Oh Pasta… Two Quick & Easy Recipes

Did you know Feb. 13th was national tortellini day? I missed national fettuccine day on Feb. 7th, but today is a good day to talk pasta.

We have two great pasta recipes to share just in time for Valentine’s Day. Both are easy to make so beginners cooks will be able to shine on the most romantic day of the year. Paired with a nice glass of white wine, a big bowl of shared pasta and a cozy night in sounds very romantic! 😉

Baked Tortellini Casserole

Courtesy of Eating Well.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups low-fat milk, heated
• 1/2 grated Fontine cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt & ground pepper, to taste
• 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, preferably low-fat
• 1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 6 individual gratin dishes or a 1 1/2-quart shallow baking dish with cooking spray. Put a large pot of water on to boil for cooking pasta.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes, Add hot milk and bring to a simmer, whisking, until smooth and slightly thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup Fontina and nutmeg, stirring to melt the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Meanwhile, cook tortellini until just tender, 6 to 8 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rise well.
4. Combine the tortellini with the cheese sauce and toss. Transfer to the prepared dishes or baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/4 cup Fontina. Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan and sprinkle evenly over the tortellini.
5. Bake the tortellini until golden and bubbly, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve immediately.

Classic Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients:

• 8 oz uncooked fettuccine
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1/2 whipping cream
• 3/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black or white pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. In large sauce pot, cook fettuccine as directed on package.
2. While fettuccine is cooking, in 2-quart saucepan, heat butter and whipping cream over low heat, stirring constantly, until butter is melted. Stir in cheese, salt and pepper.
3. Drain fettuccine; return to sauce pot. Pour sauce over warm fettuccine; stir until fettuccine is well coated. Sprinkle with parsley.

Photos courtesy of Panera Bread & www.cookingclassy.com.