pasta

The Magic of Pasta Water

When it comes to making a perfect pasta dish, one secret ingredient is right there in your pot – the pasta water! Before you drain your pasta, be sure to set aside a cup of this starchy liquid gold.

Why, you ask? This humble component can work wonders in your sauce. The water, which retains some of the salts and starches released by the pasta during cooking, can help thicken your sauce and make it cling to the pasta better, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It can also adjust the consistency of a sauce that’s too thick, making it just right.

So, the next time you find yourself whipping up a pasta dish, remember to harness the magic of pasta water. It’s a simple step that elevates your meal to the next level, giving you a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Happy cooking!

How To Make Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese

This oven-baked sweet potato mac and cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. This recipe incorporates nutrient-dense sweet potatoes into the creamy, cheesy sauce for a healthier take on mac and cheese. The sweet potatoes add a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the dish, while also boosting its nutritional value. The result is a rich, satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of sweet potato mac and cheese.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box penne pasta
  • 3-5 sweet potato (depending on serving)
  • 1 can of carnation condensed milk
  • 1 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp Cheddar jack cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp Mozzarella cheese
  • Feta Cheese (for topping)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika pepper
  • Fresh parsley finely diced (for garnish) 

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven at 350 degrees.
  2. In a large pot of boiling water, cook the pasta until just tender, 7 to 9 minutes. Add in 1 Tbsp butter and salt. Drain once done; set aside.
  3. Meanwhile, cut the sweet potato in several several pieces or in half. Cook the potatoes in a large pot of boiling water until they are tender, 10-15 minutes.
  4. Once the sweet potatoes are done, allow the potatoes to cool down on a cooling rack and peel the skin off. Cut the potatoes into small pieces and sit aside.
  5. In a small pot, Whisk milk Heat over medium heat, add in cheddar cheese and pinch of salt; whisking frequently, until steaming, hot, and cheese have melted and blended in with the mix.
  6. Remove from heat.
  7. Prepare the bottom of the baking dish with Cheddar jack cheese. Add the sweet potatoes then penne pasta. Top with cheese mix; Top with mozzarella cheese, feta cheese and paprika.
  8. Bake on the upper rack in the oven until the cheese are nicely melted and the top is lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
  9. Remove from the oven and garnish with finely diced parsley.
  10. Enjoy! Make sure you tag #DinnerWithTayo, I would love to see your dish.

Quick and Easy Fresh Green Sauce Linguine for Busy Weeknights

This Fresh Green Sauce Linguine recipe is a perfect way to add some color and freshness to your dinner table. It’s super creamy, packed with fresh greens and ready within a couple of minutes. The recipe features a delicious and easy-to-make sauce made with fresh herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil, which is then tossed with tender linguine noodles.

The result is a bright and flavorful pasta dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. This recipe is also customizable, as you can add your favorite veggies or protein to the dish to make it more substantial. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a light and refreshing pasta dish, give this Fresh Green Sauce Linguine a try and enjoy the taste of fresh and healthy ingredients in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

  • Pack of linguine (preferably fresh linguine or any choice of pasta)
  • ½ cup parsley
  • ½ cup cilantro
  • 3 cups spinach
  • 1 avocado
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1½ – 2½ tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • Vegan parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Cook the linguine according to the instructions on the package. Set aside once done.
  2. Remove the stone and skin from the avocado and peel the garlic.
  3. Add parsley, cilantro, and spinach to the bowl of a food processor or high-powered blender. Add the avocado, garlic cloves, ground onion, ground garlic, cayenne, nutmeg, tahini, and salt. Process until as smooth as possible.
  4. Add in the coconut milk and 1.5 tbsp of the lemon juice and blend for one minute. Taste for lemon juice and add the remaining lemon juice as needed.
  5. Cover and refrigerate until needed or stir into hot drained pasta straight away and sprinkle with vegan cheese, cracked black pepper, and extra herbs if desired.
  6. Make sure you hashtag #DinnerWithTayo, I would love to see your dish.

Fall in Love with this Delicious Homemade Oxtail Ravioli

This Homemade Oxtail Ravioli puts a twist to the traditional Italian dish. This recipe features tender, slow-cooked oxtail that’s shredded and mixed with herbs, spices, and parmesan cheese to create a savory and indulgent filling for the ravioli. The pasta dough is made from scratch and rolled out into thin sheets, then filled with the oxtail mixture and cut into individual ravioli. The ravioli is then boiled until tender and served with a simple yet flavorful sauce of butter, sage, and garlic. The result is a decadent and comforting pasta dish that’s sure to impress your dinner guests or satisfy your craving for a hearty and delicious meal. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking to try something new and exciting, give this Homemade Oxtail Ravioli recipe a try and savor the flavors of Italy in every bite.

Ingredients

Oxtails filing

  • 2 pounds oxtails
  • 5½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 12-ounce can of tomato paste
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon browning
  • 4 sprigs of fresh thyme, divided

Ravioli

  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for coating
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • Egg wash or water, for brushing

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • Fresh basil, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the pasta dough: In a medium bowl or container, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and olive oil. 
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and 1 teaspoon salt. 
  3. Turn the flour mixture out onto a clean surface and make a well in the center. Gradually pour the egg mixture into the well and mix with a fork until the flour begins to clump together, then use your hands to knead the dough until stiff and no longer sticky. You may not need to use all of the flour. Shape the dough into a ball and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, make the oxtail filling: Season the oxtails ½ teaspoon salt on each side.
  5. Heat a pressure cooker on High Sauté mode. Once hot, add the olive oil, then add the oxtails and sear on both sides until browned, 5 minutes. Remove from the pressure cooker and set aside.
  6. Add the onion to the pressure cooker and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened. Add the tomato paste, brown sugar, remaining 1½ teaspoons salt, the allspice, chicken bouillon powder, cayenne, garlic powder, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, browning, and 2 sprigs of thyme and mix well. Cook for 5 minutes until combined.
  7. Return the oxtails to the pressure cooker, along with the remaining 2 sprigs of thyme. Cover the pressure cooker, seal, and cook on high pressure for 45–50 minutes, until the oxtails are tender. Allow the pressure cooker to naturally release, then uncover and remove the oxtails, leaving the liquid behind.
  8. Remove as much meat as possible from the oxtail bones and cut into small pieces. Set aside.
  9. Lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Cut off a portion of pasta dough and, using a rolling pin, roll out into a large, thin rectangle. Cover the dough sheet with plastic wrap to keep from drying out while you repeat with the remaining dough.
  10. Spoon 1-tablespoon mounds of the oxtail meat onto one of the dough sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each mound. Lightly brush egg wash or water over the exposed dough. Fold the dough in half over the filling, pressing down between each mound and around the edges to seal and release any air pockets. Using a pastry or pizza cutter, cut the ravioli into individual half-circles, trimming any excess dough around the edges. Press around the edges with a fork to ensure they are firmly sealed.
  11. Fill a large pot with water and add the remaining tablespoon of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the ravioli in batches and cook, stirring occasionally, until the water returns to a boil and the ravioli float easily to the surface, 3–4 minutes. Remove the ravioli from the pot with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate.
  12. Make the sauce: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the spinach, a pinch of salt, and 1–2 cups of the oxtail braising liquid and cook until it simmers. 
  13. Add the ravioli to the sauce and toss until well coated. 
  14. Transfer the ravioli to serving bowls and sprinkle with basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
  15. Enjoy and don’t forget to share your photos on social media and hashtag, #dinnerwithtayo.

Shrimp and Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta: A Family-Friendly Favorite

Shrimp and Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta is a delicious and filling dinner dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe features tender and juicy chicken and shrimp, sautéed in a flavorful garlic and basil pesto sauce. The pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed with the pesto and protein mixture to create a savory and satisfying meal. The basil pesto adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the dish, while the chicken and shrimp add a satisfying and healthy source of protein. Whether you’re a fan of pasta dishes or simply looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy chicken and shrimp, this Shrimp and Chicken Basil Pesto Pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

INGREDIENTS

For the Homemade Pesto:

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves 
  • ½ cup pine nuts
  • ½ cup grated pecorino cheese
  • 1 clove garlic peeled
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • salt and black pepper

For the Basil Pesto Shrimp and Chicken Pasta:

  • Pack of pasta 
  • 3-4 boneless skinless chicken thighs; shredded
  • 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined 
  • 2 Tbsp Olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt 
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Pesto Chicken Pasta:

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Set aside once ready.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  3. In a large pan heat olive oil over medium heat, add chicken thighs, and fry both sides 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan, cut, and shred into pieces with a fork and knife. Set aside.
  4. In the same pan, add the shrimp, pinch of salt, and cook for about 5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

For the Basil Pesto:

  1. Set out a food processor. Place the basil leaves, olive oil, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic clove, lemon juice, pepper, and salt in the food processor. Cover and pulse until finely ground and a smooth, thick pesto sauce is formed. Taste, then add additional salt and pepper if needed.
  1. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and shrimp into the cooked pasta. Stir in the pesto, and stir everything together. 
  2. Once it’s ready, top with additional grated pecorino cheese and serve. Enjoy!
  3. Make sure you hashtag #DinnerWithTayo, I would love to see your dish.

How to Make a Flavorful Jerk Pasta With Lamb

Jerk Lamb Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a party. The lamb is cooked in a flavorful jerk sauce made with allspice, thyme, ginger, garlic, and scotch bonnet pepper. The pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with the jerk sauce and lamb. This dish is sure to please everyone at the table!

Here are some additional tips for making delicious Jerk Lamb Pasta:

  • Use fresh lamb. The fresher the lamb, the better the dish will taste.
  • Don’t overcook the lamb. Lamb should be cooked until it is browned on the outside and pink on the inside. Overcooked lamb will be tough and dry.
  • Use a good quality jerk seasoning. The jerk seasoning will add flavor to the dish, so use a seasoning that you enjoy.
  • Serve with rice or another grain. Jerk Lamb Pasta is a great dish to serve with rice or another grain. The rice or grain will help to soak up the flavorful sauce.
  • Enjoy! Jerk Lamb Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table!

Here is a recipe for Jerk Lamb Pasta:

Ingredients

  • 1 rack of lamb
  • Pack of fettuccine pasta
  • 2 mini bell peppers or habanero pepper
  • ½ large red onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 scallion (diced)
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons Jamaican allspice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 7 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • squeezed lime juice

Instructions

  1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package. Drain any accessive water from the pasta and set aside.
  2. Preheat the over to 375º F.
  3. Add bell peppers, onions, garlic, scallion, white vinegar, soy sauce, sea salt, black pepper, ginger, Jamaican allspice, brown sugar, nutmeg, thyme, and lime juice to a high-speed blender and blend until completely incorporated.
  4. Season both sides of the rack of lamb with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy ovenproof skillet over high heat. Sear rack of lamb for 1 to 2 minutes on all sides.
  5. Arrange the rack bone side down in the skillet, add sprigs of thyme. Roast the lamb in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes.
  6. Let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes, loosely covered, before carving between the ribs.
  7. Add some of the jerk sauce into the pasta and stir together.
  8. Plate the pasta then top it with 2 carved lamb and drizzle the remaining jerk sauce over the lamb and pasta.
  9. Enjoy and don’t forget to hashtag, #dinnerwithtayo.