pasta – Urban Retro Recipes

You Don’t Have To Be A Professional Chef To Get The BEST Flavors In Your Pasta

Marci Seither — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 18:35:43 +0000

Some Things Just Take Time To Simmer.

There are times when you need to make something extra memorable and special. You know those times. Your daughter and son in law just announced they are having a baby. Your son comes home after boot camp. A sister survives breast cancer. Retirements, anniversaries, and the list goes on.

Sure it would be great to have a quick casserole that takes less than 30 minutes from the time you put it in the oven to when you can place it on the table. Some things take time. In fact I think that TIME, just like Thyme, is a very valuable ingredient.

This is one of those recipes. The kind that leave garlic smell on your fingers and an aroma that the people can inhale before you even open the door.

This is a recipe that will be part of someones memory for a long time. So get out the pot, and get ready for something amazing to happen when this famous chef shared her recipe with us, and we in turn, share it with those we love.

Bon Apetite!

This is what Anne Burrell has to say about this savory recipe.

Years ago, I was working at a tiny restaurant in Tuscany. This is where I first learned to make ragù—an unbelievably delicious sauce that I would let cook for hours and hours.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If you have some zucchini to add in the last 15 minutes of cooking feel free!

Recipe adapted from from COOK LIKE A ROCK STAR by Anne Burrell. Image courtesy of Kick and Dinner.

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Looking for Love In All The Right Places

Marci Seither — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 21:26:01 +0000

My Dining Table It the Right Place For This Pasta Dish!

I am very sure that good food is my families “Love Language”. Wehn they walk in the door and are greated with garlic and basil leaves being stirred together is is like a huge hug.
Seriously, this is one of those dished that you make and wonder why you have never thought of it before.
I love that the sauce is so much lighter than a heavy marinara sauce or Alfredo sauce and the sun dried tomatoes are the perfect touch to this Italian inspired dish.

I think we sometimes don’t stop to think about what we have in our pantry or refridge to make dinner. Sometimes we think we have to stop and get one or two things at the store every day. That is so expensive and time consuming, plus I can’t even count how many times I have walked into a store to get milk and come out with several bags of groceries I didn’t even know I needed.

So much of this recipe is from fresh food, so next time you are at the store or farmers market go ahead and pick up a few of these ingredients. You will be glad you did and so will your family.
Because this is a basic recipe you can add in what you want such as diced onions, zucchini, bell peppers and even olives.
So what are you waiting for. Apron up and let’s get some love cookin right now!

This is what Julia says about this recipe.

What makes this pasta very special is that in addition to fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and spinach, I also used sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to add lots of flavor!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If you would rather have swap out chicken for Italian sausage feel free!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Julia at Julias album.

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The School Bell is About to Ring..so is the Dinner Bell!

Marci Seither — Wed, 02 Aug 2017 02:29:51 +0000

What happened to summer! I mean we should still be buying stuff for S’mores not stuff for backpacks.

I remember that school didn’t start until after the Jerry Lewis telethon.

Raise your hand it you remember that? Thank you. I see those hands wildly waving in the back.
Now, the school where our kiddo attends is starting in the middle of August! Goodbye summer days, hello weeknight routines!

Part of that routine is having a good meal plan. I need to know what we are having way before the kids ask that dreaded question..”What’s For Dinner?”

The other thing I don’t love during the busy nights of school activities is a huge dinner mess. Planning ahead helps with that as well. This One Pot dinner is one of those bare bones recipes that you can add to. Kind of like a blank canvas!

So go ahead. Plan to make this, but then add in the things your family loves such as olives, hot sausage, corn, you name it.

Help make dinner time a time to reconnect. A time to celebrate the little things, and a time to reflect on what is truly important in our lives.

Here is what Milisa has to say about this pasta dish.

This one pot pasta is easy to customize with your favorites. You could sub in ground beef or chicken for the Italian sausage and mushrooms, peppers, onions or spinach would be great additions.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: Keep the ingredients handy for this super easy supper. Show your kids how to make it. If you are not home, they can feed themselves. Doing their own laundry so their new t-shirts aren’t pink..well that is a whole other ball of wax my friend. Best of luck on that!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Milisa of Miss In the Kitchen.

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Afraid to fix the wrong thing? Time to come out of your shell!

Marci Seither — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 07:00:11 +0000

Take the stress out of dinner with this recipe.

I remember the first time I tried Alfredo sauce. It came in a jar and was really salty and runny.

Not a good first impression for sure. In fact, I don’t think I ever put Alfredo ANYthing on the menu for years.

Until I learned how to make the sauce myself from scratch using real ingredients.

Once I saw how super easy it was I can’t believe anyone would ever buy a jar of sauce again!

And as much as I love the thought of stuffed shells, there are several types of pasta that work as well.

So use what you have, or better yet, if you have picky eaters, let them pick out the pasta noodles they like and watch them try to eat what is in front of them.

This is a pretty low key meal so for those just getting your kids on table food or if you are going to someone’s home and want to take a dish this one is sure to please.

This is what Elyse of Six Sisters Stuff has to say about her recipe.

My husband and kids LOVE anything with alfredo sauce. I whipped up these Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells in a matter of minutes and they ate it just as quickly! I love recipes that my picky eaters love!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If you don’t want to cook up a chicken go ahead and just buy a rotisserie chicken.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Elyse and Six Sisters Stuff

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This Recipe Is As Easy as 1-2-3!

Marci Seither — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 01:41:25 +0000

WARNING:This dish may become highly addictive. Cook with caution and eat responsibly :~)

I just looked over the Sunday paper and saw the Target ads for all the adorable mix and match dorm room items.From comfy chairs, to throw pillows and desk organizers.

But you know one of the most important things your college bound kids need?

They need to know how to COOK!

Now it is true that many will be moving into a dorm room with other students and they will have a meal card that makes living on their own..almost like living at home, but sooner than later it is going to happen. They are going to have to start fixing their own food.

You would be surprised that many students going off to college do not know how to do laundry let alone do basic cooking.
Have no fear. If one of your kids is leaving the nest, or if you are getting ready to move out on your own and feel a bit anxious about the whole meal and food thing. This recipe is a great place to start.

Prep time is only 10 minutes and cook time is only 5!

The other thing about a great bare bones recipe like this one is that you can add all your favorite foods to make it yours. Love sun dried tomatoes and pesto? BAM..you just came up with something unique.

Since you can add veggies and even diced meats into this, just think, one big mug of this and your dishes are at a minimal as well.

This is what Sarah and Zach of Heels and Grills has to say about this quick and easy recipe

This Cream Cheese Garlic Alfredo is super quick and easy to whip up and tastes better than any restaurant Alfredo I’ve ever had! Made from butter, cream cheese, garlic powder, cream, and Parmesan – it tastes so good.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip : I am always watching my calories, I try to substitute the cream for unflavored greek yogurt or half and half, but that is just my personal preference. See, I told you this was a great recipe for creating your favorite dish!

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Sarah and Zack at High Heels and Grills

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Looking For a Make-Over For Your Favorite Classics?

Marci Seither — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 22:49:46 +0000

This Italian twist on a classic flavor will knock your socks off!

Boxed Mac and Cheese is quick and cheap. It is something that starving college students have in their pantry next to the top Ramen noodles.

The bright yellow powder you mix into the hot noodles is not what I would call appetizing. You don’t have to settle. Get creative, but use REAL ingredients!

I love homemade baked macaroni and cheese. It goes with so many things and is such a classic! Plus there are so many variations of it!

When we were kids my mom used to make homemade mac and cheese. It was heavenly. But, sometimes even great things need a bit of refreshing and I think this recipe might just be the make-over I was looking for. Not so much of a change that it feels like a totally different recipe, but enough of a difference that you stop and think, “Whoa, what did I just put in my mouth?

Not so much of a change that it feels like a totally different recipe, but enough of a difference that you stop and think, “Whoa, what did I just put in my mouth?

In fact, the last time I made this I took it a step further and added a fistful of fresh spinach that I cut into thin ribbons, and diced up Italian Squash. What a great way to get in extra nutrition and it really made the dish beautiful.

My daughter makes a recipe like this and the last time she added broccoli and diced ham. Really this can be a one-dish wonder!

As in I Wonder why I didn’t make this sooner!

This is what Amy of The Idea Rome has to say about this family friendly Mac and Cheese.

So cheesy and full of flavor, this is a mac and cheese recipe the whole family will love…especially the adults! It also is a meal that doesn’t take a lot of time to prepare, so you can whip it up on those crazy weeknight evenings.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: Let your kids help pick out their favorite shape of pasta, it might be a spiral or a bow-tie, but if they get to pick it out, chances are they will eat it.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Amy for The Idea Room.

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Bold and Spicy…Might Be the Best Thing Since The Godfather!

Marci Seither — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 02:22:32 +0000

Not sure what to fix for dinner for your family? Take it to the mattress!

Ok I admit I am one of the few adults that has never seen the Godfather. What can I say? I am a lightweight when it comes to scary movies!

But I do know that taking it to the mattress means fighting it out..which is sometimes what the dinner hour feels like.

I know the Godfather is really a movie icon but I am just not sure I can stomach the gore. But even if you haven’t seen any of the Godfather movies, chances are you have heard about several of the scenes and can quote a few of the lines.

I thought it was funny in “You’ve Got Mail” how references to the Godfather kept coming up. It really must be a guy thing. But you know what, so is food! Which is why Italians love their recipes involving pasta, marinara sauce,and would rather “leave the gun and take the cannoli”!

So get down to business in the kitchen, where it is for the whole mob or just a few and start cooking this Italian favorite that was shared to the Food Network by Giada De Laurentiis.

“Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.- Don Corleone”

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: For a great add on- cook up angel hair pasta and serve this over it. Add a side salad and bread sticks and you are ready to roll.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com

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Only six Ingredients? Nailed this on my first try!

Marci Seither — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 23:37:41 +0000

Pasta Salad is one of my favorite dishes because you can serve it cold! And it goes with anything you pull off the BBQ!

I adore pasta salad and I think I have made it different almost every time. Why? Because it is the best way to use up extra diced bell peppers or olives that you have in the fridge.
I love that you can serve it as is, or add diced chicken or ham in it.

If you are rushed for time and just realized you don’t have anything planned for dinner, swing into Costco. You can pick up all the ingredients, including my favorite basil pesto, french bread, and even a rotisserie chicken to cut up. Really, this can be a side dish or actually star as the main course.

Really, this can be a side dish or actually star as the main course. I am leaning toward the main course! It is so easy to make and clean-up so why not?

If you have any left over trust me it will taste even better the following day. The flavors just meld together in a way that makes you want to hum a happy tune while cleaning up.
Since there isn’t any heavy sauce added, this is a great lighter fare.

For Farmer’s Market enthusiasts, this is also a great recipe to think of and if you are super ambitious to feel free to make your own pesto- see recipe below.

This is what Lauren from Tastes Beter From Scratch has to say about this summer salad classic.

I love adding homemade basil pesto to this recipe but it’s delicious with a high-quality store-bought pesto too. If you’re looking for a super fast and easy summer side dish that’s packed with flavor, this one is for you!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: Want to make your own Pesto? No problemo! If you are already going to the farmer’s market or if you happen to have a healthy basil plant you might as well whip this up. Just put all the below ingredients into your food processor and puree.

3 cups fresh basil leaves.
3 cloves garlic.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
Splash of fresh lemon juice, more or less according to your taste buds.
About ½ cup olive oil (or oil of your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Laren of Tastes Better From Scratch

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This Dish Is One Of The Most Popular On the Internet. Find Out Why.

Marci Seither — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 22:16:36 +0000

I love pesto so the thought of a pesto chicken? Yeah..that is totally up my Menu Ally.

Recently I joined the local Weight Watchers. I know I need to lose a few sizes to get to the weight on my drivers license. I know I can do it, but my problem? I love to eat!

I mean with all the yummy recipes I have been writing and trying how could a gal even think about calories.

Wrong.

This dish is only 7 points on Weight Watcher.

Sure you can serve it over pasta to add a few more points but you can also make pasta from your zucchini using the Spirilazer.

Either way, this chicken dish is a huge hit with out family because it is big on taste, but waistline and budget friendly.

This is what Katerina of Diethood has to say about her dish.

Create a restaurant-style meal at home with this flavor-packed, creamless Creamy Pesto Chicken dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes! Your tummy will thank you.

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE LIST OF INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: If you splash a bit of white wine in bottom of pan after cooking chicken it helps to release all the fat and pieces of meat.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Katerina of Diethood

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CHICKEN BRUSCHETTA ..Bow Ties Optional :~D

Marci Seither — Sun, 25 Jun 2017 22:24:49 +0000

Family Favorite, Fuss Free, and Flavorful in under 30 minutes! FANTASTIC!

Don’t you wish you could just hire someone to come in and cook all your meals or at least do some of the buying and prepping? Well, that is what I do part time for another family. when I was telling someone about my part time household managing job they commented, “Wow, I need to hire you to come to my house!”

I thought about it for a minute and replied..”I need me to come to my house!”

We have had so many life changes in the last few years that some of my basic homemaking skills have suffered a tad. Basically, it is easy to get out of a good routine and so much work to get back on track.

Having a handful of recipes like this one really helps. A LOT!

This is what Katerina from Diethood has to say about her recipe.

I feel that dinner is that one meal of the day that we should all try to eat together as a family, and that it should almost never be delivery. Unless it’s Friday, then it’s okay. Or Monday. Take it from someone who cooks almost all meals from scratch – this stuff is GOOD. Really, really good!

GO TO THE NEXT PAGE TO GET INGREDIENTS AND DIRECTIONS.

Quick Tip: I know I have mentioned this before, but if you don’t have time to cook up chicken, just buy a rotisserie chicken at Costco and cut it up..divide it into two bags because you might have enough for two meals!!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Katerina of Diethood.

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pasta – Urban Retro Recipes

You Don’t Have To Be A Professional Chef To Get The BEST Flavors In Your Pasta

Some Things Just Take Time To Simmer.

Quick Tip: If you have some zucchini to add in the last 15 minutes of cooking feel free!

Looking for Love In All The Right Places

My Dining Table It the Right Place For This Pasta Dish!

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Julia at Julias album. AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post Looking for Love In All The Right Places appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

The School Bell is About to Ring..so is the Dinner Bell!

What happened to summer! I mean we should still be buying stuff for S’mores not stuff for backpacks.

Afraid to fix the wrong thing? Time to come out of your shell!

Take the stress out of dinner with this recipe.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Elyse and Six Sisters Stuff

This Recipe Is As Easy as 1-2-3!

WARNING:This dish may become highly addictive. Cook with caution and eat responsibly :~)

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Sarah and Zack at High Heels and Grills

Looking For a Make-Over For Your Favorite Classics?

This Italian twist on a classic flavor will knock your socks off!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Amy for The Idea Room.

Bold and Spicy…Might Be the Best Thing Since The Godfather!

Not sure what to fix for dinner for your family? Take it to the mattress!

Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com AmpedSense.OptimizeAdSpot('BP')The post Bold and Spicy…Might Be the Best Thing Since The Godfather! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Only six Ingredients? Nailed this on my first try!

Pasta Salad is one of my favorite dishes because you can serve it cold! And it goes with anything you pull off the BBQ!

Recipe and Photo courtesy of Laren of Tastes Better From Scratch

This Dish Is One Of The Most Popular On the Internet. Find Out Why.

I love pesto so the thought of a pesto chicken? Yeah..that is totally up my Menu Ally.

CHICKEN BRUSCHETTA ..Bow Ties Optional :~D

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Katerina of Diethood.

Photo and Recipe courtesy of Julia at Julias album.

The post Looking for Love In All The Right Places appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Food.com

The post Bold and Spicy…Might Be the Best Thing Since The Godfather! appeared first on Urban Retro Recipes.