Pasta Risotto Recipes

Steps:

• Puree the tomatoes using an immersion blender or food processor. Set aside.
• In a saucepot over medium heat, combine the olive oil, pepper flakes and garlic. Gently toast the garlic until golden brown, being careful not to burn it. Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer; simmer 5 to 8 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
• Add the pasta to the pot with the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and cook until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the butter, half of both cheeses and half of the basil and cook, tossing frequently, until the pasta is nicely coated. Season with salt if necessary.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, top with the remaining cheese and basil and drizzle with olive oil.

Steps:

• Melt 1 T. of butter in a 12" frying pan over high heat.
• Add mushrooms and shallots or onions and cook, stirring often, until mushrooms are lightly browned, 9-12 minutes.
• Reduce heat to medium and add 2 more T. butter and the orzo. Stir often until pasta is light golden, about 2 minutes.
• Add chicken broth and sherry. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until pasta is tender to bite and most of the liquid is absorbed, 9-11 minutes.
• If mixture becomes too thick before pasta is done, add a little more broth.
• Stir in the parmesan cheese, the salt & pepper.
• Spoon risotto into bowls and sprinkle with chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese.
• Makes 3-4 main dish servings.