Indulge in a culinary journey with our delectable Pasta Strata, a savory casserole that harmonizes the richness of pasta, cheese, and vegetables. This versatile dish showcases two enticing variations: a classic version brimming with spinach, mushrooms, and a creamy sauce, and a hearty rendition featuring sausage, peppers, and a zesty tomato sauce. Both iterations promise a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Elevate your mealtime experience with this easy-to-make Pasta Strata, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
**Classic Pasta Strata:**
This timeless recipe captivates with its simplicity and comforting flavors. Tender pasta, vibrant spinach, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety smooth sauce come together in perfect harmony. The creamy sauce, made with a blend of béchamel and Parmesan cheese, envelops each ingredient, creating a luscious and satisfying bite.
**Sausage and Pepper Pasta Strata:**
For those who crave a more robust and flavorful experience, this variation delivers. Juicy sausage, colorful peppers, and a tangy tomato sauce take center stage. The sausage lends a savory depth to the dish, while the peppers add a delightful crunch and sweetness. The tomato sauce, simmered with herbs and spices, provides a vibrant backdrop for the other ingredients.
Both versions of Pasta Strata offer a delightful medley of textures, from the al dente pasta to the tender vegetables and the gooey cheese. The classic version exudes a comforting and creamy aura, while the sausage and pepper variation brims with bold and zesty flavors. Whichever recipe you choose, you're in for a culinary treat that will leave you craving more.
GRANDMA'S ANYTHING GOES STRATA
Grandma knew how to make a hearty meal out of leftover bits of bread and cheese. This recipe is meant for riffing, so use any type of cheese, leafy greens, meat or bread you happen to have on hand.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, half-and-half, nutmeg, cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl. Fold the greens, meat, bread and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese into the mixture. Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake until the strata is puffed, golden brown at the edges and set in the center, about 15 minutes more. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
PASTA FRITTATA
This dish is one recipe calling for leftover pasta that is actually worth planning for. It's portable, it's endlessly versatile, and it's practically foolproof. Substitute almost any cheese for the Parmesan (or leave it out altogether) and toss in any cooked vegetable or meat. Make it your own. One last bit of advice from Mr. Bittman: "The key to extreme enjoyment is to make sure that some ends of pasta pieces protrude from the top of the mixture when you put it in the oven. They will become crunchy, giving the leftover pasta yet one more pleasant dimension."
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy
Time 40m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- If using leftover cooked pasta, chop it up. If using dried pasta, bring a large pot of water to a boil, and salt it. Cook pasta until barely tender, somewhat short of where you would normally cook it. Drain, and immediately toss it in a wide bowl with half the butter or oil. Cool it a bit.
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Put remaining butter or oil in a large nonstick ovenproof skillet, and turn heat to medium-high. If you are using meat, add it, and cook, stirring occasionally until crisp, 3 to 5 minutes. (If not using meat, proceed.)
- In large bowl, combine pasta with remaining ingredients, along with salt and pepper (less salt if you are using meat). Pour into skillet, and turn heat to medium-low. Use a spoon if necessary to even out top of frittata. Cook undisturbed until mixture firms up on bottom, then transfer to oven. Bake just until top is set, about 10 minutes. Remove, and serve hot or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 286, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 15 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 322 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams
EASY STRATA AND VARIATIONS
Make one recipe and then give variations in notes.
Provided by Ben S.
Categories 100+ Breakfast and Brunch Recipes Eggs Breakfast Strata Recipes
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Saute mushrooms in 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt and set aside.
- Whisk half-and-half, eggs, salt and pepper until smooth. Spray a 9-by-13-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
- Line bottom with 6 slices of bread. Scatter half of the ham, and half of the mushrooms over the bread, then sprinkle with half of the scallions and cheese. Pour 1 cup of egg mixture over the top. Repeat layers with remaining bread, ham, mushrooms, cheese and scallions. Slowly pour remaining egg mixture evenly over top. Cover with plastic wrap, then weight down casserole with 3 16-ounce cans for at least 15 minutes to submerge ingredients. (Can be refrigerated overnight, but return to room temperature before baking.)
- Adjust oven rack to middle position. Bake in preheated 325-degree oven until custard is just set, about 50 minutes. Turn on broiler and broil until strata is spotty brown and puffy (watch carefully), about 5 minutes longer. Let stand for 8 to 10 minutes, then serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your pasta strata a more complex flavor. Some good options include cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Gruyère.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the strata.
- Use a deep baking dish. This will help to ensure that the pasta strata cooks evenly.
- Let the strata rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it to set and make it easier to cut.
Conclusion:
Pasta strata is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta strata a try.
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