Baked Ravioli

I got this one from my sister who got it from Martha Stewart. It is easy & one of my favorite dishes to make AND eat! Plus, the sauce is like a homemade marinara sauce & would be good with any Italian or pasta dish you like; chicken parmesan, spaghetti & meatballs, etc... I love it!


2 Tblsp. Olive Oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tsp. dried thyme, or oregano
1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes
2 lbs. store-bought cheese ravioli (I like the small round ones instead of the big square ones)
1/2 c. grated parmesan
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
course salt & ground pepper, to taste


Preheat oven to 425*. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion & garlic, & season w/ salt & pepper; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 5 minutes). Add thyme & tomatoes. Bring to boil, reduce heat, & simmer, breaking tomatoes with a spoon, until sauce is thickened & reduced to about 5 1/2 cups. (20-25 minutes)

Meanwhite, cook ravioli in large pot of boiling water (salted) just until they float to the top. Drain pasta; return to pot.

Toss sauce with pasta. Pour pasta into a large gratin dish or 9x13 baking dish, & sprinkle with cheeses. Bake until golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.


NOTE: I actually leave the thyme/oregano out. I don't always love those tastes very strong, and I think it tastes awesome without it. Also, if you want to add meat to this dish you can. I tried the other day adding 1 pound of ground sausage and it was really good! I cooked the sausage on the stove, tossed it with the ravioli & sauce & stuck it all in the oven. So you can have it vegetarian or add whatever kind of meat you'd prefer -the perfect meal! :) Enjoy!

Red Lobster's Cajun Chicken Pasta

This is from my best friend IN MIDDLE SCHOOL!!! She will be joining this blog soon!

1 pack of chicken tenders
2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
1 green pepper (sliced)
1 red pepper (sliced)
1 package mushrooms
green onion (sliced)
1-2 cups heavy cream
1-2 basil leaves (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Linguine noodles (cooked)
Grated parmesan cheese

1.Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl or resealable plastic bag, toss or shake to coat.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat sauté chicken in butter until almost tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add peppers, mushrooms and onion; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes.
4. Reduce heat.
5. Add cream and seasonings; heat through.
6. Add linguine and toss; heat through.
7. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.

Absolutely wonderful and very easy!

Penne Pasta

This is one of my absolute favorite recipes!!! So yummy!

• 3 Tbsp. butter
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped ham
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 1/2 cup white grape juice
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 small can sliced olives
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 lb. (16oz.) penne pasta
• 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

Heat butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Saute garlic and onion in butter and olive oil mixture. Stir in ham and chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is brown. Stir in whipping cream, olives, parsley, and pepper. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Cook penne as directed on package. Mix penne and cream micture; top with cheese.