It's not just a pasta world! This is a thread for any Italian-inspired recipes either of your own design, or that you've tried from another source!
If taken from another chef (that you're aware) be sure to link the source for us all to enjoy!
Italian-Style Recipes
4 posts in this topic.
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Pepperjack Bacon Penne
What You'll Need:
1 Box or Package of Penne or Penne Rigate
1/2 Pack of bacon (spicy or pre-peppered bacon is a bonus)
1 can of crushed tomatoes
1/2 block of Pepperjack Cheese
1/2 Medium onion, diced (preferably red or Vidalia)
2 tbspn of tomato paste
1 tbspn Oregano
1 tbspn Basil
2 tspn Cayenne
2 tspn sugar
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What to Do:
1.) In a large boiling pot, cook the pasta of your choice (preferably penne) until al dente (toothsome but not fragile). Be sure to salt the water liberally before cooking is underway.
2.) Meanwhile, begin frying your bacon. I use a mixture of olive oil and butter to keep flavor in, but burning out. Season with mild salt and liberal pepper. If you want the extra indulgent and unhealthy undertone of bacon in your sauce, reserve about 2 tbspn of the bacon grease to add to your marinara.
3.) In a small saucepan, sautee your onion until mildly translucent. They will continue to cook in another medium, so be conservative. Salt and pepper as if you were going to munch on them solo.
4.) When your pasta has about 5 minutes remaining of cook time, add your can of tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, spices and herb mixture (and the bacon grease, if you reserved it) to that medium saucepan containing the onion. Simmer on low heat and mix, crush, and otherwise coalesce until a smooth-yet-substantial sauce is formed. By experience, I'd say add the optional bacon grease last in order to maintain control of the consistency of the sauce. Know that this is a mother sauce, and can be transformed into anything of your choosing. Season liberally, as this is the main conduit of flavor in your dish.
5.) Once the pasta completes its cooking, add the pasta to the mother sauce and remove from heat. Combine until all pasta is coated and sticky with sauce.
6.) Crumble up the bacon (or cut into small, bite-sized pieces) and combine in your saucepan until it's evenly distributed. Turn your oven on broil so it can begin heating.
7.) In a large-enough baking dish, add 1/2 your pasta and cover in a layer of grated Pepperjack cheese. Add the second half of the pasta and top, again, with pepperjack.
8.) Place the baking dish beneath the broiler (directly on the top rack of an oven, if you didn't know) and bake until the cheese begins to brown.
9.) Remove from the oven and portion into servings.
Total prep and cook time is approx. 40 minutes; possibly longer if your oven has a weak broiler. This recipe using one package of pasta will feed three easily for a dinner serving; four if a lunch serving. -
I forgot to mention--if you don't feel like making your own marinara sauce, feel free to use a jar. Just portion it wisely so you don't overdress your pasta. Also, the flavor is never quite the same as one you make on your own!
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I also forgot to mention garlic. Three cloves for the sauce, minced.
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