Giadas Sauceless Pasta So Good Recipes

GIADA'S SAUCELESS PASTA- SO GOOD

Steps:

• cut asparagus into 1-2 inch pieces.
• in a large skillet, (deep if you have it) melt butter.
• saute mushrooms and asparagus.
• meanwhile, cook pasta in water with salt according to package.
• drain pasta, reserving a cup of the salty starchy water.
• add the pasta to the cooked mushrooms and asparagus.
• stir in the mascarpone and parmesan cheese.
• add water if you need to (i usually only add a couple TBS).
• add nutmeg.
• garnish with nuts and extra parmesan.
• **sometimes I add cajun chicken or shrimp on top too!

PASTA E FAGIOLI (BY GIADA DE LAURENTIIS)

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, bacon, and garlic and saute until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
• Add the broth, beans, and herbs (thyme, bay leaves, rosemary) . Cover and bring to a boil over high heat, then decrease the heat to medium and simmer until the vegetables are very tender, about 10 minutes.
• Puree 1 cup of the bean mixture in a blender until smooth*. Before putting the puree back into the soup, add the macaroni and boil with the lid on until it is tender but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. You can also add sausage or ham at this time as well.
• Return the puree to the remaining soup in the saucepan and stir well. Season the soup with ground black pepper and red pepper flakes.
• Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle with some Parmesan and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
• *When blending hot liquids: Remove liquid from the heat and allow to cool for at least 5 minutes. Transfer liquid to a blender or food processor and fill it no more than halfway. If using a blender, release one corner of the lid. This prevents the vacuum effect that creates heat explosions. Place a towel over the top of the machine, pulse a few times then process on high speed until smooth.