Category: Italian Recipes

Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Crockpot Recipe, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Meat/Poultry, Under 1 HourLeave a comment

5EAE7DED-288A-4A6C-A89F-72EE8E5796D6This Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken is a new week night favorite dinner recipe in our house. Perfectly seasoned slow cooked chicken in a creamy, dreamy, satisfying sauce that I poured all over my rice. I could probably just eat it as is by the spoonful! I seriously couldn’t get enough lol. I got the recipe from my friend Jocqueline back in November and finally had a chance to make it, yes it’s been a while but this recipe has been on my mind since I first tried it and fell in love with it! It’s so fast and easy to prepare but so delicious! The pictures don’t do it any justice, it’s one of those dishes you absolutely must try and it will definitely go on your busy week night dinner rotation. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken {Serves 4}

Ingredients:

  • 4 Chicken Breasts ( 2.5 LB) Organic
  • 1 (8 oz) block Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 (0.7 oz) Packet Dry Italian Salad Dressing
  • Montreal Chicken Seasoning
  • Cooked Jasmine Rice or Pasta (whatever you want to serve it over)

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Directions:

1) Wash the chicken breasts and pat dry. Put them in crock pot and sprinkle montreal chicken seasoning all over the top of chicken breasts.

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2) In a bowl, mash up the softened cream cheese with a fork. Add in the cream of chicken soup and dry Italian seasoning salad dressing. Mix well with a fork. *Don’t worry if the cream cheese is a bit clumpy, it will soften and get smoother while cooking.

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3) Pour the cream cheese mixture into the crockpot over the chicken breasts.

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4) Cook on low for 4 hours, or on low for 1 hour and high for 2 hours (that’s what I did as I was pressed on time).

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5) Cook rice or pasta 20 mins before chicken is done. Serve hot over rice or pasta. We love it over Jasmine rice! Look at this creamy, dreamy, satisfying sauce:

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Lasagna Soup

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Meat/Poultry, Soups2 Comments

IMG_0380This lasagna soup is a new family favorite! I got the recipe from my friend, Liz, who I met through social media and now we talk on a weekly basis. We just have a cool friendship, and I can’t wait to meet her in real life one day soon lol! Liz got the recipe from Pinterest years ago, and I tweaked it a bit. This was my first time making Lasagna soup and it was super delicious!!! After the first spoonfull I was wondering where this soup has been all my life lol. I was surprised at how easy and quick this recipe was. Hope your family will enjoy it too!

Lasagna Soup {Serves 4-6} 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 LB Mild Italian Sausage, ground meat
  • 2 TBS Olive Oil, for sauté
  • 1 Onion (finely diced)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Depending on how Spicy you like it)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 1/2 TBS Tomato Paste
  • 1/4 tsp Basil
  • 1 can Roasted Tomatoes
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 8 1/2 Cups Chciken stock OR 8 1/2 Cups water, boiled and mixed with the Better Then Bouillon paste (That’s what I did)
  • 2 Cups (1/2 box) Rotini Pasta
  • Mozzarella Cheese (1 block) To garnish
  • Parmesan Cheese (1 block) To garnish
  • Sour Cream, To garnish, *Optional

IMG_0373Directions:

1) Fill a medium pot with 8 1/2 cups filtered water and bring it to a boil. When it boils, turn burner off and add 8 1/2 tsp of Better Then Bouillon paste. Mix well and set aside for now.

2) In a large frying pan, heat up 2 TBS olive oil. Add the ground Mild Italian Sausage meat  and cook, mixing, for about 5 minutes. Then add the finely chopped onion and cook another 3-5 minutes until onion is soft and sausage meat is well cooked through and browned.

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3) Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Then add 1 tsp Salt, sprinkle some pepper, and about 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (depending on how spicy you like it, I did 1/4 tsp). Add 2 1/2 TBS Tomato Paste. Mix everything thoroughly. Then add the can of roasted tomatoes. Turn burner off and let it simmer for a few minutes as you mix.

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4) Transfer everything from the frying pan to the pot of chicken bouillon water (or Chicken Stock) and bring to a boil. Add 2 bay leaves. Then turn the heat down to Low, and let it simmer, covered for 30 minutes.

5) After 30 minutes turn the heat up to Medium, Add the basil. Then add the pasta to the soup pot, and let it cook until the pasta is soft and cooked through about 10-15 minutes. Do not over cook the pasta will be too mushy!

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6) Garnish each bowl of soup with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and sour cream (optional) I liked only cheese in my soup.

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7) To reheat, simmer on Medium heat for 5-10 minutes.

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Important note: After a few hours, the pasta in the soup expands and soaks in some of the broth so it is much thicker! Still tasted great, it just becomes a chunkier, thicker soup!

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Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Restaurant Recipes, SoupsLeave a comment

IMG_0120This tomato basil soup is creamy and dreamy! One of our new favorite family recipes. We get this soup all the time at Dean & Deluca restaurant and I really wanted to recreate the same tasting soup at home, so I did just that! This recipe requires very minimal ingredients so it is budget friendly and the best part is how fast it is to cook. With prep work and total cook time it only takes about 45 minutes! I made this soup for our friends and for a ladies night event at my house and both times it was a hit. Even my picky 5 year old loves this soup, with oyster crackers of course! Mmmm this soup is perfect for the cold and windy weather we have today! Enjoy! 🙂

Creamy Tomato 🍅 Basil 🌿 Soup {Serves 4-5}

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 Tomatoes (Peeled & De-seeded)
  • 1.5 to 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 6 Cups Tomato Juice (Organic)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon Basil Leaves Spice
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Basil Leaves (And more to garnish soup)
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter (Unsalted)
  • Salt/Pepper to taste
  • Oyster Crackers (optional, to top)

IMG_0116Directions:

1) Peel the tomatoes using a peeler. Cut them into 4 and de-seed them. Put tomatoes into a medium pot, add in the 4 cups of tomato juice. Bring to a boil, then cover with lid and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.

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2) Transfer the cooked tomato and tomato juice mixture into a blender. Blend until it turns into a puree/smoothie consistency.

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3) Transfer the puréed tomato mixture back to the pot.

4) Turn the heat up to low-medium (I did 4). Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Add the Italian Seasoning, Basil Leaves Spice and Dried Basil Leaves. Then add 2 Tablespoons butter. Sprinkle salt/pepper according to your preference, you don’t need much salt because the tomato juice already has salt in it. Mix, everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, don’t let it come to a boil.

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5) Serve hot, with Oyster Crackers on the side. Sprinkle each bowl of soup with a little more dried basil leaves.

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Veggie Marinara Meat Sauce

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Meat/PoultryLeave a comment

This veggie marinara sauce is tasty, healthy, simple to make, and goes great with pasta, gluten free pasta, rice, or buckwheat. Left over sauce can be frozen in a plastic container and reheats very well. That’s why I make this big batch of it and freeze half, making an easy dinner for 2 nights. I did try this recipe without meat and instead added 1/2 pack of brown mushrooms and it was still just as good meatless. When I am craving a hearty, veggie, not your ordinary marinara sauce this is my go to recipe!

Veggie Marinara Meat Sauce {Serves 12-14}

Ingredients:

  • 1 LB Ground Beef
  • 1 Large Carrot
  • 4 Ribs Celery
  • 1 small Onion
  • 1 Jar Marinara sauce
  • 1 Can Crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • Parsley (Optional, to top)
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • 1 TBS Olive Oil (For sauté)
  • Real Block Italian Parmesan Cheese (Shredded, to top)
  • Pasta of choice ( I used Glutten Free Penne pasta)
  • Seasoning: Salt. Pepper, Mrs.Dash, Italian Seasoning

Directions:

1) Do all the prep work first. Chop the celery ribs and carrot into small dice and set aside, chop small onion into small dice and set aside separately. Set a big pan on Med.- High heat (7.5) with just enough olive oil to cover the bottom of pan.

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2) When the oil in the pan heats up and starts sizzling, add the 1 LB ground beef into the pan. Mash with a fork and spatula to break it up into small pieces, season with salt & pepper. Add in the chopped onion. Cook until beef is cooked through and onions are soft and translucent. Meanwhile start cooking your pasta.

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3) Add the diced carrot and celery. When veggies cook through add in the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes. Season with seasonings of choice. I used Mrs.Dash and Italian Seasoning. Mix, turn heat down to a lower simmer setting ( I did 3) cover with lid, and cook for 20 to 30 mins, stirring occasionally.

 

4) Add chopped parsley and minced garlic in the last 5 mins of cooking.

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5) Serve over pasta, gluten free pasta, rice, buckwheat, or mashed potatoes.

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Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Meat/Poultry, Restaurant RecipesLeave a comment

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This Chicken Alfredo Pasta is a new favorite in our house. It takes very little prep work and bakes in the oven for about 20-30 minutes. I got the idea for this recipe from my friend Natasha. Shout out to Natasha Babinov for this amazing recipe! She made this dish for dinner once when we came over, and I knew I had to get the recipe because it was one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten. Tasted like a restaurant dish! If you are looking for the easiest recipe, this is probably it right here. It’s also very versatile so you can add or remove anything you’d like to it and if you are looking for a healthier option you can go with gluten free pasta. I would love to hear your suggestions and ideas. Enjoy!

Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta {Serves 8-10}

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 LB Rotini Pasta (Or Pasta of your choice)
  • 2-2.5 LB Chicken Breast (Boneless, Skinless, I use organic)
  • 1 Package of Cooked, Frozen Broccoli (1 LB)
  • 1 Can Alfredo Sauce (29 oz. or 2 cans of 15 oz.) *I add a 3rd can to make it extra creamy dreamy*
  • Salt/Pepper
  • Montreal Chicken Seasoning
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (For Frying Chicken Breast)
  • 6 Tablespoons Butter (Unsalted)
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2-3/4 Cup)

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Directions:

1) Wash the chicken breasts and chop them up into small cubes. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and seasonings of choice. I used McCormick Montreal chicken seasoning. Set a pan on Med-High heat with Olive Oil. I did 7.5 then when it cooked through turned it up to 8.5 to get a nice golden brown. Meanwhile take the frozen broccoli out of freezer, and boil a pot of water for the pasta. Cook pasta according to package instructions

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2) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. When chicken is done cooking, set it aside. When pasta is done cooking, drain water from it and add the butter to it. Take a big glass baking tray and put the pasta and chicken in. Cut the broccoli florets into small pieces and add into the tray. Pour the Alfredo sauce all over the pasta into the glass baking dish and mix very well to incorporate everything.

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3) Bake on 350 for 20-30 minutes. In the very end add the shredded Parmesan cheese.

This dish reheats well in a pan on Med-Low heat setting. It also freezes well, so sometimes I make a big batch for our little family and freeze portions in small containers. When ready to eat, put in fridge over night and heat up on skillet or just heat up on skillet and eat if no time to take out of the freezer. Dinner for days!!!

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Shrimp Salad

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Appetizers, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Restaurant Recipes, Salads, Seafood, Side DishLeave a comment

DSCN4076This Shrimp Salad recipe was created by me but inspired by a salad I had at a restaurant called Canyon’s, in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. It was the perfect meal for me after a long, hot, exhausting day of exploring Tweetsie Railroad (a wild west theme park) in the beautiful mountains of Blowing Rock, North Carolina. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I had to recreate it at home and I did. The restaurant version was great but this home made recipe is even better, so much more flavor and you can add as much shrimp as you’d like. I love shrimp! And this shrimp salad takes it to a whole notha’ level (lol I know I’m corny). So fast and easy to prepare and definitely a summer favorite in our house now. I could literally eat this salad every single day! We ate it as a meal for dinner, but you could also make it as a side dish/salad. You can omit the shrimp if you are not a fan, and add anything else you want to it and get creative. Please don’t forget to share your idea’s with me, I would love to hear them!

Shrimp Salad {Serves 2 as meal, 4 as side}

Ingredients:

  • 1 head Romaine Lettuce
  • 1 package Grape Tomatoes
  • 2 Cucumbers or 1 long English Cucumber
  • 1 to 2 LB Shrimp, Raw (I used 2 LB as we love our shrimp!)
  • Dressing of choice (I used Marzetti Brand Classic Ranch Dressing)
  • Croutons of choice (I used Texas Toast Cheese & Garlic Croutons)
  • 1-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • Lawry’s Herb & Garlic marinade sauce

Directions:

1) Do the prep work first. Peel & devine the shrimp, rinse through with cold water and let dry. Wash all the veggies and chop everything up into one big bowl. I chopped the lettuce into small squares. The grape tomatoes in halves. The cucumber in fourths and then chopped into pieces.

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2) Set a pan on Med-High heat (I did a 6) add some olive oil. When the oil heats up, add the shrimp. Add salt/pepper to shrimp and mix. When the shrimp looks done, lower the heat to low (I did 2) and add some Lawry’s Herb & Garlic marinade sauce, I added about 2 tablespoons and 2 pressed garlic cloves. Simmer with the lid on for a few minutes until shrimp is well cooked through. Turn off heat and keep shrimp hot.

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3) When you are ready to eat, add the shrimp into the salad bowel. Mix gently. Each person can add dressing and croutons to salad individually to their liking. Enjoy!

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Shrimp Scampi (Easy One Pan Meal)

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Italian Recipes, Main Course, Restaurant Recipes, SeafoodLeave a comment

DSCN3974 (2)It’s summer time and I am really into easy, one pan meals right now. I know I am not the only one that likes to relax by the pool instead of spending hours in the kitchen preparing dinner. But I do like to eat lol. Well let me tell ya, This Shrimp Scampi pasta dish is exactly that, fast, super duper easy, but is absolutely delicious and looks just as great as it tastes! I do have another Shrimp Scampi recipe on here, but this one is a bit different in taste, and much faster and easier to make. It also tastes better in our opinion. Basically what I am trying to say is, you need to make this for dinner asap because you are going to love it! Also I wanted to add that to our surprise, this dish tasted better the next night for dinner preheated. Not sure why, Maybe because while it was standing over night the flavors mixed well and the wine really marinated the shrimp and spaghetti. But it is a great dish to make ahead and does reheat easily. I got the inspiration for this recipe idea from the Shrimp Scampi Dish at the Nothing But Noodles Restaurant.

Shrimp Scampi (Easy, One Pan Meal) 

Ingredients:

  • 2 LB RAW Shrimp (Thawed, deveined, and peeled)
  • 1 LB Spaghetti (Angel Hair or Linguine are our favorites)
  • 3 Tablesppons butter (For the spaghetti)
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 Bunch Fresh Parsley
  • 1 Lemon (For the juice)
  • 1 Large Farm Fresh Tomato
  • 1 small (147 ml) bottle of White Wine, I used Chardonnay (3/4 Cup)
  • 4 to 5 Cloves Garlic (Peeled and pressed/minced)
  • Salt/Pepper (to taste)

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Directions:

1) Do the prep work first. Devein and peel the shrimp, then wash them thoroughly. I usually  rinse them 3 times, then place them in a strainer to get rid of all water. Wash and dice the tomato into small cubes. Set a pot of water to boil, for the spaghetti, make sure when it comes to a boil, add salt to the pot before you throw the spaghetti in and cook it according to package instructions. *I found that Angel Hair spaghetti tends to stick to itself, so make sure you mix it well and keep mixing throughout while you cook it.* (Meanwhile move on to step 2.)

2) While you wait for the water to boil, Set a big pan with 2 Tablespoons of olive oil on Medium-High heat (I did 7). When the oil heats up, throw in the raw shrimp and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Cook until the shrimp is well done, stirring occasionally to make sure you cook it evenly on both sides.

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3) Add the wine to the pan with shrimp. Then throw in the tomatoes. Then add the lemon juice, I do this by cutting the lemon in half, getting the seeds out, and squeezing the juice out of the lemons halves. Mix well. Turn it down to a low setting. (I did 3).

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4) Peel the garlic and either mince it or use the garlic press, add it to the pan of shrimp. Wash and finely chop the parsley, leaves only no stems, and set aside.

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5) At this point your spaghetti should be done cooking. Drain the water out of the pot. Add the butter to the spaghetti and mix well. Then add the spaghetti to the pan with shrimp and sauce. Turn off the stove at this time. Mix it very well to incorporate everything. Then add the fresh parsley. Mix and now your dish is ready to eat! To reheat, set the pan on low heat (3) and cook until warmed up. This dish reheats well!

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And of course a close up… 😉

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Fried Calamari (Carrabba’s Italian Grill Recipe)

On By sofiyababinovIn Appetizers, Italian Recipes, Restaurant Recipes, Seafood, Side DishLeave a comment

DSCN3770I hope you guys don’t mind, but I have really been into Italian food and Carrabba’s recipes lately, hence all my latest posts lol. This is another one of our favorites and Carrabba’s Italian Grill makes it the best, maybe that’s why it is actually their best selling appetizer. I have always wanted to make this dish at home, so I finally did. This is the exact Carrabba’s recipe. The fried calamari turns out perfect…tender and crisp with a light and delicate coating. We like to dip it in Marinara Sauce and Garlic Aioli sauce. I must admit that I had a hard time making this dish because it was my first time dealing with (and touching) raw squid, and I have a very weak stomach. So consider this a warning: Calamari is made from squid and you will have to touch it! I told my husband I was making it for him and that I wouldn’t eat it, but it turned out so delicious I ended up eating half lol. I was surprised at how fast and easy it is to make Fried Calamari, in the restuarant it looks so perfect and that makes it intimidating to cook but it’s actually very simple. If you are looking for a yummy new appetizer or if you love seafood, this recipe is for you! I made Marinara Sauce and Garlic Aioli Sauce for this appetizer and I highly recommend you make both sauces for dipping too, if you want to get the ultimate, restaurant, taste. 🙂

Ingredients:

  • 1 Pd. Calamari, cleaned
  • 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • Vegetable Oil (For deep frying)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (I used Sea Salt)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black Pepper
  • Lemon Wedges, for serving *Optional
  • Marinara Sauce or Garlic Aioli Sauce
  •  * (Ingredients and directions for Marinara sauce is on this page, below. Or you can use canned marinara sauce, heated up. The recipe for Garlic Aioli Sauce is posted on the recipe for Zucchini Fries here http://sofiesbestrecipes.com/2014/03/03/zucchini-fries-with-garlic-aioli-sauce/)*

DSCN3730Directions:

1) Wash the Calamari (Squid). Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Line 1 baking sheet with 2 layers of paper towels. Have a 2nd baking sheet ready nearby.

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2) Pour enough oil to come 1 inch up the side of a large, heavy saucepan. Heat over High heat to 350 Degrees (On a deep frying thermometer).

3) Cut the Calamari bodies (Sacs/Tubes) crosswise into 1/2 inch-wide rings. Cut each cluster of tentacles in halves or thirds. Season the Calamari with salt/pepper and mix.

4) Pour the flour into a bowl. Divide the calamari into 2 batches. Put the first batch of calamari into the bowl with flour and coat it with the flour, shaking off excess flour.

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5) Add the coated calamari into the saucepan with the hot oil. Cook over High heat until the calamari are golden brown, about 2-4 minutes.

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6) Using a slotted spoon transfer the calamari onto the baking sheet lined with paper towels to briefly drain.

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7) Move the calamari to the second baking sheet and place in the oven, to keep it warm and crisp. Repeat the same steps with the 2nd batch of calamari. Add more flour to the bowl if there is not enough, I did add a few spoons more of flour.

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8) Transfer the calamari to the serving plate. You can add lemon wedges to the plate, for decoration. Serve with marinara sauce and or garlic aioli sauce for dipping, if desired. I served with both sauces because we like our calamari with yummy sauces.

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Marinara Sauce:

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 small Yellow Onion, Finely chopped
  • 2 Scallions (white & green part) Finely chopped
  • 2 Anchovy Fillets in oil, drained and finely chopped (Optional*)
  • 4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 Cup hearty Red Wine (Such as Citra Montepulciano)
  • 1 Can (28 oz.) Whole Tomatoes in juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Hot, Crushed, Red Pepper Flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper

1) Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the scallions, anchovies (if using), garlic, and cook. Stir occasionally until garlic is fragrant for about 1 minute.

2) Add the wine. Pour the tomatoes and their juices into a bowl. Crush the tomatoes between your fingers, and pour the mixture into the saucepan. Add the oregano, hot pepper flakes, and pepper and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to med.-low. Simmer, stirring often, until the tomato juices have thickened and the sauce has reduced slightly, about 30 minutes.  * The sauce can be cooled, covered, and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Or freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.)

Carrabba’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes

On By sofiyababinovIn Italian Recipes, Main Course, Side Dish2 Comments

DSCN3714This is the recipe for the authentic Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Garlic Mashed Potatoes. I got the recipe from my Carrabba’s Cookbook but I did change a few minor things. It tastes exactly like Carrabba’s restaurant. I recommend serving this dish with some steak or other meat of your choice, or some roasted or steamed vegetables. Although they are “garlic” mashed potatoes, they are actually not too garlic tasting at all because the garlic is roasted in the oven for 1.5 hours, and that gives it a sweetly unique taste, so don’t let those 2 heads of garlic in the picture throw you off! I could eat the roasted garlic just like that because it’s seriously so tasty lol. Enjoy! 🙂

Garlic Mashed Potatoes {Makes 4-5 Servings}

Ingredients:

  • 2.5 LB Red-Skinned Potatoes, Scrubbed and washed But unpeeled, cut into 3/4 inch dice
  • 8 Tablespoons (1 Stick) Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream, at room temperature
  • *For the roasted garlic: 2 Large, Plump heads of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Sea Salt/Pepper to taste

DSCN3685Directions:  

1) To make the roasted garlic, preheat a small conventional oven to 300 Degrees. Cut the top 1/2 inch from each garlic head to reveal the cloves. Discard the tops. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil on the cut surfaces of the garlic heads, and sprinkle with a pinch each of salt/pepper.

 

2) Place the garlic heads, cut side up, in a small baking dish lined with foil. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake 1.5 hours on 300 degrees, until the garlic is deep beige and very tender when squeezed. Set aside when ready.

 

3) Put the potatoes in a large saucepan. Add enough water to just cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add salt to taste. Reduce the heat to medium low (I did 3.5) and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 20-25 minutes.

DSCN36934) When the potatoes are cooked through and tender, drain out all the water, and return the potatoes back into the pot. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher.

DSCN37045) In a small bowl, squeeze out the garlic cloves from the 2 heads of garlic. Mash the cloves with a fork. (They will be very tender.) Add the stick of butter and cream into the bowl. Mix very well using a fork and spoon. Until it becomes a creamy texture.

 

DSCN37016) Add the roasted garlic, butter, and heavy cream mixture into the mashed potatoes. Mix very well. Mash potatoes again with the masher until they become as smooth as you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I did 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Transfer to a serving bowl or scoop into individual plates. Serve hot!

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DSCN3714*To reheat: Heat a skillet on medium heat with some butter, add the mashed potatoes. Mix until heated up.

 

Rigatoni With Marinara Sauce and Roasted Bell Peppers/Onions

On By sofiyababinovIn 30 Minutes & Under, Italian Recipes, Main CourseLeave a comment

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This Rigatoni Macaroni recipe is delicious. It is a classic Italian style dish served at many Italian Chain Restaurants. You can pair it with meat balls, Parmesan chicken, or Italian sausage, for a perfect Restaurant, Italian style meal. Feel free to get creative with this recipe and add or subtract any veggies of your preferences, I have made this recipe before with all kinds of different veggies. What I love most about this recipe is the minimal ingredients you need to prepare it and how quick it is to make, about 20 minutes total. Enough said, this recipe is a winner so next time you are in a pasta or Italian food kinda mood, make this delicious Rigatoni Pasta and I know you’ll love it! 🙂

Rigatoni With Marinara Sauce and Roasted Bell Peppers/Onions {Serves 4-6} 

Ingredients:

  • 1 Box Rigatoni (16 oz.)
  • 1 Jar marinara Sauce, Any brand (24 oz. I used Victoria Marinara Sauce, from Costco and it was delicious. I used half of this Jar in the picture.)
  • 1 Onion (I used a Sweet Vidalia Onion)
  • 1 Bell Pepper (I used an Orange Bell Pepper)
  • Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)
  • 1-2 Garlic Cloves
  • Mrs.Dash Seasoning (A sprinkle of it)
  • Salt to taste

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Directions:

1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Wash/cut the bell pepper into thin little strips. Chop the Onion into thin half rings.  On another burner, in a large pan, Heat 2 Tablespoons of olive oil on Medium High heat (I did 7.0).

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2) When the pot with water comes to a boil, add some salt and throw in the Rigatoni Macaroni and cook according to the package instructions.

3) Add the chopped onion into the pan with the olive oil as soon as it heats up. Cook until the onion gets soft then add in the chopped bell pepper. Mix thoroughly and continue cooking until both the onion and bell pepper are soft and tender.

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4) Add the Marinara Sauce to the pan with the onion and bell pepper, Mix thoroughly. Then add a sprinkle of Mrs.Dash seasoning. Mix again. Close the lid and let the sauce come to a boil.

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5) When the sauce comes to a boil, lower the heat to Medium-Low (I did a 4.0). Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan, close the lid and let it simmer until the Rigatoni Pasta is done cooking.

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6) When the Rigatoni is done cooking, drain out all the water from the pot. Add 2 Tablespoons of butter to the Rigatoni and mix well. Then add the Rigatoni Pasta into the pan with the sauce. Mix very well and turn the heat off. The Rigatoni Pasta is now all done. Scoop into plates and enjoy! I like to eat this with meat balls. 🙂

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