Creamy lemon Shrimp Bucatini

I know, I post a lot of pasta recipes. But pasta is so versatile you can  make a lot of pasta dishes without repeating the same one twice for awhile, besides who doesn’t like pasta?

In this  creamy,  lemon shrimp bucatini recipe large shrimp are covered in a light cream sauce full of Italian flavors, then tossed with bucatini pasta, for a delicious meal everyone loves.

That’s not even the best part, the best part,  it’s a super easy shrimp and pasta recipe, that comes together in less then 30 minutes. Making this pasta recipe prefect for busy week night family meals. and it’s fancy enough for Saturday dinner with friends, to show off what a good home chef you are.

3 tips for success with this creamy lemon Shrimp bucatini recipe

The first tip for success when you make this lemon cream sauce shrimp bucatini is to use good quality large shrimp, and to be sure not to over cook them.

Second, it really doesn’t matter what shape pasta you use in this recipe. What matters is not to overcook it. A good rule of thumb is to undercook it by a few minutes. You can ruin a good pasta dish just by overcooking the pasta.

And third don’t underestimate the importance of the reserved pasta water. Pasta water is a magical ingredient the binds sauces together. Not only does pasta water add flavor it thickens the sauce. I always save more than the recipe calls for in case the sauce is to thick.

Lastly  please leave me a note, let me know how this recipe worked out for you. I love hearing from you!!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lb. Bucatini pasta
• 1 Lb. cleaned deveined large shrimp
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup white wine or chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• Juice from 2 lemons
• 2 Tbls, butter
• 2 Tbls. olive oil
• 2 Tbls. chopped garlic
• 1/2 small chopped onion
• 2 Tbls. chopped Italian parsley
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook bucatini according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the water before draining.
2.  Meanwhile salt and pepper the shrimp according to your taste.
3.  In a large saute pan over medium heat saute the shrimp in the butter and olive oil 2 to 3 minutes per side remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan saute the garlic and onion until tender and just beginning to brown.
5. Deglaze the pan with the chicken stock scraping up the browned bits simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the cream, lemon juice and reserved pasta water, simmer until sauce thickens about 15 minutes, add the spinach and parmesan cheese last 5 minutes.
7. Return shrimp to sauce just to heat through.
8. Toss pasta with lemon cream shrimp sauce sprinkle with Italian parsley and ENJOY!!!!

Vegetarian zucchini lasagna

I love a classic lasagna but when my garden is overflowing with zucchini this is vegetarian zucchini lasagna starts showing up on my table. With layers of roasted zucchini marinara and three kinds of cheese, this recipe is full of flavor everyone loves.

It’s a great recipe when you are craving Italian and want low-carb too. Also a good recipe for batch cooking. Make a double batch bake one and freeze one. It can be frozen before or after baking, then tawed out  and baked when you are ready to serve.

Three tips for success when making vegetarian zucchini  lasagna

T o keep the lasagna from being watery because of the high water content in the zucchini first salt the zucchini and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to extract the liquid. then pat dry with paper towels before roasting . Roasting also helps to extract the water.

Another step to  prevent watery vegetable lasagna is to bake the lasagna uncovered for 70% of the cooking time. This allows the steam to escape.

Here is the link for the lasagna casserole dish 

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 1 egg
• 1  1 /2 cups grated parmesan divided
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup toasted bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Start by slicing your zucchini as thin as possible with a knife. Lay flat salt the zucchini slices and let sit for 30 minutes. Than pat dry to absorb the liquid.
2. roast the zucchini in a preheated 375-degree oven until lightly brown about 10 minutes.
3. Mix the ricotta with  the parsley, egg, breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup of the grated parmesan.
4. In a 7 x11 casserole dish begin layering the zucchini lasagna staring with the marinara sauce, zucchini and the mozzarella repeat the process ending with  zucchini, marinara and cheese.
5. Bake in a preheated 375-degree oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Let the lasagna sit for15 minutes before cutting. ENJOY!!!

Summertime Bruschetta Spaghetti dish

I love  a delicious bowl of pasta full of fresh summer garden ingredients.

My Summertime bruschetta spaghetti dish recipe is flavored with just picked cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fresh herbs, these ingredients when combined together produce the most delicious creamy sauce.

Sometimes the best and most delicious recipes are the simplest. The most important ingredients are always to use the best what’s in season whether homegrown or store bought!!!!

A few tips when making this Summertime Bruschetta spaghetti dish

The main ingredient in this Summertime Bruschetta spaghetti dish recipe is tomatoes. So whether your using homegrown or store bought it’s important the use the best quality you can find.

Just as important as the tomatoes how you start your saute makes a difference In this pasta recipe I use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. 

And lastly fresh mozzarella adds the creamy texture and the pasta water is the secret ingredient the brings it all together. I always save more pasta water than the recipes calls for in case the sauce is too dry.

Please leave me a comment when you make this recipe. And please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you, it’s my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 Lb. spaghetti
• 2 pints heirloom cherry tomatoes sliced
• Small container fresh mozzarella balls
• 1 cup pasta water
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
•  1/2 medium chopped onion
• 4 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 Tbs. each chopped basil and Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the water
2. Meanwhile bring the olive oil to a light sizzle
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic saute until tender and just beginning to brown
4. Add the sliced tomatoes salt and pepper now then saute until the tomatoes begin to blister
5. Add the reserved pasta water simmer for 10 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly
6. Add the fresh mozzarella the last 5 minutes
7. Toss the spaghetti in the sauce add the basil
8. Top with  the grated parmesan and Italian parsley

Chicken Piccata Pasta Primavera

A light pasta meal, this chicken piccata pasta primavera is a prefect Summertime quick family dinner full of classic Italian flavors!!!

Full of lemony freshness this chicken and pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, and  your family is going to love it . And you will feel good  serving a restaurant quality meal from your kitchen, that’s not only delicious, it’s healthy too!!!!

Customize this Chicken piccata pasta primavera

This chicken piccata pasta primavera recipe is easy to customize to fit your lifestyle and taste.

The first and easier way to make this pasta dish your own is to change the pasta shape.  The truth is most pasta shapes work well in most pasta dish recipes.

Second if your family hates or loves spinach add more or less to taste. I love spinach and add extra most of the time.  Spinach is one of those vegetables that ends up being half of the amount you put in after it’s cooked. Pasta dishes are also a good place to hide spinach for those that don’t have the same fondness for spinach as I do.

Lastly I used chicken stock. You can use white wine instead in his chicken piccata pasta primavera if that’s your preference.

One more thing when making pan sauces the right size saute pan help. My favorite and on sale https://amzn.to/39XdMRy

Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast cut into strips
• 1/2 Lb. Fettuccini
• 1 Tbls each butter and extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbls. minced garlic
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup capers
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup pasta water
• 1 cup chicken stock or white wine

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package direction reserving 1 cup of the water before draining
2. Salt and pepper the chicken
3.  In a medium size saute pan over medium high heat in the butter and olive oil, saute the chicken along with the garlic until slightly brown
4. Add the tomatoes along with the capers saute for a few minutes
5. Deglaze the pan with the broth or white wine
6. Add reserved pasta water, simmer until sauce thickens about 10 minutes, add spinach and 1/2 the parmesan cheese last 5 minutes
7. Toss pasta in picatta sauce sprinkle with additional parmesan and Italian parsley
8. Enjoy!!!!!

Spicy Spaghetti Shrimp

Transform shrimp into a flavorful date- night worthy dinner with this Spicy Spaghetti Shrimp recipe, in less than 30 minutes!!

Chunky with capers, olives and tomatoes this quick tomato sauce taste much like the familiar puttanesca sauce that is usually served over pasta .

In this easy recipe I used this delicious sauce to coat the shrimp as well as the spaghetti to produce a meal that will have family and friends coming back for seconds.

Why I love this Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti recipe

There are more than a few reasons why I love This Spicy Shrimp Spaghetti recipe.

First and most importantly its easy peasy. It really is one of those recipes that comes together in less than 30 minutes but your friends and family will think it took much longer, who doesn’t like that?

Not only is this recipe easy, this pretty pasta is one my family loves and I love that they eating a healthy meal. If that isn’t enough this recipe is affordable when you serve the shrimp sauce over pasta.

If you make this easy recipe please leave me a comment and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you!!!

Ingredients

• 1 Lb. large peeled and deveined shrimp
• 1/2 Lb. Spaghetti
• 1  Tbs.  each olive oil and butter
• 2 Tbs. minced garlic
• 1 Tbs. dried hot pepper flakes
• 1 14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes in thick puree
• 2 chopped fresh  tomatoes
• 2 Tbs. drained capers
• 1/2 cup pitted chopped black olives
• 1 Tbs. each chopped rosemary, Italian parsley and basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions resevering 1 cup of the water before draining
2. Meanwhile in a large nonstick saute pan heat the oil and butter to medium heat
3. Add the shrimp, garlic, red pepper flakes salt and pepper the shrimp now
4. Sautee stirring occasionally until the shrimp are just done about 5 minutes
5. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside
6. Add the fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, reserved pasta water, herbs, capers and olives to the saute pan
7. Simmer covered for 15 minutes
8. Return shrimp to saute pan just to heat through
9. Toss the shrimp with the pasta
10. Sprinkle with additional chopped Italian parsley …. ENJOY

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini

Is it just me, or does December seem to be the shortest month of the year? And question number two who’s looking for a quick and easy pasta recipe?

I have the answer to question two. I am always looking for quick and easy especially this time of year. So I came up with this  quick, easy Creamy Chicken Broccoli recipe the comes together in less than 3o minutes.

That’s right as long as it takes to cook the pasta you can have this restaurant quality meal on your table. Bite tender chicken, crisp tender broccoli, a hint of tomatoes in a garlic light cream sauce and full of Italian flavors, will make this one of the go to recipes, when your craving Italian and  need quick and easy too!!!

3 Tips When Making Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini

One: when your cooking the chicken for this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Fettuccini don’t overcook it, and be sure the saute pan is big enough to brown the chicken . Okay I know that was two.

Next, always under cook the pasta just a bit this allows for the reheat. And finally always save some pasta water, this step is easily missed.

And let me tell you, the pasta water with all it’s starch is a magical ingredient that thickens the sauce and adds more flavor. I always save more than I need just in case.

Get in the habit of always saving some of the pasta water if your boiling pasta!!

Oh one more thing be sure to deglaze the saute pan. That’s another important step, there’s a lot of flavor in the bottom of the

saute pan be sure to scrape all those brown bits up using a large spoon

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. Hearing from you is my favorite part!!!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. fettuccini
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breast cut in medium chunks
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 lb. broccoli flowerets
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 2 Tablespoons each butter and extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 chopped onion
• pinch of nutmeg
• 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
• 2 Tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
• 1 cups reserved pasta water
• 1 cup chicken stock or wine white
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook el dente adding the broccoli the last 3 minutes remove broccoli run under cold water, set aside. And reserve two cups of the pasta water before draining
2. Salt and pepper chicken chunks dust lightly with the four
3. Saute the Chicken until golden brown and cooked through about 10 minutes remove and set aside
4. Add the  tomatoes, garlic and onion saute until tender and just beginning to brown
5. Deglaze the pan with chicken stock or white wine scraping up all the brown bits at the bottom simmer a few minutes
6. Add the cream, nutmeg, reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese simmer 15 minutes or until sauce thickens
7. Return chicken and broccoli add the chopped spinach to saute pan cook just to wilt the spinach
8. Add the drained fettuccini
9. Sprinkle with Italian parsley and additional parmesan cheese

Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle

Happy December!!! It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it can also be the most stressful time of the year.

Try this Easy Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle recipe for a stress free meal, everyone will love. Pappardelle pasta, bacon and prosciutto in a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to a golden brown sure to impress family and friends. 

I like simple recipes that come together quickly, don’t use many  ingredients, and if you can put it in the oven for a hands free dinner, that’s what dreams are made of.

Customize this Baked Prosciutto Pappardelle Recipe

Yes you can customize this Baked prosciutto Pappardella, recipe to fit your lifestyle and taste. Pappardelle, a wide flat noodle can be a show stopper, you can use any shape pasta you like. You can also use pancetta instead of the bacon or you can leave it out. The same is true for the prosciutto, if you don’t like prosciutto, substitute ham for it.

I bake this Prosciutto Pappardelle recipe in a casserole dish that goes from oven totable in my toaster oven/ fryer. I said it before and I’ll say it again my toaster oven/fryer is the most used appliance in my kitchen and for good reason it’s quick,  easy to use and it fries with no oil!!!!

If you make this delicious recipe please leave me a comment here and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram. I love hearing from you, it’s my favorite part!!!

Happy December my dear friends. I hope the spirit of the   season fill your homes with gratitude and generosity.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. pappardelle
• 1/2 stick butter
• 4 slices bacon diced
• 1/2 cup prosciutto cut into strips
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups low fat milk
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 1/2 chopped onion
• 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
• pinch of nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pappardelle according to  package directions reserving 1 cup of the pasta water before daining
2. In a heavy saucepan cook the bacon in 2 tablespoons of butter until crispy
3. Add the onion and garlic saute until tender and just beginning to brown
4. Sprinkle the flour over the bacon mixture stirring to coat everything in the saute pan cook for 2 minutes
5. Slowly in the milk while stirring  then add the resevered pasta water. Cook until sauce thickens about 10 minutes
6. Add the nutmeg, spinach and parmesan cheese cook 5 minutes longer
7. Pour Pappardelle into buttered casserole dish
8. Top with the shredded mozzarella
9. Place the dish under the broiler until the top is golden brown about 15 minutes
10.  Serve at Once

One Pan Ravioli Recipe

This One Pan Ravioli recipe is so easy when you use store bought ravioli. Sure there’s nothing better than homemade, but if your craving Italian and also want quick and easy, than store bought is the way to go.

There are so many varieties and good quality commercial ravioli  brands you won’t have have problem finding a brand that fits your lifestyle and taste. 

What could be easier than a delicious Italian dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes? Oh I know what’s even better it’s all made in one pan!!!!

For one pan cooking, there’s one important thing the pan needs to be big and deep enough to hold all the ingredients.

Here is a link to my most used deep saute pan when I use the one pan method.

If you make this recipe please leave me a comment and please don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with your creations. I love hearing from you!!!!

Ingredients

• 1 package store bought cheese and spinach ravioli
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 8 oz. sliced cremini mushrooms
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1/2 chopped onion
• 2 Tablespoons chopped Italian parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large saute pan melt the butter over medium heat
2. Saute the onion and garlic until tender and just beginning to brown
3. Add the mushrooms saute until golden salt and pepper now
4. Deglaze the pan with the vegetable stock scraping up the brown bits at the bottom of the pan
5. Add the cream and half of the parmesan cheese simmer covered on low heat until sauce thickens about 10 minutes
6. Add the raviolis and  spinach cook 10 minutes longer
7. Sprinkle with additional parmesan and Italian parsley

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Don’t let the looks of this  Creamy Chicken Gnocchi intimidate you. It’s an easy recipe when you use store bought potato gnocchi.

If you want to go the all home made route you can make my Easy Ricotta Gnocchi. But if you decide to make your owe they need to be cooked in a separate pot of rapidly boiling water until they come to the surface, about 7 minutes and than tossed in the sauce. The same is true with the marinara but marinara sauce is so easy and is one of the sauces I always have on hand. I have linked the recipes for the gnocchi and the marinara. The most important thing about marinara is to use the best tomato products, since tomatoes are the main ingredient.

My absolute favorite is La San Marzano, you can’t always find it in the supermarkets but here is the link to find it on Amazon.

Three Tips When Making Creamy Chicken Gnocchi

Size matters!!! when we’re one pan cooking. The sauté pan has to be big enough and deep enough to hold in this case both the pasta and the sauce. Here’s a link to a good all around one pan cooking pot.

Another thing that’s important is to be sure the oil and butter is hot enough to sear the chicken without burning it.

One more thing, if the sauce is to thick add a little milk if it’s too thick coat a pat of butter with flour and put it in the sauce, the last few minutes.

Ingredients

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breast cut in cubes
• 1/2 LB. store bought or my easy ricotta gnocchi
• 3 cups prepared  marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups chopped spinach
• 2 tablespoons each olive oil and butter
• 2 Tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1/2 small onion chopped
• 1 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons chopped Italian parsley

Instructions

1. In a large sauté pan heat olive oil and butter to medium heat
2. salt and pepper the chicken and sauté until lightly browned
3. Add the garlic and onion sauté until tender and just beginning to brown
4. Add the prepared marinara and cream simmer 15 minutes or until sauce thickens
5. Add the gnocchi and spinach
6. Simmer covered 7 to 10 minutes
7. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and Italian parsley

Sausage broccolini  Orecchiette

This  classic Sausage Broccolini pasta recipe is made with orecchiette  ‘little ear” pasta. You can use different shapes of pasta in this recipe you can without changing the flavor much, but “little ears” is my  family’s favorite.

Traditional the recipe uses broccolini rapi, the Italian broccoli, it tastes similar with  more bite and  bitterness.

If broccoli is all you have then use broccoli, but this might be one of those recipes where you make a trip to Trader Joe’s and buy broccolini rapi.

This recipe is quick, easy and like most of my recipes customizable to fit your lifestyle and diet, it can be on your table in 30 minutes and  become one of your family’s favorite too.

  Customize Sausage Broccolini Orecchiette

This Sausage Broccolini  orecchiette Pasta recipe works well with chicken and  shrimp too.

If you use shrimp saute them 3 minutes per side them remove them from the pan to prevent overcooking, adding them back in at the end just to heat through.

And of course you can use regular broccoli or spinach if that’s what fits your taste .

If you keep following  along pretty soon you wouldn’t be looking at recipes as often, you’ll be able to add and subtract ingredients to fit your lifestyle and taste.

Whatever ingredients you use keep it simple and fresh, and remember when sauteing large quantities  the saute pan needs to be deep enough to hold the ingredients. one pan of this size is all you need. This is the one pan I use from Amazon , it’s the prefect size for one pan cooking and not too expensive.

One more good thing about this recipe, it stay’s fresh in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, for quick meal reheats and it’s freezer friendly for ready made meals.

Let me know if you made this recipe. Please leave me a  comment and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, I love  hearing from you !!!!

Ingredients

• 1/2 lbs. orecchiette pasta
• I Lb broccoli rabi
• 1 lb chicken Italian sausage casings removed
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups resevered pasta water
• 2 Tbs. chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup parmesan
• 1 Tbs. each chopped Italian parsley, basil, thyme and hot pepper flakes
• 2 Tbs. each olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instruction

1. Heat oil
2. Cook sausage until golden brown breaking up the pieces
3. Add onion and garlic saute until tender and beginning to brown
4. Add trimmed and cleaned broccolini
5. Add chicken stock, resevered pasta water and herbs
6. Simmer  10 minutes
7. Toss cooked orecehiette  in sauce
8. Adjust salt and pepper
9. Top with  parmesan……. Enjoy!!!