Tag Archives: Pasta

Orzo with Feta, Tomatoes and Mint

Posted on September 1, 2026 | Leave a comment

IMG_7873IMG_7872 IMG_7864 IMG_7863Totally delicious and fresh tasting that’s what this is. Looking for an easy,  fresh side dish?  This could be it. It’s very easy and took about 1/2 hour to make whole recipe and I served it alongside Mustard Glazed Salmon for dinner. Mint gives this dish the most wonderful layer of flavor, don’t leave it out.  Easy, quick and packed full of flavor, you can even add crushed red pepper for a little heat if you like.

Perfection!!!!

Ingredients:

1 pound orzo pasta

1/4 cup olive oil plus 1/8 cup olive oil

1 medium shallot, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

1 cup or more feta cheese use as much or as little as you like but at least 1 cup for that tang and bite. I used crumbled feta which makes it a little easier to work with. Block of Feta is fine and equally delicious, you’ll just have to cut it up.

1 cup or more arugula ( I used a little more) but use at least 1 cup

1/2 cup fresh mint , chopped ( don’t omit)

3 Tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon kosher salt ( you may want to taste before adding this , I used 1 teaspoon )

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ( you may want to taste before adding this as well, this is what I did)

Directions:

Prepare orzo according to box directions for al dente and make sure you add salt to water

While the pasta is cooking, heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallots and garlic, and sauté until the shallots soften and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes on a very low heat. Be careful not to burn! Add the cherry tomatoes, and then heat for another few minutes and then I put heat on the lowest setting and let tomatoes just sit on stove-top while orzo cooked. ( about 5 more minutes)

Add tomato mixture to a large bowl along with the feta, arugula, mint and balsamic vinegar.

Drain the orzo and allow to cool a little bit. Add it to the bowl, and drizzle app. 1/8 of a cup of olive oil. Toss well . Taste for Salt and Pepper, I added 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.  I put it in refrigerator till we ate dinner, it can be served cold or warm, delicious either way.

Toss and Serve.

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Eggplant and Tomato with or without Pasta

Posted on August 12, 2026 | Leave a comment

photo 5 (11) photo 5 (12) photo 4 (12) photo 3 (16) photo 5 (13)Another wonderful inspiration from Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook “The Can’t Cookbook”,  even though I can cook there are so many great and easy recipes in this book. This was certainly one of them. I served over pasta (see photos) and it is so easy! Everyone gets nervous about cooking eggplant and I really am not sure why that is, well this will cure you of that fear if you have it. You can just make this as a side dish without the pasta but any reason to eat pasta in this house is a good one.

Eggplants should be smooth-skinned, evenly firm and without soft spots. I bought organic ,  when  I’m eating the peel or the skin I  try to buy organic.

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant or 2 small ones

4 cloves garlic

1 pint cherry or grape type tomatoes

6 sprigs fresh thyme

1/3 cup olive oil

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

*1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper ( optional )

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash the eggplant and the tomatoes. Cut off and discard the stem. Cut the eggplant into 1 inch thick round pieces. Stack 2 rounds, then slice  rounds 2 x and 2x across to make 1″ cubes. ( see photos). Smash the 4 garlic cloves with the back of large knife. Prepare baking dish by spraying lightly with Pam spray.

Place the eggplant , garlic, tomatoes, and thyme in baking dish.  Sprinkle salt , pepper and crushed red pepper if you’re using it. With clean hands toss together until the eggplant is coated with olive oil and don’t worry if it’s over-crowded. It will break down and there will be plenty of room.

Roast until the eggplant is really soft and tender. I roasted for an hour and gave it a stir and was good to go.

I served over pasta but you certainly don’t have to have pasta,  you can eat this just as is. If you’re serving over pasta you may want to drizzle a little more olive oil into the eggplant and tomato mixture–just for a little more saucier consistency.

Thanks again Jessica .

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Fresh Basil Pesto

Posted on July 21, 2026 | 3 comments
photo 2 (6) Chicken and Pesto on the Grill
photo 2 (8) Pasta Pesto

The original recipe for this delicious pesto appeared back in May 2011 on Cooking with Candi and this pesto sauce has summer written all over it. Basil is abundant in the summer and it’s great on pasta as well as chicken. Yummy Pesto was the original title for this recipe way back in 2011.  This is the same recipe from my BFF Suki. I have tried many pesto sauces and this remains my absolute go to favorite. It is super easy and while the basil is abundant you should make it and freeze it. When you freeze the pesto in a container, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top . I have it frozen for up to 3 months. I use it on chicken, pasta, and it’s wonderful as a spread. This recipe is good for 2 lbs. of pasta usually. So I use 1/2 and freeze the rest if it’s just the 2 of us.

Enjoy!

Pesto Chicken on the Grill with Grilled Peppers and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
DSCN3588 Fresh Basil

If you are going to use on chicken , just brush on the chicken sprinkle a tiny bit of  kosher salt on it and  let it marinate for a few hours at least and it can be marinated  overnight in the refrigerator. Take it out of fridge and let it sit at room temp. before putting on the grill. That’s it!

*You’ll need a food processor

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh basil (washed)

1/2 cup romano cheese (grated)

1/2 cup parmesan cheese ( grated)

1/2 cup pignolli nuts or walnuts

1 cup extra virgin olive oil–use a good one

1 – 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter (it’s good if the butter is softened before adding) you can soften in microwave

4 cloves garlic – peeled and whole

freshly ground black pepper–to taste

*kosher salt to taste if you feel you need it after finished making pesto

Directions:

I put all ingredients except for olive oil in the food processor. Give it a few grinds using the blade attachment. Then I slowly add in the olive oil through the top of processor while it’s on. Beautiful green pesto! so easy. Taste for salt and pepper

Cook pasta and drain and add pesto. Done!

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Shrimp with Tomatoes and Corn

Posted on April 25, 2026 | Leave a comment

I saw this recipe on the New York Times cooking site by Ali Slagle. One of my most favorite cooking sites. I made a few changes to recipe and would highly recommend checking out this recipe. Sometimes I serve with rice but this recipe stands on its own as a meal. You can use pasta or bread as well. If you love shrimp and corn and tomatoes this one’s for you.

Perfect in the summer months with all that sweet fresh corn out there. Grab some fresh corn and use it in this wonderful dish.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined — I used under 12 ( meaning 12 to a pound) Mexican White Shrimp– this is the shrimp I prefer but use what you can get and like

Kosher Salt and Pepper 

2 Tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes — there are so many variations out there now– I used these tiny little grape tomatoes but would use different colors as well ( heirloom grape / cherry tomatoes)

2 cups fresh or frozen corn– app. 4 ears fresh corn

5 garlic cloves–minced

1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes — we like the heat use at your own discretion– this was not spicy

1/4 cup dry white wine

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1 large lemon

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

*extra lemon wedges and cut up fresh basil for serving–totally optional

Directions:

Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and lightly golden in spots, app. 1 – 2 minutes on each side. Remove with slotted spoon to a plate and set aside. You will finish cooking through at the end and you don’t want shrimp to over-cook.

Add the tomatoes to the skillet, you can season with a little salt and pepper if you’d like and cook stirring a few times just till the tomatoes to start to blister, 3-4 minutes. Add the corn, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring a few times to incorporate. Tomatoes will start to burst and the corn is golden , another 3- 4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook stirring another few minutes. 

Reduce heat to medium and add the wine and lemon juice, stirring any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook until nearly evaporated, then add the butter and stir until melted . Add back the shrimp and stir until warmed through and shrimp is fully cooked , another 2 minutes or so. Stove was on medium-low.

Taste for Salt and Pepper . Add some fresh Basil if you’d like and you can serve with some extra lemon wedges .

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Million $$ Spaghetti

Posted on March 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

Just saying this is one of the most indulgent, rich, hearty baked pastas I have ever eaten .

I saw a lot of recipes for this over the years and decided to take from them what I wanted to do and I have to say it came out absolutely delicious.

It is related to lasagna in that it’s a casserole , and I think easier to handle and put together than lasagna.

You can prep a day in advance and refrigerate and bring to room temperature and then just cook it. You don’t need to cook twice .

I prepped and made it in the early part of the afternoon and cooked a few hours later. I like to bring casseroles to room temperature before cooking or re-heating.

I froze the leftovers and can’t wait to have them.

Enjoy!

perfect pot luck or for a large crowd serve with a green salad and you’re good to go

I did serve with some heated up marinara sauce but honestly none of us felt like we needed it.

Ingredients:

1 24 oz. jar of marinara or 2 1/2 cups homemade marinara and a little extra for serving if you’d like

1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

Salt and black pepper

1 lb. ground beef use 90% lean if you can find it

1 lb. Italian sausage, sweet or hot , casings removed – usually you can find this already out of the casing Whole Foods sells it in 1 lb. packages and butchers will do it for you

1 small yellow onion, chopped finely

4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

1/4 cup water

1 lb spaghetti ( I just used spaghetti style pasta)

3 Tablespoons unsalted butter

1 15 oz. container whole milk Ricotta cheese

8 oz. cream cheese softened ( put in microwave out of package on a plate for 10 seconds)

8 ounces low moisture shredded Mozzarella Cheese

3 ounces shredded Parmesan Cheese ( 3/4 cup)

*crushed red pepper for serving — totally optional

Directions:

Heat oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. set aside 1 cup of the marinara

Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Beef and sausage, until browned up nicely on 1 side for 3-4 minutes app. Stir in the onion and the garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onion has started to soften, app. 4-5 more mins. Stir in Italian seasoning, the remaining marinara and 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, adjust heat to med-low and simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 mins .Turn off the heat and allow to sit there on stovetop.

Meanwhile, add spaghetti to the pot when the water comes to a boil. You’ll want to cook a few minutes shy of al dente according to the package instructions. Drain pasta and return to the empty pot. Stir in the reserved 1 cup of marinara that you set aside, and add the 3 Tbsp. of Butter until melted.

In a medium size bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the shredded Parmesan until well combined. Taste for Salt and Pepper

Have a 9×13 baking dish ready ( I sprayed with Pam cooking spray) and spread 1/2 of the spaghetti in the bottom . Layer with the ricotta mixture, followed by the remaining spaghetti, all of the meat sauce and finally the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake until bubbling and golden brown, 15 minutes or so more, just check on it.

To make ahead, refrigerate the covered casserole up to overnight; bring to room temp. then bake for 1 hour. I did this so I didn’t cook with aluminum foil at all, but you still can foil for first 1/2 hour and off for last 1/2 hour.

Remove from oven and, let it cool for a few minutes and then cut into with a sharp or serrated knife and serve! Enjoy!

I honestly was happy without the extra sauce but you may want it depending on how you like it.

It was truly delicious and decadent!

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My Go-To Super Easy Meatball Recipe

Posted on February 15, 2026 | 1 comment

This is my favorite quick meatball recipe — My family was just here and dinner was spaghetti and meatballs — had all the ingredients on hand and I like the “simmer” method the best but oven baked will also work well. If I don’t have any homemade sauce on hand my go-to is Raos Marinara or Arabiata style . If you’re a fan of meatballs and spaghetti and who isn’t ? This is quick and easy and you can freeze them in a freezer container for another time. (up to 3 months) This is what I did using garlic powder and onion powder because didn’t have either one on hand but you can use whatever you have. this would also be great on zucchini noodles.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground beef — I like to use 80% lean ground beef because it’s not dry — you can sub 1/2 lb. of pork if you’d like

1 large egg – beaten

1/4 cup breadcrumbs — flavored Italian style works well here

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 chopped onion — if no onion use 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

2 teaspoons minced fresh garlic– if no garlic or just want to make it easy use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

if mixture is dry splash in a little bit of milk at a time

I used a small jar of Raos Marinara plus had some leftover sauce — probably 2 cups total if not a bit more it’s not an exact science.

box of spaghetti or macaroni of your choice — shown here is a bucatini spaghetti which is our favorite thick and ropey

*crushed red pepper to serve

*extra parm cheese to serve

Directions:

In a large bowl , combine the meat, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, onion and garlic, salt and pepper

Don’t over mix just mix enough that all ingredients are integrated

I use a cookie scooper or spoon to scoop the meat mixture and form into small ( 1- 1/2″) balls and place on a plate.

My preferred mode is to bring sauce to a simmer in small sauce pan — I then drop meatballs into simmering sauce and don’t touch for 20 mins on a slow simmer. After 10 minutes you can gently stir if it seems like they’re falling apart leave them alone. I suggest using a cooking spray on bottom of pan so it helps clean up. After 20 minutes I let meatballs sit on hot stove no flame on while I make the pasta ( any kind you like) 1 box is perfect for 4 people. right before adding to the pasta I gently heat up.

If you prefer baking method you can — Pre heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with spray or foil or silpat baking sheets — honestly just spray works fine– Bake uncovered 17-20 minutes or until no longer pink in the center. Turn after 10 minutes so they cook evenly. Either method works perfectly and some people don’t like sauce some like parm and butter noodles. It’s up to you, whichever method you use will work.

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Sexy and Sassy Shrimp for Valentines Day – Fra Diavolo

Posted on February 13, 2026 | 1 comment

photo (3) photo (5)photo (2)OK it’s Valentines Day and that’s the reason for the sexy, and the reason it’s sassy is because this shrimp packs some heat known as Fra Diavolo sauce. What a perfect meal for Valentines Day and it’s red!!! this was so delicious and light. I highly recommend it and it really was an easy dish to make. I would say it’s downright easy to make.  I made it with Bucatini pasta, which is a thick ropey spaghetti, you can use whatever type of spaghetti you prefer or none at all. I would say that this whole dish start to finish took 1/2 hour. That’s so perfect. Buy your shrimp peeled and deveined which will save you time. Happy Valentines Day!

*don’t leave out the fresh herbs, they kick it up a notch

Ingredients:

1 lb. large shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 teaspoon of kosher salt , plus more as needed

1/2 medium yellow onion, chopped

1 (14 oz. can) diced tomatoes

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 teaspoons

1 cup dry white wine

3 garlic cloves , chopped

1/4 teaspoon oregano leaves

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, I didn’t think this was too spicy ,  you’ll have to adjust to your own taste buds. I actually thought 1 teaspoon was pretty mild, next time I will add more, but we like it spicy.

3 tablespoons chopped fresh italian parsley leaves

3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions:

In a medium bowl toss the shrimp with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes. Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and saute for a few minutes, toss around a bit and continue cooking until shrimp is just cooked through. ( you’ll want it pink and slightly curled up)

Remove shrimp to a bowl, set aside.

In the same skillet add 1 – 2 teaspoons of olive oil and add onions and saute until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the can of tomatoes with their juices, wine, garlic, and oregano.  Simmer until the sauce starts to thicken up, about 15 minutes. If sauce sits for a while it may loose some of its liquid , you can just add a little bit of water at a time to get sauce where you’d like it, but just a little at a time.  When you’re ready to serve, add the shrimp back into simmering sauce with any juices that they may have accumulated, toss to coat the shrimp, and cook for about 3 minutes . You can cut into a shrimp to make sure it’s cooked , it should be opaque not translucent. Stir in the parsley and basil. Taste for salt, and serve.

*prepare pasta according to directions and serve shrimp and sauce right on top.

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No Breading Chicken Parmesan

Posted on January 15, 2026 | Leave a comment

So delicious and so perfect. I used thin chicken breasts to start , if you’re using thicker ones you’ll have to monitor the timing of them a bit more and you can just use a meat thermometer to do so. This really couldn’t be easier and it was super tasty and is a cheese lovers delight. It’s lightened up from traditional breaded and fried chicken parm. *if you’re chicken breasts are too thick you can pound them with a meat mallet to the desired thickness — this is a very useful tool. Just place chicken cutlet between 2 pieces of parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to desired thickness.

If you’re using over 2 lbs I double dry ingredients and egg

Prep and ingredients are super easy .

This recipe is for 4.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 – 2 pounds of thin chicken breasts — you can use thicker ones –read directions above for pounding chicken breasts

1 egg

3/4 cup grated Parmesan Cheese

1/2 tbsp. garlic powder

1/2 tbsp. onion powder

1 Tablespoon Italian Seasonings — It comes in one jar and is available in most spice sections in supermarkets —

pinch kosher salt

1/4 tbsp. freshly ground black pepper

and because we like a little extra kick I add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes

3/4 -1 cup Jarred Marinara or if you have home made that’s good too . I prefer Raos Arabiata or Marinara for jarred sauce.

Shredded Mozzarella — probably 1/2 cup to 1 cup depending on how much cheese you like — I like a good sprinkle of cheese — see pics.

A little olive oil for drizzle in pan before cooking

Directions:

Pre heat oven to 400 degrees

I used a large baking dish and sprayed with cooking spray and drizzled a bit of olive oil to bottom of pan — just a little

Beat egg in a wide enough bowl for dipping chicken

In a second wide bowl combine the parm cheese and spices and mix

Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then the cheese, coating both sides. Place in prepared baking dish.

Bake for 20 minutes — since cutlets are thin this should be fine because you’ll be cooking more with sauce and cheese. If thicker cutlets you may need a bit more time.

Top each piece with sauce and shredded mozzarella. ( you can spread a little sauce in between chicken as well . I served over spaghetti and needed a little more sauce so this was enough. If you want you can heat up extra sauce in a small saucepan for spaghetti. Bake for another 10-20 minutes till chicken is 160 degrees when checked with meat thermometer and cheese is melted and bubbly. I like my cheese just slightly browned so you can turn to broil for a minute or so depending on your broiler but be careful you don’t want to burn the whole thing.

I served over pasta and had enough sauce for us.

That’s it folks — enjoy!

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DELISH BOLOGNESE (REAL DEAL)

Posted on January 5, 2026 | Leave a comment

Forget engagement chicken. This is the dish to make if you’re really interested in getting engaged!  I know there is a whole lotta hoopla out there about making a roast chicken and getting an engagment ring out of the meal but I will tell you that this should really be called “The Engagement Bolognese Sauce” because it is that good; and everyone who eats it falls in love with it. Well…almost. You just have to be a meat lover and a pasta lover. Then, surely, this will work. Try it and let me know. What have you got to lose? This is my perfect Sunday night dinner. It’s pure comfort food. So, even if you’re not looking to get engaged, are already married, or just want a wonderful meat sauce to make…Serve with a green salad with my vinaigrette dressing, a nice crusty bread and you’re set. You can always make my chocolate cherry cookies as an add on bonus. Have a great meal! 

*freezes perfectly for up to 3 months in a sealed container

(Original inspiration from Mario Batali)

Delish bolognese 

Ingredients: 

1/4 CUP OLIVE OIL

1 MEDIUM SIZE CARROT DICED

1 MEDIUM CELERY RIB DICED

1 MEDIUM ONION DICED (SPANISH ONION)

1 GARLIC CLOVE, THINLY SLICED

4 OZ. PANCETTA,  DICED (I USUALLY CAN FIND A 4 OZ. PKG. IN THE SUPERMARKET ALREADY DICED AND IT WORKS JUST FINE.)

1 LB. GROUND BEEF (NOT THE SUPER LEAN ONE, THE 85/15 IS BEST FOR THIS B/C YOU WANT THE FAT)

1/4 CUP TOMATO PASTE (Why I love the tubes of tomato paste)

1 cup milk  (not skim, whole or at least 2 percent)

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup water

salt and freshly ground black pepper

red pepper flakes

fresh parmagiano or pecorino cheese, grated

1 box (1 pound)  gemelli, rigatoni, penne, etc . a sturdy type of macaroni that will stand up to the sauce

I use my Le Creuset large cast iron casserole.

Heat the olive oil on a medium heat. Add the carrot, celery, onion and garlic. Continue to cook this stirring occasionally, until soft but not browned (you may need to lower heat). Cook for about 10 minutes. Add the pancetta to pot and crisp it up a bit, then add the ground beef breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until the beef is no longer pink; about 10 minutes . Add the tomato paste and stir it in over a low heat. It will get a shiny look to it, and a deep rust color. Cook for another 10 minutes.

Add the milk, white wine and water and simmer over a low heat, stirring sauce occasionally. It will get thick and saucy looking. I cook it for another 1 1/2 hours. Taste for salt and pepper here.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 1 box of pasta according to directions on box, until al dente. Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Stir well and coat pasta.  Serve in nice pasta bowls, along with fresh cheese. I add a few red pepper flakes but I like it hot. You can leave that on the table along with grated cheese for your guests.

Note: You can make sauce ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I have frozen it as well.

This is super yummy, and I believe this is the go to engagement dish.

*serves 8 as a small side dish and 4 as a meal

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Easy Skillet Lasagna

Posted on October 25, 2025 | 1 comment

This was truly one of the most epic meals! The whole meal in under an hour.  While I love a real lasagna I didn’t want to put the whole thing together and deal with it. Once you have the ingredients the prep time is minimal and you aren’t using store bought sauce.  You will be making the sauce and it will all cook together in the pan .  This can be done a few different ways and I invite you to play around with the ingredients and spices to your own liking. All I can say is Wow!  Delicious! Perfect Sunday night dinner .  All in one pot is truly a great way to cook, no fuss, no muss and no having to deal with cooking lasagna noodles!!!!!! Yeah!

This can easily be made with ricotta cheese and spinach or any veggies you like. I would even try it with cut up eggplant!

*You’ll need a large oven proof skillet with lid

*perfect for freezing leftovers

Ingredients:

1 to 1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil–I used 1 1/2 you can start with 1 and add more to onions if you need it

1/2 lb. ground beef ( I used 80/20)

3 Italian sausage links, casings removed ( I used Hot Italian Sausage) use what you like , you can use turkey or chicken sausage as well

1 onion, diced

1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 8oz.can tomato sauce

*Italian seasonings , if you have Italian seasonings in a jar that’s great if not use a little dried oregano and dried basil. Italian Seasonings is available in the spice department of all food stores.

*1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper

App. 1/4 tsp. Kosher Salt and more to taste

2-3 garlic cloves, minced

app. 10 lasagna noodles, broken into 1/4’s, if it breaks up differently don’t worry it’s a very loose recipe! 8 ounces Farfalle Pasta also works if you don’t feel like using the lasagna noodles. Un-cooked Noodles!!!!!

8 oz. mozzarella balls ( fresh) I used the small ones this time. Use whatever cheese you like but these worked out beautifully.  You can always use shredded mozzarella, or just cut a large ball of mozzarella into small pieces ( as much or as little as you’d like) if using shredded mozzarella, you’ll need about 1 cup

2 cups water

Freshly grated Parmesan Cheese for serving

*you can also use 1 cup Ricotta Cheese for a very cheesy version, I would use this if I was making it with spinach and going veggie.

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook till translucent, add garlic towards the end of onion process. Add ground beef to the onions, stirring occasionally till browned. I removed with slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl. I then cooked up the sausage making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooked.  I then removed sausage to bowl with meat , onions, and garlic and drained all excess fat from pan.

Pre-heat the oven to Broil.

Return meat to pan, add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, spices, add 1/4 tsp. kosher salt to taste, if you need more add it. Add in the meat mixture and stir, bring to a simmer and add in broken lasagna pieces and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13- 15 minutes for al dente. I stirred it gently a few times just to make certain that the noodles cooked through and didn’t stick together.

Remove from the heat . I placed my Mozzarella on top and placed in oven under broiler for about 5 mins. Check on it because you don’t want it to blacken. All ovens are different, in mine it needed about 6 minutes to just start browning without burning, but you don’t want to burn this up so set timer and keep an eye on it!

Remove from the oven and let it sit out for a few minutes. Plate it up and let everyone add their own parmesan cheese! Enjoy! you will.

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Plated up and ready to eat

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Finished Product

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adding mozzarella before placing under broiler

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placing un-cooked noodles into sauce

This would serve 4. It’s tough to double because you would need a super large pan.

This makes for an amazing leftover!

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