Pasta/4 recipes

This is great spread across the top of broiled salmon or halibut fillets. You can also toss it with pasta as a simple side dish, or add broiled or steamed slices of chicken, seafood, or vegetables to make a main dish.

During the fall and winter I make homemade soup once a week. I’ve got dozens of delicious soup recipes, but the Pizza Soup was the favorite of our sons, Keith and Mark. It’s really easy to make. I apologize for the inexact quantities, but this is another recipe that I’ve never written down…and haven’t made it since last winter! I’ve given the basic recipe, but don’t be afraid to add other items you enjoy on your pizza…including a dash of red pepper sauce!

Ramen noodles upgraded with cubed chicken, broccoli florets, and cream of mushroom soup for a 30-minute pantry dinner. Cheap, filling, and way better than the packet alone.

Spicy cold peanut noodles with soy sauce, hot bean sauce, garlic, and sesame oil tossed with chow mein noodles. Ready in 25 minutes for a quick Chinese-inspired weeknight dinner.

Asian-inspired sesame dressing with toasted sesame seeds, peanut butter, roasted garlic, dry mustard, and a sweet-tangy vinaigrette base. Ready in 5 minutes.

One-pot vegetarian noodles with broccoli, yams, and mushrooms tossed in melted mozzarella, soy sauce, and thyme. Everything cooks in the same pot of water.

Leftover turkey makes this delicious and creamy dish, and it is such an easy and simple recipe to make as well.

Wild mushroom and pasta souffle folds fine egg noodles and sauteed wild mushrooms into a porcini-Parmesan bechamel, lightened with whipped egg whites so it bakes up airy and golden. An elegant mushroom-lover's main.

Classic Italian lasagna with a homemade ground beef and tomato meat sauce, cottage cheese and egg filling, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Layered, baked, and worth every minute.

Crawfish au gratin baked in a rich double-cheddar sauce with sauteed bell pepper, celery, and onion. A bubbly, cheesy Cajun casserole that's pure Louisiana comfort food.

Salsa pesto blends fresh basil, garlic, and onion with butter, olive oil, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts for a richer, creamier spin on classic Genovese pesto. Toss with pasta, spread on grilled bread, or spoon over roast chicken.

Mexican style lasagne with enchilada sauce, black beans, cottage cheese, and cheddar, layered with uncooked noodles that bake right in the sauce. Vegetarian, feeds 6 to 8, one pan cleanup.

Grilled lamb chops with Gorgonzola cream sauce reduced from white wine, heavy cream, blue cheese, and butter. A steakhouse-style entree for special-occasion dinners.

Raw zucchini and yellow squash salad with Roma tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and apple cider vinegar. Low-fat, vegan, and versatile over pasta or rice.

Stir-fried rice noodles tossed with garlic, ginger, shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, and fresh basil, finished with crushed peanuts and lime. A vegan Thai noodle dish ready in under 40 minutes.

Pasta frittata turns leftover spaghetti, cooked vegetables, and shredded cheese into a one-skillet meal bound with eggs. Italian frugal cooking at its smartest, ready in 15 minutes.