Creamy Tomato Italian Sausage Pasta

Cook's Notes: How is the weather in your area? We are definitely not in a drought with a lot of rain as of late, bringing cooler temperatures. The sun plays elusive games with us. Comfort food seemed like a good plan. This recipe checked all the boxes for us in terms of flavor and ease of preparation. The recipe serves four and even tastes better the next day. Since the pasta soaks up liquid, add some chicken broth to thin it out a bit when reheating. The recipe was adapted from closetcooking.com 

The casserole was served with Mixed Berries Caprese Style with Balsamic Vinegar. 

Ingredients: 

• 8 ounces of pasta (such as rigatoni) (gluten-free for gluten-free) (1-1/2 cups dry pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 ounces Sweet Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (24-ounce) can whole tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Calabrian chilies, chopped (optional) or 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon each oregano and Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
• 3 cups torn baby spinach leaves, stems removed
• 1/3 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons basil, thinly sliced

Directions:

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and onion, and cook until the sausage is cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove from the pan the meat aand onions. Wipe the pan free of grease.
• Add the garlic, fennel, and tomato paste and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
• Add the tomatoes, Calabrian chilies or red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, spinach leaves, Italian seasoning, and oregano. On low, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes uncovered.
• Turn off the heat, mix in the cream and parmesan.
• Mix in the cooked and drained pasta, season with salt and pepper to taste, mix in the basil, and enjoy!
• 

Mixed Berry Caprese Salad
Cook's Notes: 
A fun festive salad with a balsamic drizzle is just the needed piece de resistance, especially when you use chocolate balsamic. The salad works well as a side for 4th of July festivities. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups halved strawberries, stems removed
• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh blackberries, blueberries, or watermelon cubes
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (deli section) or 1-1/2 cups cubed mozzarella
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped
• Drizzle of dark quality balsamic glaze or chocolate balsamic

Directions:

• In a large bowl, combine berries, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad and serve immediately.

Two more rain "funnies"

HAVE A GOOD DAY