Family-Style Tortellini

Yesterday, I saw a cooking segment on the Today Show, featuring a family-style tortellini recipe. Now, truth be told, I was working out at my gym at the time and didn't jot down the recipe. However, I've recreated it as best as I can, making a few minor tweaks of my own.

Pasta is a tasty, filling dinner that is light on the budget when you cook at home. This family-style tortellini can feed a group of 6, so its perfect to enjoy with the kids, or with a few of your neighbors!

Don't forget fresh salad greens and crusty french bread.

Ingredients:
3 cups cooked cheese-filled tortellini
1 c. cubed mozzarella cheese
1 c. cubed salami
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 c. fresh, halved cherry tomatoes
2 T. fresh chopped basil
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 t. sea salt
1/4 t. freshly ground pepper

Directions:

Cook tortellini according to directions in 2-3 quarts boiling water, salted with 1/2 t. salt. Drain.

In a large bowl, mix pasta with mozzarella and salami, stir in olive oil, basil and cherry tomatoes.

Place pasta mixture on a large serving platter. Top with salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with basil sprigs.

Mangia!

Penne With Tomatoes, Olives and Capers

Looking for a delicious vegetarian pasta recipe? When you make Penne with Tomatoes, Olives and Capers, you won't be hungry an hour or two later. This wonderful pasta dinner recipe will satisfy both your stomach and your taste buds. Even better, its low-calorie, so you might even want to go for seconds!

As always, we recommend you use fresh herbs and other ingredients for the most authentic taste. Spending just a bit more on cheese and olive oil will make a big difference in enjoyment.

This recipe makes 4 servings, at an acceptable 68 grams of carbs per serving (1 3/4 cup).

Ingredients:

1 T. olive oil
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 c. chopped plum tomatoes (about 5-6 tomatoes)
1/2 c. chopped kalamata olives
1 1/2 T. capers
1/4 t. sea salt
6 c. cooked and drained penne pasta
3/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3 T. chopped fresh basil

Directions:

Heat oil in a large skillet, then add pepper and garlic. Saute for 30 seconds. Add tomato, olives, capers and salt. Reduce heat and simmer 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add previously-cooked and drained pasta to the skillet, and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until warmed.

Remove from heat, then add cheese and basil for a fresh, delicious meal.

A vegetarian dinner never tasted so good!