Looking for something to do with pasta besides dropping it in some tomato or Alfredo sauce?  Pasta is food you can pick up at the store when you are looking for something to make that is quick and easy.  Who does not want items you can throw in a pot after a long day at work and make a meal in ten minutes?  Pasta with sauce has come to the rescue of many a mom or dad wearing their superhero cape, but there is so much more to pasta than these two sauces.

Food is made for you to enjoy, be fearless and try something new. I love pasta inspired by flavors from all over the world. It can be complicated or very simple, but I always have some type of pasta in the house. That means, there is always something to eat. All week, I am posting some of my favorite pasta dishes.  I hope you will give them a try:

Angel Hair with Pesto

16 oz. Angel Hair Pasta

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

½ cup Unsalted Almond Chips

1 cup Parsley Flakes

1 tablespoon minced garlic

¾ cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 teaspoon Black Pepper

1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper

2 tablespoons Butter

 

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water. I usually break the long stems of angel hair in half. Stir occasionally until al dente and drain. Heat olive oil and butter in medium pan. Add pasta, garlic, parsley, parmesan, almonds in pan and toss thoroughly for two minutes. Stir in seasoning on pasta and serve.

Sesame Chicken

16 oz. Casarecce noodles

½ cup Vegetable Oil

1 tablespoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds

1 tablespoon Sweet Chili Sauce

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

2 teaspoons Sesame Oil

1 cup Mushrooms

2 cups Spinach

¼ cup Rice Vinegar

3 tablespoons Soy Sauce

½ pound Chicken Strips

½ teaspoon Salt

1 teaspoon Pepper

1 teaspoon Paprika

1 teaspoon Rosemary

2 tablespoons Canola Oil

 

Cook noodles in salted water and drain when done. Set noodles aside. Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, paprika, and rosemary. Then cut chicken strips into bite size pieces. Glaze medium fry pan with canola oil and cook chicken until done.

 

Add vegetable oil, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili sauce, kosher salt, sesame seeds, mushrooms, and spinach to pan. Cook for two minutes and then add noodles and chicken. Add remaining ingredients, stir and cook another two minutes before serving.

I love pasta.  It is quick, easy, and always pretty tasty.  Try these dishes and let me know what you think!