More Italian Favorites

Almost Olive Garden Alfredo

This is probably the "richest" recipe I have. 

You can use skim milk if you desire but can't skimp on anything else

1 1/2 c half and half
2 cubes BUTTER
1 1/2 c shredded parmesan (the real stuff tastes the best)
sprinkle of garlic pepper or garlic salt
1 t dried parsley

Melt butter in saucepan.  Stir in half and half, then parmesan then seasonings.  Stir constantly until it starts to boil over medium heat.  The cheese will completely melt and mixture will start to thicken.

Pesto Spaghetti

1/4 c water
1 T dried basil
1/4 c margarine
1/4 t garlic powder
1 T lemon juice
1 T dried parsley
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
8 oz spaghetti noodles, cooked and drained.

Mix water and basil - let sit for 30 minutes.  Heat margarine and garlic until melted.  Remove from heat.  Whisk in basil mixture, lemon juice and parsley.  Toss with noodles and parmesan cheese and serve.

Creamy  Pork Tortellini

1 pkg frozen tortellini (1 lb)
1 pkg alfredo sauce (made according to package directions)
1 pkg frozen broccoli/cauliflower blend, thawed
2 c ham, cubed OR 1 lb sausage, browned
1/3 c grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c grated mozzarella

Cook tortellini according to package directions and drain.  Combine sauce, veggies and pork.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.  Stir in drained tortellini, mix in parmesan and cook for 5 minutes.  Top with mozzarella and allow cheese to melt before serving.

Spinach Cheese Roll-up

1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1/2 bag fresh spinach
2 c shredded mozzarella
Parmesan cheese
1/4 c melted margarine
1/2 t garlic powder

Roll bread dough into a 10 x 14 inch rectangle.  Top with mozzarella then spinach, then sprinkle with Parmesan.  Roll up from one long side.  Place seam side down on a sprayed 10 x 15 pan. Bake at 400 for about 20 - 25 minutes or until golden brown.  Mix margarine and garlic powder and brush over roll when it comes out of the oven.  Slice to serve.

You can also make this into a roll-up pizza by placing pizza toppings inside (no sauce) baking, and then serve with pizza sauce for dipping on the side.

Mom's Breadsticks

1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1/4 cup margarine or butter
grated parmesan cheese
garlic pepper seasoning

Roll bread into rectangle.  Melt margarine in a 9 x 13 pan in the oven.  Spread margarine evenly in pan and sprinkle with garlic pepper and parmesan.  Cut dough into inch-wide strips.  Slop in butter so both sides are covered and then place in pan.  Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese.  Let rise 30 to 60 minutes and then bake at 375 for about 15 - 20 minutes or until they start to turn golden brown.