Southwestern Cavatappi Food

SOUTHWESTERN CAVATAPPI

Steps:

• Brown meat in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray; drain. Stir in salsa, zucchini and chili powder; simmer on low heat 10 min., stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cook pasta as directed on package.
• Stir corn and 1/2 cup cheese into meat mixture; cook 3 min. or until cheese is melted, stirring frequently.
• Drain pasta; place in large bowl. Add meat mixture, lime juice and cilantro; mix lightly. Top with remaining cheese.

BAKED CAVATAPPI WITH SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 500˚ F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, cook the sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to a plate using a slotted spoon.
• Heat 1 more tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and herbes de Provence and cook 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, sausage and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more cooking water. Stir the pasta into the sauce.
• Whisk the ricotta, 1/4 cup cheese blend, the lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 3 tablespoons cooking water in a bowl. Layer half of the pasta and ricotta mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish, then top with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture and cheese blend. Bake until bubbly, 8 to 10 minutes.
• Toss the lettuce with the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Serve with the pasta.

CAVATAPPI AND GOAT CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions(10-11 minutes). Drain.
• Heat oil in saucepan. Add onions and cook slowly until golden and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally.
• To toast walnuts, place in a separate preheated skillet(preferably non-stick) and saute for a few minutes.
• Combine goat cheese and milk in a small bowl and mix until well blended. Set aside.
• Add garlic to onion in skillet, cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine, sage, salt and black pepper. Cook until liquid has evaporated.
• Remove from heat; add pasta and goat cheese mixture, stirring to melt cheese. Sprinkle with walnuts. Enjoy!
• Refrigerate any leftovers.

CAVATAPPI & CHEESE

Steps:

• Prepare cavatappi according to package directions, set aside.
• In the same pot add cheese and milk to pan and melt stirring constantly over medium heat until thoroughly melted.
• Stir in cavatappi until well coated.
• Let stand 5 min before serving.