Tay’s TAYsty Pasta

AMAZING Dish! With a SECRET Ingredient! Most know of the Italian Salad Recipe. This one has a few things that make it STAND OUT! Plus, Lower in Calories, than most. 

16 oz. Garden Delight Rotini Noodles
1tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/4tsp Sea Salt
–
 SAUCE (Premix):
1 Bottle Regular or Zesty Italian Salad Dressing (We used Reg. -Essential)
1.5T BALSAMIC Vinegar (Use! Don’t skip!)
1.5T Grated Parmesan Cheese (Store shelf kind)
1tsp White Sugar
1/2c jarred Roasted SWEET Red & Yellow Peppers in Marinade, chopped (Opt.)
–
1c Mild Cheddar or Colby Cheese Brick, cubed
1c Tomatoes, gutted and diced (We’ve used drained Basil/Oregano Tom. in pinch)
3/4c Signature Honey Ham Cubes
1 pkg. TURKEY Pepperoni Slices
1 can small/pitted Black Olives, drained well
UP TO 1/2c Red Onions, chopped or minced (Opt.)
1/3 Cucumber, peeled and cubed
1/3c Red Pepper, seeded and gutted, cubed (Opt.)

PREMIX Sauce Ingredients. Set aside. Cook Noodles in Boiling Water with Salt and Oil (Oil helps noodles from later sticking).  Drain well. Rinse with Cold Water, drain well, again. Be gentle.
Add all to bowl. CAREFULLY MIX all Ingredients. Add to fridge til use.
Please note, the longer it sits, the MORE the noodles will soak up flavor of sauce. Creating a less flavorful dish.

*** NOTES:
Salami (Diced) in place of Ham… OR, Better Yet… BOTH! MEAT IS YOUR PREFERENCE! We used Turkey Pepperoni to cut Cals. It was AWESOME! Also, for Cheese, you can choose to do: 1/2c Mild Cheddar (Cubed) with 1/2c Other Cheese of Choice (Cubed).

Advertisement

Italian Salad – LOW CAL. – LOW CARB.

About 1.5lb Frozen Chicken Breast, boiled in Water + 1Broth Cube
1 small container PLAIN Greek Yogurt (Cream Cheese may work)
1/2-1 Italian Dressing Season Pkt. or premade Italian Salad Dressing
1/2c jarred Pepperoncini, cut up
Full 1/2c Turkey Pepperoni pieces
1/2c Red Pepper, chopped
A lil shy 1/2c Red Onions, chopped
Splash of Lemon Juice (100% fridge kind)
Olives, halved (Optional. I forgot in photo)
1/2tsp Red Pepper Flakes or Jalapenos, minced
–
Wraps/Buns/Flatbread/Bread of Choice
Fresh Tomatoes
Lettuce
Shredded White Cheese (Or diced Brick Cheese)

Add Frozen Chicken to pan of Water with 1-2 Chicken Broth Cubes. Bring to Boil. Boil til cooked. Cut up.
Add in rest of Salad Ingredients. Top onto Wrap/Bun of choice, with Toppings of choice. Eat.

Tay’s Sicilian Spaghetti

1tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1.5  lb. Turkey Sweet Italian Sausage Links, halved or 1/3cut
1/2c Onions (I believe I did Sweet Red)
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1/2c  canned whole Olives
1/2 pkg. frozen Peppers and Onions
3-4T jarred whole Pepperoncini, minced
2T Balsamic Vinegar
1.5T Red Wine Vinegar
–
1 jar Tomato Onion Garlic Spaghetti Sauce
1 can Basil Oregano Tomatoes, drained
1 can Tomato Paste
1/2tsp Brown Sugar
1/8tsp Sea Salt
1/4 Dried Red Pepper Flakes
1/8tsp Pepper
1/4tsp Dried Rosemary

I cut my links into 1/2 or 1/3s. Cook in Oil with Onions. Add in Garlic and Vinegars. Cook down some. Add Olives, Peppers/Onions, and Pepperoncinis. Cook down juices. Once juices are mostly gone, add in rest of ingredients.
Boil Noodles in Water with Pinch of Sea Salt and a lil Olive Oil (Helps noodles with sticking).
CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then, LIKE Us!

Zesty Spaghetti (Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti with Rice Noodles)

Chicken Marinade (4-8hours):
4-5 Chicken Breasts (From 3lb freezer bag)
1 Wishbone Italian Dressing Pkt.
1/4tsp Sea Salt
1/2tsp Red Pepper Flakes
2T Red Wine Vinegar
–
1 Red Pepper
1 Onion
Up to 1c Zucchini
1/2c Mushrooms
1c Black Olives
1 Garlic Clove, minced
– 1/2T Reserved Marinade
–
Spaghetti Sauce (I used Rinaldi’s Garlic/Onion/Tom.)
1/2 sm. can Tomato Paste (Optional, I forgot!)
Parmesan Cheese
–
Thai Rice Noodles
Pinch Sea Salt
1/2tsp Olive Oil

Marinade Chicken 6-8 hours (Reserve 1/2-1T Marinade). Butter Flavor Cooking Spray baking dish. Lay in cut up Vegis. Lay Chicken over top. Bake 20minutes at 375-400, COVERED.
Top with Sauce (Mix, well, Sauce with Paste, if using). Then, sprinkle, well, with Parm. Cheese. Cover. Bake, additional, 25-30 minutes.
Boil Water with a SMALL pinch of Sea Salt and 1/2tsp Olive Oil (Helps with noodles sticking). Cook Noodles according to Pkg.
Serve Chicken/Vegis/Sauce over cooked Noodles. Side with Garlic toast.
– ALSO, can take some Vegis, chop up, and mix with Sauce. Top Chicken with Sauce Mix onto Garlic Toast (Bread, brushed LIGHTLY w/ Butter, Sprinkle Garlic Powder, TOAST in Toaster). Making Chicken Parm. Garlic Sandwich –

* NOTES:
– Optional to single layer Tomato slices on top of chicken. Then cook part way, top with Spaghetti Sauce. Then, Shredded Mozarella Cheese. Then, sprinkle of Parm. Cheese.
– I was going to add a teaspoon of Capers (In with Vegis)… I forgot at store. Liked, as is.
CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then, LIKE Us!

Italian Sausage Submarines (Italian Sausage Subs)

1.25 lb. Sweet Italian TURKEY Sausage, casing removed
1/2 lb. Chorizo
2c Rinaldi’s Spaghetti Sauce (We did Original- But, any works)
1 can Basil and Oregano Tomatoes, DRAIN WELL (Press lid some)
2T Tomato Paste
1.5T TO 2T White Wine (I did 1.5T Movendo Moscato)
1 Red Pepper
1 Green Pepper
1 filled cup Red Onion, sliced
1/8tsp Pepper
3/4tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
1T Grated Parmesan Cheese (Store shelf kind)

Topping Shredd. Cheese Choice: Provolone, Moz., Or Italian (At end)
Other toppings *Optional: Olives, Spinach/Kale/Lettuce, Tomatoes, even Mayo!, etc.

Two Ideas of cooking:
1.) Cook meat (I start with Turkey, then add in Chorizo.). Butter Flavor Cooking Spray Crock. Add all, EXCEPT, peppers and topping cheese. Cook on Low total about 4-5 hours. About 1/2way TO hour before serving, add in peppers. At end, top with cheese, once melted serve on toasted bread of choice. Garlic Bread works.
Or Over noodles (Mock noodles work, like Zucchini noodles).

2.) Cook meats in large skillet, adding in seasons. Add in rest. (Optional: Saute vegis separate on side, with minced garlic. Add as topping.). Top meat with cheese. Cover, simmer til melted. Serve all on buns. Or over noodles.

FOR BREAD: Preheat oven to about 450. Cut bread to sizes desired, then mostly half. Quick spray of Butter Flavor Cooking Spray (Brush of butter works, too). Sprinkle with Cheese & Garlic Topper Season (Fleet Farm Brand) and Garlic Powder. Bake about 8 minutes, then broil for about 20seconds.

NOTES: We amped our typical Meat, Pepper, and Sauce recipe to get this. Chorizo gives it some heat. White Wine gives it an oomph. Turkey Meat cuts some cals. Feel free to skip or tweek to your taste. Like using Beef, Italian Sausage-Not turkey, etc. Or skipping Chorizo, up Italian Turkey- I’d add Red Pepper Flakes then! Basil and Oregano instead of Italian season, or seasons of choice. Up Sauce to taste. Etc. Like I said, To Your Taste! Endless Options.
Healthier Options: Serve on Lettuce Wraps, over Rice Noodles/Zucchini Noodles, etc.

Try our Hot Dagos
—
CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then, LIKE Us!

 

Must A Try-ee (Mostaccioli Pasta)

1 lb Ground Lean Beef
1 lb Hot Italian TURKEY Sausage
Onion
Green Bell Pepper, chopped
1T Dried Parsley
1tsp Dried Italian Season
1/2tsp Garlic Powder
1tsp McCormicks Montreal Steak Seasoning (Not marinade pkt.)
1/4tsp Red Pepper Flakes (More for heat)
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (Rinaldi’s Tom., Garlic, Onion)
1c Prego Creamy Cheddar Cheese Sauce*
1 SMALL can Tomato Paste (Basil Oregano kind)
2T Sour Cream
1/3c Grated Parmesan Cheese (Store shelf kind)
2.5c Uncooked Mostaccioli Noodles (Cooked in Broth/Water, AL DENTE***)
1c + Sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese

Butter flavor cooking spray pot. Brown beef. Cut up Italian sausage, add to beef and brown (The casings are weird if cut, that’s ok! Just cut best you can and set into pan.) Add in vegis and season. Cook til most juices evaporate. Add in sauces, paste, sour cream, grated parm. cheese. Simmer for while, while cooking noodles.
Boil noodles halfway, in water with 2 Beef Broth Cubes.
Butter spray baking pan. Add Noodles:

Top with sauce:

Sprinkle a little cheese:

Give a mix/stir:

Top with 1c cheese (You may sprinkle top a little more with Parm. Cheese and Pepper, too. I forgot. So, skipped.):

Bake at 400 for 25minutes (I didn’t cover).



(((***Notes: Al Dente means cook to be firm to bite. I cooked mine about half-2/3 time suggested. Also, you can substitute noodles for Vegis- Like Zucchinis, etc. May add extra fluid, tho. And you could try Ricotta or Heavy Creamer, instead of Sour Cream. I have yet to try.)
*Use rest of cheese sauce for cheesy rice and chicken!

CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then, LIKE Us!

Hot Dago Egg Rollo

Lower Carbs Lower Cals

Meat Mixture *See Notes:
1 lb Sweet Italian TURKEY Sausage* (Casings Removed)
1 lb LEAN Ground Beef
1/3c Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4c TO 1/3c Parmesan Cheese (Store Shelf Kind)
1/2 Red Pepper + Sm. Onion (Both these blended in blender)
2 Eggs
3T Sauce Mixture (Below)
1/8tsp TO 1/4tsp Sea Salt
1/2tsp Dried Oregano
1/2tsp Dried Basil
1/2tsp Garlic Powder
1/4tsp Cajun
1/2tsp Garlic and Cheese Topper Season (Corner Market Brand-Fleet Farm)
–
Sauce Mixture:
1 jar Spaghetti Sauce (I used Rinaldi’s Original)
1tsp Italian Season
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1/4tsp Pepper
1/2 small can Tomato Paste (Basil Oregano Kind)
1/4tsp Red Pepper Flakes
–
Turkey Pepperonis
Egg Rolls (Or taco shells, cabbage leaves, hoagies, etc.)

I heated up sauce ingredients, then brought down to a simmer for a few minutes. Then, covered and set aside. Blend red pepper and onion. Mix above meat mixture. Form little logs to fit egg rolls. Roll into egg rolls with a LITTLE sprinkle of moz. cheese AND 3 pepperoni slices (Dab of water helps egg roll edges stick!). Brown each side in skillet with butter flavor cooking spray. LIGHTLY spray baking pan with cooking spray. Spread a little sauce mixture on bottom, top with egg rolls, top with more sauce, top with good amount of moz. cheese. Bake 375 for 40minutes. Last 10minutes top with Parm. Cheese (Store shelf kind) finish baking 10minutes.

*NOTES: You can try Cabbage Leaves for wraps vs. Egg Rolls. I have yet to try, but you can try Ground Turkey Meat instead of Beef. Or Any Italian Sausage instead of Turkey Italian Sausage. Regular Pepperoni instead of Turkey. Depends on how healthy you want these to be.
Original way to cook this is to form meat into patties, top with pepperonis, cook in sauce. (You can choose to brown 1st, I don’t) Top with cheese, bake til browned and top onto Texas Garlic Bread/Toast/Buns/Hoagies.  (Sometimes, I make patties stuffed with pepperoni.)
***We did not use all this meat. Extra was refrigerated for hamburgers the next night.


CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then, LIKE Us!

Italian Roast

2lb Roast
6 slices Bacon+ 1/2tsp Grease (Baked, blended. Reserve grease)
1.5T Olive Oil
1c Water + 1 Beef Broth Cube (Crushed)
1.5c TO 2c jarred Rinaldis Traditional Marinara Sauce
1/2c + 2T Cabaret Red Wine
3/4tsp Red Wine Vinegar
1 Carrot, shredded
1 Celery
1 nice size Onion
1 Green Pepper
3/4c Mushrooms, sliced
1/2tsp Garlic Powder
2tsp Dried Parsley
1.5tsp Italian Seasoning
1/8tsp Sea Salt
1/4tsp Ground Pepper
Other options, add in: 1can Cannellini Beans (Drained)<-I wanted to add, forgot to buy. Will add next time! 1/2c zucchini, sliced and halved.

Line pan with foil. Bake Bacon, reserving grease. Blend up bacon. Lightly Salt and Pepper Roast. Heat oil in skillet. Brown each side of roast. Butter Flavor Cooking Spray Crock. Add Roast to crock. In pan, you cooked roast, add in red wine. Allow to simmer a few minutes, stirring up bottom stuff that’s stuck to pan (Deglazing). Add wine to crock. Add in rest of ingredients. Cook on LOW for 8hours. Remove meat and cut up. You can choose to scoop out excess grease, at this point (Clear stuff floating at top). Add cut up meat back in. Enjoy.
I served with Garlic Toast and My Parm. Green Beans (Also uses Bacon Grease from above)
Leftovers served on taco shells!
*You can try to trim excess fat from meat, prior to browning.

CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then, LIKE Us!

FOR-GET ABOUT IT! Legs (Italian Chicken Legs)

10-12 Chicken Legs
1 Italian Season Packet
1/4-1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1T TO 1.5T Corner Market Sun Dried Tomato Seasoning*
1 tsp Corner Market Sweet Pepper and Onion Seasoning*
Few Good Splashes of Red Wine Vinegar
–
Butter (To rub pan + 1T sliced)
Grated Parmesan Cheese (Store Shelf Kind)

In a ziploc bag, add first 6 ingredients. Mix around. Marinade 4, or so, hours. Butter a pan. Slice thin slices of butter (About 1T worth) and lay around bottom of pan. Pour the chicken right into the pan, on top of butter. Sprinkle LIGHTLY with Parm. cheese. COVER with foil and bake for 25minutes. Flip chicken, bake UNCOVERED about 20minutes. Remove from oven, flip chicken once more, and allow to set a few minutes. Photo is from reheated leftovers (Forgot fresh photo)… And it still is juicy and delicious!
*Seasoning is from Fleet Farm.
*Grilling Optional!

CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then LIKE Us!

Fantastica Zuppa! (Italian Soup)

1/2lb Ground Mild Sausage
1 large Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast
6c Water
6 Chicken Broth Cubes
Onion, chopped
1c Chopped Frozen Broccoli
1c Baby Carrots, halved
1/2c Frozen Corn
3 PACKED cups Kale, cut up and de-stemed
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1tsp Lemon Grass, minced tiny (Use Scissors)
1/16 tsp Sea Salt
1/4tsp Red Pepper Flakes (More for spicy)
1 Italian Dressing Season Packet

Butter Flavor Cooking Spray skillet. Saute onions, then garlic, then brown sausage in it. Butter Flavor Cooking Spray Crock. Add in meat mixture. Add rest of ingredients to crock. Cook on low 5-6 hours.
Note: You can choose to deglaze skillet, meat cooked in, with 1 of the 6 cups of water. Add water to crock.

CLICK HERE to Check Out What We Have to Offer on FACEBOOK. Then LIKE Us!

Italiano Chicken Low Carb-O

Few Boneless Chicken Breasts, thawed and cut
Handful of Mushrooms, sliced
1/2 Onion, sliced thin
1/2 cup Zucchini, sliced and halved
About 2 cups of Cabbage, cut into chunks
1/4 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Lemon Pepper Season (Good kind)
KRAFT Roasted Red Pepper Italian Dressing, I use about 1/2 bottle or so

Slightly oil pan. Or spray with cooking spray. Cook chicken. Add seasoning. Add in vegis. Cook til soft (I add cabbage more near the end, so it’s not too soft). Add in Dressing. Cook til warmed. Serve. Top with a little more dressing and grated Parm. (Optional)
*Not a cabbage person. Julienne sliced zucchini (For mock noodles), add to boiling water, seasoned with pinch of salt, ONLY for a few seconds then strain. Serve chicken mixture on top.