Rice Pasta with Spinach and Raw Garlic

This recipe is: vegan, vegetarian, soy free, dairy free, wheat free, gluten free, nut free, egg free

Contains: Rice

This recipe was a creation on hunger with little in the kitchen. Sometimes these are my favorites because you never know what exciting meal you will create.

1 package brown rice noodles ( I like the Trader Joe's brand)

4 to 6 tbsp olive oil

1/2 onion, chopped

juice from half a lemon

1 10oz package fresh baby spinach

4 cloves of garlic, good size (use more if smaller)

salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package. Meanwhile in a large pan sautee the onion in 2 tbsp olive oil; about 5 minutes. Add spinach and cook down; about 2 minutes. Add the pasta, juice from half a lemon and another 2 tbsp olive oil, toss. If the pasta seems dry add a little more olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, mix well. Serve and top with raw garlic

creamy fettuccine with leeks, corn and arugula

This dish is: Vegetarian, Nut Free, Soy Free
Contains: Dairy, Wheat, Gluten, Corn and Egg

Alternatives:To make this dish wheat/gluten free use a gluten free pasta. I prefer Ancient Harvest Quinoa pasta over a rice noodle. Unfortunately, I don't really think there is a good way to make this dish dairy free but am open to suggestions!

Last night I wanted a creamy rich pasta and remembered this delicious dish. Thankfully, I had all of the ingredients on hand. At first the arugula seems like an odd twist but it works. As my husband says it reminds him of a meal that we would most likely get in Ticino, minus the corn.

12 oz fettuccine (3/4 box)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 leeks (white and light green parts), cut into thin half moons

4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Kosher salt and black pepper

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1/2 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 cups baby arugula

1/4 grated pecorino

Cook the pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leeks, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir occasionally until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add the corn and wine. Simmer another 2-3 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in the cream.

Add the pasta to the pan and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Toss to combine, then fold in the arugula. Sprinkle with pecorino before serving.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Makes about 4 regular size portions
1/2 small onion (chopped fine)
1/2 stalk celery (chopped fine)
1 small carrot (chopped fine)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 large mushrooms (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 lb ground beef
1 14 oz can tomato sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
Boil water and cook spaghetti according to directions on package. To make it GFCF substitute regular spaghetti for rice pasta.
Saute onion, celery, carrot and garlic in 1 tbsp olive oil to soften, about 5 minutes. Add beef and brown. Add mushrooms and chopped tomatoes. Cook down, 3-5 minutes. Add salt, pepper and Italian seasoning to taste. Cook a few more minutes. Add tomato sauce and the other tbsp of oil. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep tasting and season as needed.

Mamma's Note: This recipe is based entirely on tasting.

Baked Penne with Spinach and Sun-dried Tomatoes

1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
14 oz. crushed tomatoes
28 oz whole tomatoes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 bag penne
5 oz baby spinach
2 cups grated mozzarella
1/4 cup grated parmesan


Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stir for 2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes. Break up whole tomatoes with your fingers and add to pan. Add vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir. Reduce heat to simmer, stir occasionally, until thickened, 20 to 25 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400.

Meanwhile, cook pasta until nearly done (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain pasta and return to pot.
Add spinach to sauce. Mix in until wilted, about 1 minute. Pour sauce over pasta and mix.

Pour half of the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella. Top with remaining pasta. Finally add the 2nd cup of mozzarella and the parmesan to the top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until top is bubbling and beginning to turn brown.

*Recipe from Real Simple Magazine