Baked Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons plain dry breadcrumbs, (see Tip)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 16-ounce or 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed
1 3/4 cups low-fat milk, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 ounces (2 cups) whole-wheat elbow macaroni, or penne

Directions:
1.Put a large pot of water on to boil. Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat an 8-inch-square (2-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.

2.Mix breadcrumbs, oil and paprika in a small bowl. Place spinach in a fine-mesh strainer and press out excess moisture.

3.Heat 1 1/2 cups milk in a large heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until steaming. Whisk remaining 1/4 cup milk and flour in a small bowl until smooth; add to the hot milk and cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce simmers and thickens, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in Cheddar until melted. Stir in cottage cheese, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

4.Cook pasta for 4 minutes, or until not quite tender. (It will continue to cook during baking.) Drain and add to the cheese sauce; mix well. Spread half the pasta mixture in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the spinach on top. Top with the remaining pasta; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture.

5.Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes.

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/baked_mac_cheese.html

Lasagna Toss with Spinach and Ricotta

Ingredients:
Salt
1 package(s) (16 ounces) lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon(s) olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 clove(s) garlic, crushed with garlic press
1 can(s) (28 ounces) plum tomatoes in juice
1/4 teaspoon(s) coarsely ground black pepper
1 package(s) (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup(s) loosely packed fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese , plus additional for serving
1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese

Directions

1.Heat large saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat; add lasagna noodles and cook as label directs but increase the cooking time to 12 to 14 minutes.

2.Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and cook 10 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring.

3.Stir in tomatoes with their juice, pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, 8 minutes. Add frozen spinach and cook, covered, 10 minutes or until spinach is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in basil.

4.Drain noodles; return to saucepot. Add tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese; toss well. Spoon into four pasta bowls; top with dollops of ricotta cheese. Serve with additional Parmesan if you like.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/lasagna-toss-spinach-and-ricotta-2452

Garden Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
2 cup(s) whole-wheat rotini (6 ounces)
1/3 cup(s) reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup(s) low-fat plain yogurt
2 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon(s) red-wine vinegar, or lemon juice
1 clove(s) garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon(s) salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
1 cup(s) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 cup(s) diced yellow or red bell pepper (1 small)
1/2 cup(s) chopped scallions (4 scallions)
1/2 cup(s) chopped pitted Kalamata olives
1 cup(s) grated carrot (about 2)
1/3 cup(s) slivered fresh basil

Directions
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just tender, 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain and refresh under cold running water.

Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, oil, vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic, salt and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Add the pasta and toss to coat. Add tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots, scallions, olives and basil; toss to coat well.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/garden-pasta-salad-recipe-5061

Spaghetti al Forno

Ingredient:
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) olive oil, plus more for drizzling
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped
1 stalk(s) celery, finely chopped
4 clove(s) garlic, minced
1 can(s) (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 pound(s) whole wheat spaghetti or linguine
2 tablespoon(s) chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 large pinch red pepper flakes
3/4 cup(s) grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon(s) whole wheat breadcrumbs


Directions

1.To make sauce: In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables begin caramelizing, about 12 minutes. Turn heat to low; cook until very soft, 10-15 minutes. Raise heat to medium; add tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and partially cover. Cook 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

2.Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions, subtracting several minutes off cooking time so it comes out very al dente.

3.Drain well; add to sauce. Add parsley and red pepper flakes; toss to combine. Transfer to a 2-quart baking dish. Spread level. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake until top is browning and sauce is bubbling, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/spaghetti-al-forno-recipe

Fusilli with Herbed Ricotta and Grape Tomoatoes

Ingredients:
Salt
1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon(s) fresh oregano leaves, chopped
1/4 cup(s) (plus additional for serving) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/4 cup(s) (packed) fresh basil leaves, chopped
12 ounce(s) fusilli or corkscrew pasta
1 pint(s) (2 cups) grape tomatoes

Directions

1.Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high.

2.Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine ricotta, oregano, 1/4 cup Romano, and half of basil.

3.Add pasta to boiling water and cook as label directs, adding tomatoes when 3 minutes of cooking time remain.

4.Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and tomatoes; return to pot. Add reserved cooking water to ricotta mixture; stir into pasta and tomatoes. Toss with remaining basil. Serve with additional cheese if you like.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/fusilli-herbed-ricotta-grape-tomatoes-ghk0208

Ingredients:
8 ounce(s) (2 1/2 cups) whole wheat rotini pasta
4 teaspoon(s) cornstarch
2 cup(s) low-fat (1%) milk
1/2 teaspoon(s) Dijon mustard
Salt
ground black pepper
4 ounce(s) reduced-fat (2%) pasteurized process cheese spread, cut into 1⁄2-inch cubes
2 ounce(s) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/3 cup(s) freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 tablespoon(s) plain dried bread crumbs
1 medium tomato, thinly sliced


Directions

1.Preheat broiler. With nonstick cooking spray, grease shallow 1 1/2-quart broiler-safe baking dish.

2.Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add pasta and cook as label directs.

3.Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, whisk cornstarch into milk; heat to boiling over medium heat, whisking occasionally. Boil 1 minute. Remove saucepan from heat; whisk in mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese spread, Cheddar, and 1/4 cup Romano. (Cheese does not need to melt completely.) In small bowl, combine bread crumbs with remaining Romano.

4.Drain pasta; return to saucepot. Stir cheese sauce into pasta; spoon into prepared baking dish. Arrange tomato slices on top; sprinkle with crumb mixture.

5.Place baking dish in broiler, about 6 inches from source of heat. Broil macaroni mixture 2 to 3 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Let macaroni and cheese stand 5 minutes to set slightly for easier serving

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/macaroni-cheese-ghk1007

Whole Wheat Penne with Broccoli and Sausage

Ingredients:
12 ounce(s) whole wheat penne pasta
1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets
12 ounce(s) hot Italian turkey sausage
1 pint(s) grape tomatoes, each cut in half
1/2 cup(s) (loosely packed) fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 cup(s) freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese


Directions

1.Heat large saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Add pasta and cook as label directs, adding broccoli when 3 minutes of cooking time remain. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water; drain pasta and broccoli.

2.Meanwhile, thinly slice sausage on the diagonal. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage on medium 7 to 8 minutes or until it begins to brown, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes and cook 5 minutes longer, stirring.

3.Stir pasta, broccoli, and 1/4 cup pasta cooking water into sausage mixture in skillet; heat through, adding additional cooking water if needed. Remove from heat; stir in basil and cheese.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/whole-wheat-penne-broccoli-sausage-ghk0208

Penne with Peas, Grape Tomatoes and Ricotta

Ingredients:
2 pound(s) fresh peas in the pod, or 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 pound(s) penne rigate or ziti pasta
1 cup(s) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/4 cup(s) loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
1/4 cup(s) Romano cheese, freshly grated
2 teaspoon(s) (from 1 lemon) fresh lemon peel, grated
Salt and ground black pepper
2 teaspoon(s) olive oil
1 pint(s) grape tomatoes


Directions

1.Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat.

2.Meanwhile, if using fresh peas, shell by running thumb along length of seam to open pod and release peas.

3.Add pasta to boiling water and cook as label directs. Add fresh peas to saucepot when pasta has 2 minutes cooking time remaining.

4.While pasta is cooking, in medium bowl, combine ricotta, parsley, Romano, lemon peel, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; set aside. In 12-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add tomatoes and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until tomatoes burst and are heated through, shaking pan frequently. Remove skillet from heat.

5.Remove 1/2 cup pasta cooking water; set aside. Drain pasta and peas.

6.To skillet with tomatoes, add pasta with fresh peas (or thawed frozen peas) and reserved cooking water; stir to combine. Spoon into 6 bowls and dollop with ricotta mixture.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/penne-peas-grape-tomatoes-ricotta

Super Bowl Special: Creamy Pasta Salad with Celery

Ingredients:
1 pound(s) medium pasta shells
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup(s) light mayonnaise
1/3 cup(s) fresh lemon juice
6 stalk(s) celery, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise, plus 1 cup celery leaves
1/2 medium red onion, finely chopped


Directions

1.Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

2.In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add celery stalks and leaves, onion, and cooled pasta; season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.

http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/creamy-pasta-salad-celery-recipe

Light Linguine Alla Carbonara

ingredients

8 ounces linguine or spaghetti
Nonstick spray coating
2 slices turkey bacon, sliced crosswise into strips
1 egg, beaten
1 cup evaporated nonfat milk
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup chopped red sweet pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Black pepper

directions

Cook linguine or spaghetti according to package directions.
Meanwhile, spray a medium saucepan with nonstick coating. Cook turkey bacon in saucepan until crisp and light brown. Drain on paper towels. Wipe saucepan clean with a paper towel.

For sauce, in same saucepan combine egg, evaporated milk, peas, sweet pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat just until the mixture coats a metal spoon (about 6 minutes). Do not boil. Stir in bacon and half of the Parmesan cheese. Heat through.

Immediately pour sauce over hot cooked pasta; toss to coat. Transfer to a warm serving platter. Sprinkle with black pepper and remaining Parmesan cheese. Makes 4 servings.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/recipes/light-linguine-alla-carbonara-539196/

Meatballs Stroganoff

ingredients

1 12- to 16-ounce package frozen cooked meatballs
1 cup lower-sodium beef broth
1 4-ounce can (drained weight) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
4 cups hot cooked wide egg noodles
Snipped fresh parsley (optional)

directions

In a large skillet, combine meatballs, broth, and mushrooms. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes or until meatballs are heated through.
In a small bowl, stir together sour cream and flour. Whisk in milk and mustard. Stir sour cream mixture into skillet. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 1 minute more. Serve over hot cooked noodles. If desired, stir in snipped fresh parsley. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/food/recipes/meatballs-stroganoff-534405/