Quick Chicken & Veggie Spaghetti Skillet

June 13th, 2011

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 box Dreamfields Spaghetti
2 teaspoons olive or vegetable oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then into 1/2-inch thick slices
3 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup reduced-sodium, fat free chicken broth or vegetable broth
2 cups cooked chicken pieces or strips**
1/4 cup sliced fresh basil
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheeses

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add garlic. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes, until garlic is softened. Add zucchini; cook and stir 1 minute. Add tomatoes and broth; cook 3 to 5 minutes until zucchini is crisp-tender, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
  3. Drain pasta. Add to skillet and toss. Add chicken; toss. Sprinkle with basil and Parmesan cheese.

Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe):
351 calories; 29 g protein; 10 g digestible carbohydrates*; 9 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 64 mg cholesterol; 191 mg sodium; 6 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 40 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

**Use rotisserie chicken, packaged, precooked chicken strips or left over grilled or broiled chicken.

Potluck Pasta Salad

April 22nd, 2011

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Dreamfields Rotini or Penne Rigate
4 cups mix-ins (see below)
Dressing: Herbed Vinaigrette (recipe follows) OR
Homestyle Peppery Buttermilk (recipe follows)

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again.
  2. Add desired mix-ins and half of dressing. Toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate up to 8 hours; toss again before serving. Add additional dressing, as desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Suggested Mix-Ins:

  • Crisp-tender cooked vegetables: green beans, broccoli, asparagus, corn, sugar snap peas, green peas, edamame, zucchini, yellow squash
  • Raw vegetables: shredded or sliced carrots, tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, celery, avocado, spinach, radish, onions
  • Other: olives, cheese – shredded or crumbled, herbs
  • Meats: Salami strips, cooked chicken, tuna, shrimp, crabmeat, ham, beef steak slices, prosciutto

Herbed Vinaigrette
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup white wine vinegar or rice vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs such as thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley

Directions:

  1. In small bowl, whisk together vinegar and oil. Whisk in mustard and garlic. Add herbs.

Makes 3/4 cup.

Homestyle Peppery Buttermilk Dressing
Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup lowfat buttermilk
1/2 cup light mayonnaise or salad dressing
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon no-salt garlic and herb seasoning blend
1/4 teaspoon salt
Coarse-ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. In small bowl, stir together buttermilk and mayonnaise. Add remaining ingredients; stir to mix well. Add additional buttermilk if needed for consistency. Let stand about 10 minutes to thicken.

Makes 1 cup.

Nutrition information (1/8 of recipe prepared with 1 cup cooked ham, 1/2 cup sliced squash, 1/2 cup green peas, 1/2 cup black olives, 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper, 1 cup sliced cucumber and half of Herbed Vinaigrette)239 calories; 10 g protein; 8 g digestible carbohydrates*; 6 g total fat; 0.70 g saturated fat; 8 mg cholesterol; 280 mg sodium; 5 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 38 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Asian Pork & Pasta

April 12th, 2011

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 box Dreamfields Angel Hair
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, green part only
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup reduced-sodium, fat free chicken broth, vegetable broth or white wine
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound), trimmed
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons shredded fresh ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons olive or peanut oil
1 cup snow peas, strings removed
1 cup bell pepper strips (about 1/4 inch thick)
1 cup coarsely shredded carrots

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pan. Toss with green onions and sesame oil; set aside.
  2. In small bowl, stir together broth and cornstarch until cornstarch is dissolved. Stir in 1 teaspoon soy sauce; set aside.
  3. Cut pork into 1/4-inch thick slices. In small bowl, stir together hoisin sauce, shredded ginger, garlic and remaining 1 teaspoon soy sauce. Add pork; stir to coat completely. Set aside.
  4. Heat olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add snow peas; cook and stir 1 minute. Add bell pepper and carrots; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove from skillet.
  5. Add half of pork to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes, just until cooked through. Remove from skillet. Repeat with remaining pork. (If pork is sticking to pan, add additional oil, 1 teaspoon at a time.) Return cooked pork to skillet. Stir cornstarch mixture to combine. Add to pork. Cook and stir until thickened and clear. Return vegetables to skillet and heat through.
  6. Serve pork and vegetables over pasta.

Makes 4-6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe):
390 calories; 30 g protein; 17 g digestible carbohydrates*; 10 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 61 mg cholesterol; 363 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 47 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Angel Hair con Tilapia

March 10th, 2011

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Dreamfields Angel Hair
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/2 cup julienne or thickly shredded carrots
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper
1 cup (8 ounces) marinara sauce
2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
1 pound tilapia fillets (2 to 4 fillets)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, parsley, garlic and carrots; stir well. Add red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Continue cooking about 5 minutes, until onion is browned, stirring frequently. Add marinara sauce and fresh basil. Cook 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
  3. Place tilapia fillets in skillet. Pour lemon juice and wine over fish. Cook 2 minutes; turn carefully with spatula. Continue cooking 2 minutes or until cooked through (fish flakes easily when tested with fork). Remove from heat. Remove fish from skillet. Cut into 1-inch wide pieces.
  4. Drain pasta; toss pasta with sauce in skillet. Gently stir in fish. Top with Parmesan cheese and toasted almonds.

Makes 6 servings.

Note:
To toast almonds, spread on rimmed baking pan. Place in 350°F oven 8 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven; cool completely.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 440 calories; 28 g protein; 16 g digestible carbohydrates*; 12 g total fat; 3 g saturated fat; 39 mg cholesterol; 325 mg sodium; 8 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 55 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Salsa Verde Pork & Pasta Stew

January 10th, 2011

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Dreamfields Rotini
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound), trimmed (cut into 1-inch pieces)
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
1-1/2 cups reduced-sodium, fat free chicken broth
1-1/4 cups prepared salsa verde
1 can (about 15 ounces) black beans, rinsed, drained, optional
6 lime wedges
Chopped avocado, optional
Light sour cream, optional
Chopped cilantro, optional

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pan; cover and keep warm.
  2. In medium bowl, stir together cumin, chili powder and 2 teaspoons oil. Add pork; stir to coat completely. Set aside.
  3. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add pork. Cook about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through, turning occasionally. (Reduce heat if pork is browning too quickly.) Remove from skillet; set aside.
  4. Add onion and 2 tablespoons broth to skillet; cook and stir over medium-high heat (stirring up any browned bits from pan) about 3 minutes, until onions are crisp-tender. Stir in salsa, remaining broth, and beans, if using. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Return pork to skillet. Heat through. Portion pasta into individual serving dishes. Top with stew. Serve with lime wedges. Garnish with avocado, sour cream and cilantro if desired.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 361 calories; 24 g protein; 13 g digestible carbohydrates*; 7 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 41 mg cholesterol; 575 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 53 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Festive Lasagna Roll-Ups with Salsa Rosa Sauce

December 9th, 2010

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Standing Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
16 uncooked Dreamfields Lasagna noodles
4 cups (32 ounces) prepared marinara sauce
1 container (10 ounces) prepared refrigerated light Alfredo sauce (1 cup)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon finely chopped red onion
1-1/2 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
9 ounces fresh spinach leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon each chopped fresh parsley and chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup dry red wine or chicken broth
Salt and pepper
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup finely shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves, cut into thin strips, optional

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Set aside.
  2. In medium bowl, stir together marinara and Alfredo sauces until uniform in color. Set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in large nonstick pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic and onion; cook 1 minute until soft. Add mushrooms, spinach, herbs and wine. Season with salt and pepper, as desired. Cook 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
  4. Spray 9 x 13 x 2-inch and 9 x 9-inch baking dishes with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of sauce in bottom of 9 x 13-inch dish and 1/2 cup in 9 x 9-inch dish.
  5. Lay noodles on cutting board or counter top; pat dry. Spread 1 tablespoon of ricotta cheese evenly over each noodle. Next, spread 1-1/2 tablespoons of sauce, then 1-1/2 tablespoons of spinach mixture uniformly over each lasagna noodle. Roll lasagna noodle gently but firmly. Place lasagna rolls in baking dishes seam-side down (10 lasagna rolls will fit in 9 x 13 dish and 6 in 9 x 9 dish). Pour 3/4 cup sauce over the top of 9 x 13 dish and 1/2 cup over 9 x 9 dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover with foil. Bake in preheated 375°F oven 45 minutes. Remove foil; continue baking 10 minutes, until browned and bubbly. Remove from oven; let stand 10 minutes before serving.
  6. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Nutrition information (1/8 of recipe): 535 calories; 25 g protein; 30 g digestible carbohydrates*; 20g total fat; 9 g saturated fat; 41 mg cholesterol; 944 mg sodium; 9 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 66 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Penne with Roasted Eggplant & Savory Mushroom Ragu

November 5th, 2010

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Mushroom Hydration: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Dreamfields Penne Rigate or Rotini
2 medium eggplants (about 3/4 pound each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon each chopped fresh rosemary, minced garlic and finely chopped red onion
1 cup each sliced porcini (dry), portobello (fresh) and shiitake (fresh) mushrooms (see note below)
1/2 cup dry red wine
2 cups (16 ounces) prepared marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:

  1. Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds. Spray cut sides with nonstick cooking spray. Place on nonstick baking sheet or foil-lined baking sheet. Bake in preheated 450°F oven 15 minutes or until tender. Remove from oven. Place eggplant on paper towels.  When cooled, cut slices in half.
  2. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add parsley, rosemary, garlic and onion. Cook 1 to 2 minutes until sizzling, stirring frequently. Add mushrooms. Stir in wine; cook 2 to 3 minutes until wine evaporates. Stir in marinara sauce and eggplant. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook pasta according to package directions.  Drain well. Toss with eggplant sauce and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with additional cheese, if desired.

Note: To hydrate porcini mushrooms, cover mushrooms with hot water. Allow to stand about 20 minutes to soften; drain.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 397 calories; 14 g protein; 25 g digestible carbohydrates*; 10 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 6 mg cholesterol; 641 mg sodium; 12 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 65 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Butternut Squash & Linguine

November 5th, 2010

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 box Dreamfields Linguine
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
4 cups butternut squash pieces (about 1-inch pieces)
1/2 cup dry white wine or reduced-sodium, fat free chicken broth
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage or 4 teaspoons dried sage
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese, blue cheese or shredded Parmesan cheese
Crumbled cooked prosciutto or bacon, optional
Additional cheese, optional
Toasted chopped walnuts, optional

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pan; cover and keep warm.
  2. Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in squash, wine and salt. Simmer 12 to 15 minutes just until squash is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in sage.
  3. Toss squash with pasta and cheese. Sprinkle with prosciutto, additional cheese and walnuts, as desired.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/4 of recipe): 304 calories; 9 g protein; 23 g digestible carbohydrates*; 6 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 7 mg cholesterol; 213 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 52 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Spaghetti with Wild Mushroom Sauce

October 29th, 2010

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Mushroom Hydration: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Dreamfields Spaghetti
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 cup halved red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes
3 cups sliced porcini (dry), shiitake (fresh), portabella (fresh) or white (fresh) mushrooms, in any combination, stems removed (see note below)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add parsley, onion and garlic; cook 1 to 2 minutes or until sizzling. Add tomatoes; cook 2 to 3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften. Stir in mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes, stirring often.
  2. Stir in lemon juice and wine. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add pepper and salt. Remove from heat.
  3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; add to skillet and toss with tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese.

Note: To hydrate porcini mushrooms, cover mushrooms with hot water. Allow to stand about 20 minutes to soften; drain. Or use room temperature water and allow to stand 45 minutes to an hour. Drain; gently rinse under cold water and pat dry.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 319 calories; 12 g protein; 12 g digestible carbohydrates*; 8 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 5 mg cholesterol; 330 mg sodium; 7 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 52 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.

Stove Top Mac n Cheese

September 30th, 2010

From the kitchen of Dreamfields Pasta

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes

Ingredients:
1 box Dreamfields Elbows
1 cup prepared light Alfredo sauce
2 cups shredded reduced fat Cheddar Cheese or part-skim mozzarella cheese or a combination
1/2 cup skim milk

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pan; remove from heat.
  2. Immediately add Alfredo sauce, cheese and milk to pasta; stir constantly until cheese is melted. Add additional milk if necessary for desired consistency. Serve immediately.

Stir-ins: Cooked chicken, turkey, ham cubes, hot dog pieces, meatballs, cooked chicken or turkey sausage, cooked broccoli florets, green peas, chopped tomato or halved cherry tomatoes.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition information (1/6 of recipe): 385 calories; 20 g protein; 11 g digestible carbohydrates*; 13 g total fat; 7 g saturated fat; 35 mg cholesterol; 570 mg sodium; 6 g total dietary fiber.

*If traditional pasta is used in this recipe there is a total of 51 g carbohydrate. For more information go to www.DreamfieldsFoods.com.