Mini Penne With Sweet Peppers And Parmigiano Reggiano Food

MINESTRONE WITH PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, celery, garlic, carrots and pancetta and cook, stirring, until soft, about 5 minutes. Add 4 cups water, the cabbage, chard, potato, chicken stock, tomatoes and bouquet garni. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook 25 to 30 minutes.
• Place half of the beans (1 1/2 cups) in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the bean puree and the whole beans to the soup and simmer 10 minutes. Add the spinach and cook 2 more minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with cheese.

MINESTRONE WITH SAUTEED CROUTONS AND PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, to flavor the oil. Remove the garlic, add the bread cubes and toss to coat. Saute until golden brown on all sides, season lightly with salt. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
• Heat oil in a 4 quart pot, add the onion, celery, garlic, carrot and pancetta and cook until soft. Add the cabbage, chard, potato, water, broth, tomatoes and bouquet garni. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Place half of the beans (1 1/2 cups) in a food processor and process until smooth. Add the puree and the whole beans to the simmering soup. Simmer the soup for about 5 minutes. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with sauteed croutons and cheese.

PENNE PECORINO

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, for 10 to 12 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the penne according to package directions in lightly salted water. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
• Increase the heat under the skillet to medium-high and stir the cooked penne and reserved pasta water into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer and reduce until it thickens, for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until partially melted.
• Top with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.

MINI PENNE WITH SWEET PEPPERS AND PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to boil. Season water with salt to taste (optional).
• In a large skillet, gently saute chopped onions in olive oil for five minutes over medium heat.
• Meanwhile dice the peppers into 1/2 inch squares, add to the skillet and saute for three minutes over medium heat.
• Season with salt, pepper and add the broth. Keep cooking until sauce is reduced.
• Meanwhile cook pasta according to package directions, drain and toss with the sauce.
• Stir in chopped basil and cheese before serving.