies, cheese or meat you want – there are no set rules. If using a large, diced tomato, don’t add until just before serving. Enjoy! 1 lb. pre-cooked pasta – elbows, corkscrew, tri-colored, etc. 1 small red pepper – diced 1 small green pepper – diced 1 small [...]

Serve over your favorite pasta now, freeze some for later. This makes a big batch so you’ll need a big crockpot. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over top. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 yellow onions, diced 4 minced garlic cloves 2 pounds ground beef Five of the 29 oz. cans of [...]

Soooo delicious. 1 lb. box ziti or penne pasta 1 lb. bulk sweet Italian sausage 1 lb. ground beef 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 4 minced garlic cloves 1 tsp. dried basil 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes 32 oz. of marina sauce – I used Barilla [...]

A classic with a twist. 1 pound elbow macaroni 4 1/2 cups whole milk 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2 cloves minced garlic (jar is fine) 3 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. flour 4 1/2 cups shredded sharp orange cheddar 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs Salt & pepper to taste [...]

If you like garlic, butter, and olive oil, then you’ll love this. 1 lb. box of pasta – (we use spaghetti or angel hair) 1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil – (don’t use any other kind) 2-3 Tbsp. – or to taste – minced garlic 6 Tbsp. butter – (NOT margarine) 3 Tbsp. minced parsley [...]

A rice-looking pasta which cooks up quickly – in about half the time as rice. This method is kinda like risotto. Sometimes we add a small chunk of butter and some grated Pecorino-Romano or Parmesan. Try it with my Beef Stew recipe. 2 Tbs. butter (I use only non-salted) 1/4 cup minced onion or shallots [...]

This is a family favorite, and it’s easy on the cook. It makes a nice, big pan-full so you may have leftovers. A large, green salad alongside makes for a perfect meal and it won’t make you nuts with a ton of pots and pans. 16 oz. box uncooked ziti (I use Barilla) 2) 24 [...]

What a delicious idea! Put together a spice rub, mix it into rinsed, cold pasta, then add whatever else you want such as green and/or black olives, diced ham or salami, drained artichoke hearts – you have endless possibilities here. Oh, then you add your choice of Italian dressing. You’re gonna love it. Spice Rub [...]

Sweet noodle Kugel is such a versatile dish – you can eat it with a meal or afterward with coffee or tea. The bonus is it’s good warm or cold. 1/2 pound (half a bag) broad egg noodles 4 large eggs, separated 1/2 cup butter 1/2 pound cottage cheese 8 ounces sour cream 1/2 cup [...]

This is is an unusual, yet extremely delicious lasagna.  I served it with grilled garlic bread on the side and ham steaks.  Due to a pine nut allergy I make homemade pesto (very easy to do) and substitute walnuts.  I think it tastes better, but of course use whichever blend you prefer. 1 box lasagna [...]