Rustic Pasta
A hearty, creamy pasta dish loaded with salmon, vegetables, and Parmesan, perfect for a comforting family dinner or a satisfying meal with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pint heavy whipping cream ⓘ
- 1 pkg. dry Zesty Italian Dressing ⓘ
- 8 oz. Parmesan cheese grated ⓘ
- 1 stick butter
- 1 large onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 pkg. fresh mushrooms quartered ⓘ
- 1 lb. broccoli florets steamed but a little crisp ⓘ
- 1 lb. cooked and chopped salmon, ham or chicken ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) pkg. whole egg noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Sauté chopped onion and quartered mushrooms in 1/4 stick of butter until tender.
- Add cooked and chopped salmon, ham, or chicken to the sautéed vegetables and warm through.
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot until al dente, then drain.
- Melt the remaining butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Remove from heat and add the cooked noodles, tossing to coat in butter.
- Stir in heavy whipping cream, dry Zesty Italian Dressing mix, and grated Parmesan cheese; stir until cheese is nearly melted.
- Add the steamed broccoli florets and the sautéed vegetables and meat mixture.
- Gently toss everything together to combine and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water for cooking the egg noodles. If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the heavy whipping cream with Greek yogurt. You can also swap the protein for shrimp or crab for a delightful twist that aligns with popular seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Rustic Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc. For a heartier meal, serve with crusty garlic bread. You can also garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rustic Pasta contains roughly 1617 calories, with 23g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value) and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 977mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a creamier texture. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly with different cheeses.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also add some cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein while keeping it hearty.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the noodles and sauté the vegetables and protein ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, and combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and avoid overcooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).