Cuisine: Pasta

Grandma Jerry’s Spaghetti

This is my late mother-in-law Jerry's baked spaghetti. One of the most important recipes in our family! She told me how to make it, but it was never as good as when she made it. I even made it in her kitchen with her magic cast-iron skillet and did it exactly as I was told, but it wasn't it!  After all these years, I am finally getting close to her wonderful, comforting spaghetti. Basically, the key is to overcook the spaghetti. This goes against every grain of my being. It is very difficult for me to cook pasta past the al dente stage. Just get over yourself and do it! Also, why not just buy a big can of diced tomatoes and not break up the whole ones?! If you did that, it's NOT Grandma's Spaghetti! We always serve this with sourdough with melted Clearman's Cheese Spread. You can only buy it locally, so here is the recipe to make your own.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

Chicken Piccata Pasta

This Chicken Piccata Pasta features tender, succulent chicken thighs tossed in a vibrant sauce of bright lemon, salty capers, and crisp white wine, all finished with a velvety butter sauce. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread. It’s the pasta night you’ve been waiting for.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Creamy Spinach and Broccoli Pasta with Chicken

This is my brilliant friend Sara Tane's high-protein, vibrant Creamy Spinach and Broccoli Pasta with Chicken. It's quick, easy, and so satisfyingly good. You get the rich, velvety indulgence of a creamy sauce paired with a massive hit of greens and lean protein. The secret ingredient is cottage cheese. Using cottage cheese is a total game-changer. Not only does it skyrocket the protein content, but it also creates a surprisingly thick, creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or butter.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 20 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Tuscan Baked Spaghetti

Tuscan Baked Spaghetti with sun-dried tomatoes and sausage is a rustic, crowd-pleasing casserole that leans heavily into the bold, earthy flavors of Central Italy.
The brilliance of this specific combination lies in its texture. You have the silky pasta, the crumbly sausage, and the slightly leathery, intense bite of the sun-dried tomatoes. Topped with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, it hits every sensory note. Buon appetito!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

Miso Mac and Cheese

Elevate your Mac and Cheese with this Creamy Miso Mac. This dish balances the sharp Cheddar with the subtle sweetness of white miso, creating a deep, umami-rich flavor. Finished with a crunch of toasted panko, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil. The result is delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 15 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food hybrid is here. Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese merges the irresistible richness of the classic dip with the hearty satisfaction of baked macaroni. This decadent, creamy casserole is guaranteed to please a crowd and instantly turns a simple dish into an indulgent, flavorful main course.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 50 mins
  • Yields: 8 Servings

French Onion Baked Ramen

I'm always drawn to anything that starts with French onion. I've made all sorts of French onion recipes, this French Onion Baked Ramen is cheating, but good it you don't have the time to cook. It's perfect for 2 people. It's a one-pan dish where uncooked ramen noodles are covered in a mixture of French onion soup, broth, and butter, then baked until tender and topped with cheese and broiled. You can add some cooked ground beef if you want to make it heartier. Alternatively, it can be made by cooking the ramen noodles separately and ladling them into oven-safe bowls with French onion soup and shredded cheese before broiling, similar to classic French onion soup.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 30 mins
  • Yields: 2 Servings

Beef and Tomato Pasta Soup

This deeply comforting and satisfying one-pot Beef and Tomato Pasta Soup is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s simmered in beef broth, and a touch of cream cheese is added to create a luxurious, creamy texture that doesn't overpower the robust tomato and savory ground beef. Essentially, every spoonful combines the hearty meat, tangy tomato base, and tender short pasta (like elbow macaroni) for a full and utterly satisfying meal.

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 20 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings

One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon

I had some leftover ricotta and a pile of lemons, so I made One-Pot Pasta with Ricotta and Lemon. It's a quick, easy, and cheesy one-pot pasta that's bursting with lemon flavor and makes for a super easy cleanup. What's not to like?

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 5 mins
  • Cook: 15 mins
  • Yields: 4 Servings

Stovetop Bacon Lasagna

This Stovetop Bacon Lasagna is a perfect weeknight meal. It's so good and really easy. It starts with a base of spicy, bacon-infused onions and then builds layers with broken lasagna noodles and basil-infused tomatoes. The finishing touch is generous dollops of ricotta and shredded cheese, creating a dish that's ready in under an hour. Oh, and its all done in one pan for easy cleanup!

By Leslie Blythe

  • Prep: 10 mins
  • Cook: 40 mins
  • Yields: 6 Servings