Wagon Wheel Pasta Plate Food

DUMP-AND-BAKE WAGON WHEEL PASTA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish (or two 8-inch square baking dishes) with cooking spray.
• In the prepared dish (or in a separate bowl), stir together dry (uncooked) pasta, marinara sauce, water, salt and basil (if using). Cover tightly with foil.
• Bake (covered) for 25 minutes.
• Remove dish from oven, take off cover, and give the pasta a stir. At this point it should be almost done, but still a bit firm ("al dente").
• Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) for an additional 5-10 minutes -- or just until the cheese is melted and the pasta is tender.
• Garnish with optional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. About 30 seconds before the pasta is done, add the broccoli florets and corn kernels. Cook for 30 seconds and then drain into a colander. Run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking. Keep the pasta draining in the colander while you make the dressing.
• Whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and a few grinds of black pepper.
• Add the well-drained pasta, broccoli, and corn to the bowl, along with the ham, cheese, tomatoes, parsley and scallions, if using. Toss together. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

WAGON WHEELS PASTA AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°; spray 12 (1 cup) ovenproof ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup butter over med-high heat until melted and hot.
• Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt; add chicken to skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until cooked through.
• Add flour and remaining 1 teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes or until blended and smooth.
• Gradually stir in milk.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes or until mixture is slightly thickened.
• Add cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
• Stir in broccoli.
• Add cooked pasta to cheese mixture, stirring gently until well blended.
• Spoon mixture into prepared baking dishes.
• In a small bowl, combine panko and melted butter.
• Sprinkle over casseroles; bake 15-20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
• Let stand to cool slightly before serving.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA WITH RICOTTA CHEESE, BACON, AND PEAS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Boil pasta, uncovered, for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
• Remove from heat, drain the pasta, and then return the pasta to the pot.
• Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium heat in a heavy skillet.
• Add the onion and sauté until soft and lightly brown, about 3 minutes; remove from heat, and add the onion to the pasta.
• Cook bacon strips in the same skillet until crisp, set on a paper towel to drain.
• Once cool, crumble into small pieces, and add to the pasta.
• Add the chicken broth, peas, ricotta cheese, egg, basil, parsley, parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to the pasta, and stir to combine.
• Transfer pasta to a 7x11 casserole dish.
• Sprinkle Fontina cheese and bread crumbs on top and bake in oven for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and the bread crumbs have turned a golden brown.

WAGON TRAIN PASTA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the egg, salt, garlic and pepper. Add beef and mix well. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs; mix gently. , Crumble beef mixture into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2-4 minutes or until heated through. , Drain pasta; place in a serving bowl. Add beef mixture; sprinkle with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Toss until pasta is well coated and cheese is melted. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

WAGON WHEEL PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, beans, cheese, tomatoes, peppers and onions., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, picante sauce, salt and cumin; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.