Chef Boy I Be Illinois Ligurian Pasta Food

GUY COOKS WITH KIDS: E.J. AND GUY'S PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat a saute pan over high heat, add the olive oil and allow to come up to a high temperature. Add the onions and cook until slightly softened, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the sausage and red bell peppers, making sure to move the pan around and to continue stirring for even cooking. Cook 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the mushrooms and broccoli and cook 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly. (The garlic should take on a golden color, but be sure to not let it burn.) Stir in the chopped chicken and cook 1 to 2 minutes.
• Deglaze the pan by adding the chicken stock. Stir around to coat all the ingredients. Add the pasta to the pan, stir to coat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the cream sprinkle in the cheese and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the parsley and spinach. Remove the pasta from the heat.
• Pour the pasta onto a plate, top with the tomatoes and more cheese, if desired.

CHEF-BOY-I-BE ILLINOIS' SCALLOPED POTATOES AND HAM

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• A food processor makes the grating and slicing easy! In a bowl, combine the processed vegetables with the flour, spices and cheese. Use your hands to really toss around so the flour coats everything.
• Add the cubed ham and toss one more time.
• Put half the mixture in bottom of 2 quart casserole, pour 1/2 of the broth over.
• Put rest of mixture in casserole and pour rest of broth over.
• Top with extra cheese if desired.
• Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
• Remove foil and reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for another 15 minutes.
• Test potatoes for desired tenderness with a knife.

CHEF-BOY-I-BE-ILLINOIS' SIMPLE PASTA SAUCE

Steps:

• Saute onions, garlic, black pepper and red pepper flakes in oil until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
• Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 25-30 minutes uncovered.
• Serve over your favorite pasta, chicken parmigiana, stuffed pasta shells, etc.

CHEF-BOY-I-BE ILLINOIS' LIGURIAN PASTA

Steps:

• Dice potatoes into 1 inch cubes and saute in olive oil until crisp and brown on the outside and easily pierced with knife. Salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained green beans to warm through.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to directions on box.
• Add the pesto to the vegetables and mix thoroughly.
• Add cooked and drained pasta to vegetables and mix thoroughly. Can add some of the pasta water if necessary.
• Serve with a side salad, crusty bread and freshly grated parmesan to pass.