Mediterranean Chorizo Pasta

Mediterranean food usually reminds me of a warm summer evening but it's great during the winter season as well. All the ingredients for this pasta dish are available year 'round. I used whole wheat elbow pasta, chanterelles (girolles in French), crimini mushrooms, marinated artichokes, black olives, vine mini sweet peppers (orange, yellow and red), capers, plum tomatoes, soy chorizo (or the non-veggie version, depending on your preference) and caramelized onions.

I wanted to make comfort food for my husband that is flavorful while still being healthy for him to eat when he comes back from the gym. Comfort food doesn't always have to be cheese pasta. Of course, if you're not watching your weight, a little cheese sauce would go great!

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Artichoke and Spinach Manicotti Pasta

I stuffed my manicotti with artichoke and spinach, and served the dish gratin-style with a layer of mozzarella cheese over the top and a bed of marinara sauce beneath. The artichoke and spinach mixture evokes the flavors of a dip, which contrasts nicely with the brightness of the marinara.

This is one of my favorite pasta dishes because it's very easy to make, while at the same time having great presentation value. Manicotti have the added benefit of freezing extremely well, so I always make them in large batches.

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Ina Garten's Lemon Pasta (Recipe Review)

I love Ina Garten. I watch her show religiously and I have read through each and every one of her cookbooks. I'm especially fond of Barefoot Contessa at Home. I've tried several of the recipes featured in this cookbook and they've turned out fabulously. My family's favorite is lemon fusilli with arugula. I love the creaminess and velvety texture of the sauce. The lemon zest brightens the dish and the arugula and broccoli help to cut some of the richness. The pasta is served warm with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
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Ricotta Pasta with Fennel

Ricotta pasta is ideal for cold winter days when you're in need of good comfort food. Ricotta is very mild, so I boosted the flavor with parmesan cheese and braised fennel. For extra protein, I added white beans and pine nuts. You can use any shaped pasta, but I happened to have some trottole pasta in the pantry so I went with that. I find the shape so cute; they are corkscrew curled rings with a center stalk. 

I usually make this dish with mascarpone, but after all the decadent holiday treats we've been eating, I was in the mood for something light. Even though the pasta isn't bathed in cream, it's not lacking in flavor.

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Baked Spinach Penne Pasta (Gratin de Pates Aux Epinards)

For me, baked pasta is the ultimate comfort food. What could be better than pasta and spinach mixed with creamy béchamel sauce and smothered in melted cheese? This dish is very similar to a spinach lasagna, but without the extra work of layering everything.

I've found that it's one of the easiest ways to get the girls to eat their vegetables. Each serving is packed with spinach, but who can tell, what with all the cream and cheese? I didn't say it's the healthiest way to get kids to eat their vegetables, just the easiest...

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