SUMMER PASTA 

Sometimes in life you get blocked. No inspiration, no motivation, no passion for a lot of things you used to have passion for. Sometimes life can get a bit chaotic. I can turn into a roller coaster that won’t stop and lead you to a steep plunge into depression city.

Sometimes, you may just need a day or two to unwind, have time for yourself or take an overdue vacation. While a vacation has not been in the cards for years for me, a little bit of quiet time at home or even at the park early in the morning to take the sun in can really help boost your mood and spark a little bit of inspiration. Cooking was always been a source of escape. A love and passion I have had for years. So, what do you do when that passion has all but died?

This recipe is from last year when I got into that kitchen and I put together this pasta salad inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s Primavera Pasta Salad which I of course changed to make my own and let me tell you, it was GOOD! What inspires you to get into that kitchen? 

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think!  

INGREDIENTS

1 box of Rotini pasta  

5 tablespoons of mayonnaise  *1

1 teaspoon of dijon mustard 

1/3 cup half and half plus more if needed  

2 1/2 tablespoons of sour cream  (optional) 

2 tablespoon basil chopped finely or in a chiffonade 

1 tablespoon of Coriander 

1 teaspoon of Cumin 

3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan  

1/2 cup of Havarti cheese *2

1 bag of frozen edamame  

1 package of baby portobello mushrooms sliced 

1/4 cup of sliced black olives 

1/3 cup of green olives 

1 red pepper diced 

1 cucumber chopped 

1 package of cooked bacon *3

DIRECTIONS

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Rotini pasta and cook until al dente about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the brand you are using. Drain put in a large bowl. 

In a large pan, add a drizzle of olive oil, then add the mushrooms, edamame, red pepper, black, cucumbers, green and black olives, and spices and cook for about 8 minutes. Then add the Parmesan, Havarti cheese, half and half and mustard and cook another 3 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Now add all this to the bowl with the pasta along with bacon, basil, sour cream (if using) and mayonnaise and stir until well combined.  Can be served warm or cold. 

*REVISION CORNER 
*1 You can use 5 tablespoons of Greek yogurt
*2 Instead of bacon you can use one package of turkey bacon or one package of Canadian bacon 
*3 Instead of Havarti Cheese, you can use any other cheese that melts well. Ex… Mozzarella, Edam, Italian Fontina cheeses