This is my updated and healthier version of the ever-classic mac and cheese. I have been rediscovering the wonderful world of herbs recently and one of my favourites is rosemary. For today's easy baked pasta dish, I used a little bit of butter, olive oil, natural yoghurt in place of cream, sausages and a few sprigs of rosemary. If you don't like rosemary, you can of course replace with a herb of your choice like thyme or just skip the herb altogether and add some spinach. I had limited ingredients on hand today so I made do with just sausages and rosemary, for added bite you can add some sliced button mushrooms.
With regards to the yoghurt, I was really happy when I found these imported natural yoghurt from France at my local grocery store - I have to admit I bought them mainly because I really wanted the jars they came in. I do like eating yoghurt but am not a big fan and I much prefer frozen yoghurt. Nevertheless, the yoghurt came in handy when I decided to make baked pasta. I am not a big fan of heavy and creamy foods so after taking a look inside my fridge, I decided to replace the usual heavy cream with natural yoghurt. The yoghurt provided good creamy texture and a slightly tart flavour to the pasta which I thought was very pleasing.
Separately, I know I have been complaining constantly about the terrible heat wave that has been going on in Malaysia on twitter and elsewhere - well the skies (Zeus?) have been obliging recently and there has been quite a lot of rain. Funnily enough, it seems to want to rain when I set up my photo shoots for my blog posts and I am such a slave to natural light for my food photos so go figure. Hmm...
Serves 1 generously
Ingredients:
100g macaroni or penne
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 red onion, sliced or 2 shallots, sliced
2 sprigs of rosemary or a herb of your choice
2 sausages/ chicken franks, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 jar natural yoghurt
1 tsp light soy sauce
Dash of black pepper or to taste
1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
Method:
Pre-heat your oven to about 180 C (350 F). Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil and saute the garlic, onions until aromatic. Add in the sliced sausages and pan fry until lightly browned. Add the light soy sauce. Add in the butter and natural yoghurt. Bring to a boil and turn off heat.
Arrange the cooked pasta in your oven-proof dish and pour yoghurt mixture. Place a sprig or two of rosemary on top. Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Serve hot. Add a dash of pepper if desired.
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Easy and Healthier Baked Pasta with Rosemary
Monday, June 13, 2011 | Labels: Noodles, Pasta, Quick meals, Western |
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10 comments:
Jen, nice touch of the pasta. simply delish! Thanks for the recipe. Hope you're ahving a great week ahead.
Kristy
Lot of pasta recipes recently! Are you now covering a food manufacturer:)
Not sure what your question is..'covering'? as in a stock? or my blog..I usually cook based on what I feel like eating.
Looks delicious, Jen! I like the photos/styling :) especially the shot with just the herb and yogurt. Nice spring/summer mood, too.
sorry not sure what you're referring to :) I just cook based on what ingredients I have and what I feel like eating of course!
Yogurt! That is healthy and interesting ingredients in this pasta! I love it. Your picture is always beautiful Jen!
Oh, how much I love baked & cheesy pasta.This looks very flavorful with rosemary addition.Easy option for summer dinners!
Love using herbs! Rosemary has so much flavour, I love it with pork dishes. This baked pasta dish looks so good!
I love your recipes made from professional hands, is a pleasure to meet you, hugs
thanks for dropping by too! and your kind words :)
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