Cuisine: Pasta

Chef Boyardee’s Spaghetti Sauce

One of my favorite meals as a child was Chef Boyardee’s canned Beef Ravioli. I remember I bought a can when I was in college as a treat. I then quickly discovered my culinary tastes had become a tad more sophisticated. It was rather sweet tasting! Anyway, since I was born in Cleveland, I thought I would make Chef Boyardee's recipe from scratch. I have to say, this is a very labor intensive sauce. I made the sauce as written (except I used half the amount of olive oil!). You have to put the tomatoes through a food mill, then through a sieve. I have a feeling that you could not buy tomato purée in the 1920s! The result - it’s really good...

Chef Boyardee was not born in Cleveland (sorry 30 Rock), but in Borganovo, just outside of Piacenza in Italy. And his name was not Hector Boyardee, but Ettore Boiardi (boy-AR-dee). He opened an Italian restaurant in Cleveland in 1924, where the food was so popular that he frequently sent patrons home with bottles of his spaghetti sauce.
We can’t know exactly what that original sauce was, but this is from a family recipe and is probably pretty close. And it’s phenomenal. It’s fairly simple, but so good. You get a lot of the fresh basil, and the creaminess from mixing the butter and parmesan directly with the pasta is delicious.

By Leslie Blythe

Sicilian Spaghetti alla Norma

Get ready for this spicy (the spice can be toned down to suit your taste!) Sicilian Spaghetti alla Norma! It's a simple and incredibly flavorful. The eggplant achieves an amazing texture, and the sweet tomato sauce is perfectly contrasted by the salty capers and pecorino, all with a lovely hint of heat. This vegetarian pasta dish offers a satisfying, "meaty" texture and richness.

By Leslie Blythe

Zucchini Orzo Salad with Pepperoncini Dressing

Zucchini Orzo Salad with toasted walnuts, herbs, and a zesty Pepperoncini Dressing is refreshing and flavorful. Pepperoncini peppers are mild, yellow-green chili peppers that are typically pickled. They are tangy, slightly sour, and subtly spicy. It’s a great side dish for a summer barbecue.

By Leslie Blythe

One-Pan Ditalini and Peas

When I made this my husband said it was a 10 out of a 10 (greater than the sum of its parts). This One-Pan Ditalini and Peas will become your savior on busy weeknights. Ditalini, meaning "little thimbles" in Italian, is a small, tube-shaped pasta. The key to this dish is that the pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing all the flavors as it simmers. This delicious, quick meal comes together in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup. Yet, it tastes surprisingly complex and elegant. Sweet, perfectly cooked peas are the ideal complement to the ditalini, and the sauce is wonderfully silky without being heavy. It’s topped off with crispy salami, lemon zest, fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Lemon Artichoke Capellini with Toasted Breadcrumbs

This Lemon Artichoke Capellini with Toasted Breadcrumbs is flavor-packed. It features the perfect blend of tender pasta, artichokes, and the satisfying crunch of toasted panko. The bright lemon notes elevate every bite. It's absolutely delicious!

By Leslie Blythe

Steak au Poivre Pasta

Craving something extraordinary? Steak au Poivre Pasta delivers. Tender steak, bold peppercorn, creamy cognac sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta – a luxurious indulgence in every bite.

By Leslie Blythe

Pasta Carbonara With Cabbage and Mushrooms

I made this Pasta Carbonara With Cabbage and Mushrooms out of ingredients I had on hand. The mushrooms brought a deep, savory umami that paired perfectly with the salty bacon, while the cabbage offered a delicate sweetness. It turned out surprisingly delicious.

By Leslie Blythe

Honey Mustard Spaghetti

I received an email with a recipe that sounded wild. Initially, I was skeptical, but then I started to think it might actually work. Serendipitously, I had all the ingredients on hand, so I decided to go for it! This honey mustard spaghetti, with its sweet and savory notes, features pasta and chicken simmered in a creamy honey mustard sauce. Crisp bacon and a sprinkle of green onion provide the perfect finishing touches.

By Leslie Blythe

Marry Me Chicken Soup

We had our friends from Pacific Palisades who have tragically lost their home over for lunch this week. They have been in a hotel and in need of a home cooked meal. Cooking for others has always brought me a sense of calm and purpose. The act of cooking allows me to escape from the stresses of daily life and connect with something meaningful. I hope they felt the depth of our love for them.

I made this Marry Me Chicken Soup, which is a comforting blend of creamy, tangy chicken simmered with sun-dried tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a generous touch of cheese.

By Leslie Blythe

Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole

I made this Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole for my dad. The ground beef simmers in a creamy mushroom sauce with egg noodles, all baked in a casserole dish. You can make it ahead and bake it later, which makes it a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

By Leslie Blythe