9/27/10

Pasta Fagioli (Pasta and Beans)

Ingredients:



1 onion, diced

1 stalk celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped fine
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1 pinch of oregano and thyme
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1 can chicken broth
2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
(or 1 can diced tomatoes)
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup uncooked pasta
1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, with liquid
*optional-crumbled sausage, other fresh vegetables you prefer*

Directions:

In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook celery, onion, garlic, parsley, seasonings, red pepper, salt and pepper until onion is translucent. Stir in chicken broth, tomatoes and tomato sauce, and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes.

Add pasta and cook 10 minutes, until pasta is tender.

Add un-drained beans and mix well. Heat through. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Krystle's Chicken and Spinach Pasta Casserole

Prep Time: 10 min
Inactive Prep Time:
Cook Time: 40 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, chopped and drained
1 pound of Gemelli pasta, or bowties etc...cooked and drained
6 cups shredded chicken, cooked

*optional: sliced mushrooms*
(I used a cooked rotisserie chicken from the supermarket)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery)
1 can cream of chicken soup
¼ cup white wine
4 TBS Dijon mustard
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups milk
1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
*optional: chopped cooked bacon or shredded cheddar on top*


Directions



Preheat oven to 375 F.

Put the shredded chicken, pasta and spinach into a large bowl.

In another large bowl, combine the soups, sour cream, cheddar, lemon juice, curry powder, mustard, salt and pepper, to taste, and wine. Whisk together to make a sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken, pasta and spinach. Mix well.

Place the mixture into an 11 by 7-inch casserole dish sprayed with non-stick cook spray. Combine the Parmesan, bread crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top.

*Can also add shredded cheddar or crumbled bacon on top before baking.*

Bake for about 30 to 45 minutes or browned and crisp around the edges.