Scrumptious Spring Pasta
It's funny how people you meet can have a profound effect on you both personally and professionally. That’s what happened to me the moment I met Ruth Turkington. She is tall, beautiful, creative and passionate about her work. From the moment I interviewed with her back in my banking days I knew I would forever keep in touch with her; I believe life is all about connections and coincidence and embracing the moment. She recently introduced me to Kate Steer, an amazing cook (professionally trained and until recently a career chef) who also happens to be a big fan of my work.
I find her story compelling: stricken with illness and after a very long battle with Ulcerative Colitis it seemed the only path was to have her entire colon removed. Her recovery has not been smooth, but she is fighter; believe me when I say that this mother of three is an inspiration to all of us! During Kate's recovery from surgeries she had great difficulty finding foods that she can tolerate. (For example, nuts pose a problem.) So she took matters into her own hands, got busy in the kitchen and created some amazing dishes. Meeting Kate, and seeing in her eyes that sparkle and passion for life, I knew I wanted to offer Kate an opportunity to share her amazing recipes with all of us. I realized: What's good for the colon is good for me, too, and I was also sure that others could use these great recipes. Over the years I have highlighted friends, neighbors, authors and professional cooks on my show and web site so it was only natural I take the same course with Kate.
That said, I'm proud to introduce Kate Steer to you with open arms and a big appetite! Tell me what you think, and she may join the group of Mar Jennings featured team members. Just in time for the Spring, here is a scrumptious Spring Pasta Salad--great-tasting and easy to do--that the whole family will love and want again and again.
Bon Appetit!
Scrumptious Spring Pasta
Serves 4-6
This recipe can be easily doubled to feed a crowd. It is delicious!
Healthy tip: If you have digestive issues, it may be better to simply omit the grape tomatoes.
What you will need:
½ pound mezze penne
2 bone-in chicken breast pieces with skin
1/8 cup plus 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 garlic clove
½ bunch of thin asparagus spears (approx ½ pound)
4 oz tender green beans, or haricot vert
4 oz roasted red peppers
½ pint of grape tomatoes
6 oz fresh mozzarella
Small handful fresh basil (approx 10 leaves)
Juice of half of a lemon
Zest of half of a lemon
1 oz asiago cheese
1 oz parmigiano reggiano
Getting started:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
On a sheet pan, drizzle chicken breasts with 2 tsp olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Roast for approx 40 minutes or until internal temp registers 165 degrees.
On a separate sheet pan, drizzle asparagus spears with 1 tsp olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for approx 4-6 minutes until bright green and tender. Let cool. Slice on a diagonal into 1 inch pieces.
Meanwhile, bring a heavy pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and cool.
Add 1/8 cup of olive oil to a sauté pan. Gently stir in the clove of crushed garlic. Heat oil until it is just hot (not bubbling), approx 4 minutes. You do not want the garlic bits to brown (it will become bitter). Remove from heat and let cool. Discard the garlic pieces. In a large bowl, toss the garlic oil with the drained pasta. Set aside.
Discard the skin from the chicken pieces and remove the meat from the bone. Tear the chicken into bite size pieces (or cut if you prefer).
Blanch green beans in salted water for approx 2 minutes or until bright green (or microwave for 4 minutes). Cut into bite size pieces. Dice roasted red pepper. Cut fresh mozzarella into ¼ inch cubes.
Add to the pasta with garlic oil, add the chicken, asparagus, green beans, grape tomatoes, roasted red pepper, and fresh mozzarella. Sprinkle with the juice and zest of ½ lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the asiago and parmigiano cheeses on top.
Garnish with torn basil leaves and serve at room temperature.
And there you have it.
Sound good? Want to see more of Kate's yummy recipes? Don't forget to click on Comments below and let us know.
Posted Comments (Post a comment to this page)
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Jennifer 08/06/2009 @ 08:18 PM |
What a hit!!!! I recently made this for a large family gathering ... everyone raved! It tasted like I slaved all day but in reality, quick, easy, and delicious!!!! Thanks Mar and Kate! |
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Maureen 05/15/2009 @ 08:46 AM |
Love this! This recipe is fantastic! More, please! |
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Sherri 04/28/2009 @ 07:51 AM |
Tasty Great one dish meal that the whole family enjoyed. It is now on the "must bring" list for our family reunion picnic in June. It just tastes like summer. Yummy. |
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Nadine 04/18/2009 @ 10:59 AM |
Katie is Sweet I have known Katie many years & she is a fabulous person! Being the Mom of 3 boys is tough, but she has persevered & succeeded in carrying on with her business of cooking and being the wonderful gal that she is. I am so glad you feautured her & hopefully will make her one of your regulars! |
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sara 04/10/2009 @ 09:45 AM |
yum have kate join your team. this recipe puts the winner in dinner. |
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susan 04/01/2009 @ 08:00 PM |
dinner I just made this for my family tonight for dinner. I omitted the cheese and served it hot because I thought my kids would be more apt to eat it. It was a big hit. My Husband and children raved about how good it was! I think I would enjoy the original more but my wheels are already turning with other ideas. This is the kind of dish that be altered easily to suit individual tastes. Thank you for setting us free from plain old pasta and red sauce. |
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tina 03/31/2009 @ 01:53 PM |
Great for Summer This dish will definitely be on my summer buffet table. |
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Margaret 03/30/2009 @ 06:15 PM |
Sounds Great I'm sure this recipe will be a new favorite at our house. Kate's Toffee is also a huge hit with my boys (my husband being the biggest fan!). So glad Kate's recipies are being shared. |
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jill neal 03/30/2009 @ 01:55 PM |
welcome spring this recipe looks and sounds like spring, just what i've been craving -- i'm making it for dinner!! |
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Sharon 03/30/2009 @ 12:40 PM |
Kate's Pasta Sounds awesome! I can't wait to try it! Everyone is talking about the toffee - can we get the recipie for that? |
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Becky 03/30/2009 @ 12:29 PM |
The Katie I know I've known Katie since she was fifteen years old. She and my daughter were great friends in high school playing tennis together and even had their own little "business" catering and doing party prep in town. She always had some interesting thing to add to the party or some particular way of presenting the fare. She was a natural. She was the eldest girl on a family of 5 and always smart,capable,determined,and eagar to make whatever the occasion a memorable one. When things get tough for Katie- she more than rises to the test. Whatever comes out of Katie's kitchen will be good for you and delicious! |
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Nina 03/30/2009 @ 10:00 AM |
Sounds delicious Will be making it this week! Also, anyone who doesn't know about Kate's toffee -- nobody does it better! |
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Patrice Boeckel 03/30/2009 @ 09:46 AM |
Scrumptious Spring Pasta I have had the pleasure of tasting many of Kate's "Kreations" and everything she makes is delicious! |
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Jessica 03/30/2009 @ 09:17 AM |
I can't wait to make this! This looks easy and healthy, thanks! |
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Karen Huelbig 03/30/2009 @ 08:57 AM |
this is delicious I have known Kate Steer for many years and have had the luxury of eating this pasta prepared by her. You will keep wanting this again and again. And you will definitely want to see more of these recipes. She also makes unbelieve Toffee. Amazing!! |
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Kara 03/30/2009 @ 08:42 AM |
sounds delish & easy! Thanks Mar, what a great recipe! Will try it for the family! |
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Barb 03/29/2009 @ 01:48 PM |
looks terrific I look forward to trying out this recipe. I'm always looking for new, tasty and healthy recipes. This one looks like a winner! |
