Jens Pasta Salad Recipes

JEN'S BROCCOLI SALAD WITH BACON

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Put broccoli florets into water just long enough to turn bright green, about 10 seconds. Remove and place immediately into a bowl of ice water. Let cool, about 5 minutes; drain.
• Combine broccoli, bacon, red onion, tomatoes, and Cheddar cheese in a bowl.
• Combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, sour cream, and sugar in a separate bowl. Mix until all ingredients are combined and smooth. Add to broccoli mixture and toss gently. Cover and refrigerate overnight, 8 hours to overnight.

JEN'S CHORIZO PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Cook the sausages on the preheated grill, turning occasionally, until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Cut into bite sized pieces; set aside.
• Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
• Meanwhile, melt 1 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cream and red pepper flakes; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Keep warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep smooth.
• Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion, red bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender. Once tender, stir in the chorizo pieces, and cook until hot. Combine with the penne pasta and Parmesan cream sauce to serve.

JEN'S PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook the pasta according to directions on box.
• In a large bowl, mix ziti, cubed salami, broccoli, carrots, pepper, and 1/2 bottle salad dressing all together.
• Place in refrigerator to let the flavors blend for up to 24 hours.
• When ready to serve mix in the rest of the salad dressing and sprinkle the cheese on top.
• Serve immediately.