Pasta for Papa

Happy Father's Day to all you wonderful dads out there! For those of you trying to figure out what to make for your fathers or husbands, look no further. If there is anything I know that dads like to eat (especially my father), it's pasta. Sure, a fancy steak with lobster mashed potatoes would be nice - and if you attempt to make such a meal, please let me know how you did it and how it turns out. But to me, nothing says "made from the heart" more than a delectable, well-made plate of pasta. I have a few suggestions, from past pasta posts, for you to make tonight. I also have a new recipe for you to try. Below is my take on Vegetarian Times' Spicy Broccoli Raab with Gemelli recipe (this is what I made with my broccoli raab from the farmer's market). This meal is quick, easy, and delicious; and if you or your dad don't like the taste of broccoli raab (one of my favorite bitches comes to mind here...) you can always use another kind of green, such as kale, swiss chard, collard greens, mustard greens, beet greens, spinach, or even good ol' broccoli! I used the type of pasta called for in the recipe - gemelli - but honestly it didn't add anything special to the dish; so feel free to use whatever kind of pasta you like! Put a little love into your dinner plans, make some pasta for your papa, and have a wonderful meal tonight!


Pasta for Papa Suggestions:
1. Pasta and Eggplant with Ricotta Sauce
2. Sicilian Cauliflower Pasta
3. Pumpkin Pie Pasta Bake
4. Bucatini with Shrimp and Pesto
5. Sweet Potato Gnocchi
6. Ricotta Gnocchi 


And remember these important tips about cooking pasta!


Spicy Broccoli Raab (or any other greens) with Pasta
Serves 4
Ingredients:
-1 cup pasta
-1 large bunch of broccoli raab (or other greens), cut into 2-inch pieces
-2 tablespoons olive oil
-1/4 cup golden raisins or dried currants
-4-5 cloves garlic, minced
-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
-1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
-2 tablespoons Marsala wine, optional
Optional: 
-fresh grated parmesan cheese


Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package, reserve 1/4 cup pasta water
2. Blanch broccoli raab (boil salted water in a saucepan, drop broccoli raab in saucepan for 2 minutes) and drain.
3. Heat large skillet, add olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and golden raisins/currants. Cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add broccoli raab and cook for 4 minutes, until broccoli raab is tender and still a bright green color, add pasta water if pan gets too dry. 
5. Place pasta in a big bowl and add broccoli raab mixture, pistachios, and Marsala wine (if using). 
5. Serve and top with fresh grated cheese, if desired. 


Enjoy!