Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

I came across this side dish recipe at Food.com, which Karen=^..^= had posted the recipe, but I did modify the recipe to my liking. This delicious side dish is so quick and easy to prepare. My husband and I agree... this side dish is very good, and I look forward to making it often.



Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

9 ounces (2-1/2 cups) penne pasta, uncooked
2 Tablespoons butter
1 very large clove of garlic, minced
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons flour
3/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup milk (I used 2%)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
6 tablespoons Kraft Grated Parmesan Cheese

1.)  In a large saucepan, cook the pasta in boiling for 11 minutes, along with a bit of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of salt.  Once cooked; drain the pasta in a colander, then rinse with cold water.  Drain again to remove any excess water, then set the pasta aside.

2.)  In the same saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter.

3.)  To the pan, add the garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir continuously for about 1 minute.  (I only cooked the garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds.)

4.)  Now add the flour, and continue to cook and stir for 1 more minute.  (I only cooked the flour for 30 seconds.)

5.)  Gradually add the broth and milk; stirring continuously, until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.

6.)  Once the sauce has thickened, quickly add the remaining spices and the parmesan cheese; stirring continuously until the cheese has melted.

7.)  Once the cheese has melted, reduce the heat, and add the cooked pasta; stir until the sauce is incorporated into the pasta, then serve immediately.

8.)  Season pasta with a bit more salt & pepper, if need be.

9.)  Yields: 4 servings

An additional photo of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Food.com

Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup

I happen to come across this dessert recipe at food.com.
My husband loves peanut butter and bananas, and I love
chocolate, so we both enjoy this delectable dessert.



Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup 

1 banana
2 tablespoons peanut butter (or more)
3 tablespoons chocolate syrup (or more)
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
Optional toppings:
Reddi Wip Whipped Topping
Colorful candy sprinkles

1.)  Peel banana; split lengthwise, and place on a plate.

2.)  Spread peanut butter on the banana.

3.)  Drizzle chocolate syrup over the banana.

4.)  If desired, top with some Reddi Wip and candy sprinkles.

5.)  Serve immediately.

6.)  Makes: 1 serving

Banana With Peanut Butter & Chocolate Syrup | Just A Pinch Recipes

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom pasta carbonara.  This is my recipe that was published in the Taste of Home's Simple & Delicious Magazine; May/June 2009 (on page 29).

Photo by: Taste of Home 

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara 

2-1/2 cups uncooked mostaccioli pasta

8 bacon strips, diced

1 or 2 jars (4.5 oz. each) whole mushrooms, drained

3/4 cup half-and-half cream

1/3 cup butter, cubed

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes

1 teaspoon minced garlic

6 to 8 drops hot pepper sauce

1/2 teaspoon salt, optional

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1.)  Cook mostaccioli according to package directions.

2.)  Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.  Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain.

3.)  Brown mushrooms in bacon drippings; then remove to paper towels.  Drain drippings from the skillet.

4.)  Add the cream, butter, parsley, garlic, pepper sauce, and salt if desired, to the skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat, until butter is melted.

5.)  Drain mostaccioli; add to cream mixture.

6.)  Stir in the bacon, mushrooms and cheese; heat through.

7.)  Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with green onions.

8.)  Yields: 4 servings

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara Recipe: How to Make It (tasteofhome.com)