Lemon Pasta with Scallops

This a perfect Valentines Day dinner to make together. One of you does the pasta, and the other the scallops.

And if there’s only one of you - call someone you like and make it together over facetime :) Read the whole recipe all the way through first (always a good rule btw).

Serves 2

Pasta

1/3 cup olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more if you like it spicier

Kosher slat & fresh ground pepper to taste

1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for plating

1/2 pound any kind of pasta you like, though longer noodles definitely fit better here

2 tablespoons chopped curly parsley

1. Add pasta to heavily salted boiling water, stir lightly to keep from sticking

2. About 1/2 way into the pasta cooking time, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil and garlic - you don’t want the garlic to burn, just sizzle lightly

3. After about 30-45 seconds, add the red pepper, stir then put in the lemon zest and juice - mix well and keep on low (btw, if making the scallops this is when you should start heating the pan, see below)

4. When the pasta is al dente (still a bit firm when you bite it), remove from the water with tongs and put into the pan (save about a half cup of the pasta water) then top with the parmesan

5. Add about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and mix really well to coat the pasta - if you want it a bit thicker, add more cheese

6. Season with salt & pepper and add the parsley - mix well again and plate, finally topping with a little more Parmesan

Scallops

6 sea scallops, the large ones, out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking

Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon butter

1. When you get to step 3 of the pasta, heat a skillet on medium (mostly) high, and season the scallops with salt & pepper

2. Add the butter and oil to the pan, and when melted add the scallops

3. Cook a couple minutes or until you get a good crust on the bottom, then turn over a cook another minute and a half or so

4. Plate with the pasta

Brisket Mac N Cheese

Featured recipe on Back to School Day TV episode.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound pasta of your choice (I used orecchiette)
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
• ½  yellow onion, diced
• ½ pound cooked brisket
• 2 ½ cups milk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces horseradish Cheddar cheese, shredded
• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
• ½-1 cup French Fried Onions

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water a little less time than the directions on the package, drain well but save some of the pasta water.
3. Cook onion in oil until soft and brisket - cook another 2 minutes to just warm up the brisket, set aside.
4. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it.
5. Melt butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth.
6. On low heat, add handfuls of the Gouda and Cheddar cheese to the sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat, add the cooked macaroni, brisket mixture and stir well.
7. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish and sprinkle fried onions on top
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

WATCH HOW TO MAKE THIS

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SIMPLE ALFREDO SAUCE

Serves 4

Get with the program y’all…this will help your food life. Such an easy base for any pasta to add whatever toppings you want, mushrooms, bacon, shrimp, chicken… you name it.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 big garlic clove, crushed

• 16oz carton whipping cream

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated

• 1 large pinch Kosher salt

• 3-4 grinds fresh ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat butter in large deep skillet to low/medium heat, add garlic cook for one minute

2. Add whipping cream to pan, cook for 20-30 minutes, to thicken and reduce a little

3. add parmesan to sauce, stir and cook for further 3-4 minutes

4. Pour over your favorite pasta

 WATCH ME MAKE THIS

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PASTA 2 WAYS

Plain pasta for kids is made even better with Finlandia butter.  And for the bigger kids, try this version with Finlandia Classic Creamy Gourmet Cheese & vermouth. 

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NOODLES WITH FINLANDIA CLASSIC CREAMY GOURMET CHEESE

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz pasta: spaghetti, fettuccini, linguini – whatever your fav is

• 1/4 cup butter

• 4 oz Finlandia Classic Creamy Gourmet Cheese*

• 1 oz dry vermouth

• 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan

• Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

• Parsley for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook noodles in boiling, salted water, stirring occasionally until done, about 8 minutes

2. While they cook, melt Finlandia butter* with Finlandia Classic Creamy Gourmet Cheese* in a small pot until mixed, then add parmesan and vermouth- stir until smooth

3. Season with salt & pepper

4. Drain noodles and toss with the sauce, and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve.

Plain Butter Noodles
 

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz pasta: spaghetti, fettuccini, linguini – whatever your fav is

• 1/3 cup Finlandia butter*

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Shredded parmesan cheese, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook noodles in boiling, salted water, stirring occasionally until done, about 8 minutes

2. Drain, return to pot and immediately add butter, salt and pepper

3. If using Parmesan, add it now

4. Mix well and serve

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*Finlandia Butter can be found at Vons, Albertsons and Safeway. Finlandia Cheeses are also available, in Southern California at Costco and other fine retailers.

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Cacio e Pepe

One of the absolute simplest and most delicious pasta recipes ever.  A classic from the old country (Italy, not Canada) and it must be in your lineup of pastas.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ pound dried spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-2 teaspoons course ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup Pecorino romano cheese, finely grated

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook pasta in salted water for 7 minutes
2. Put olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat and add pepper – cook, stirring often about 3-4 minutes, turn off the heat and add 1/3 cup of the pasta water
3. When the pasta is ready, drain – keeping about a cup and a half of the pasta water and add pasta to the pan with pepper
4. Turn the heat back on low and add the cheese
5. Stir the pasta with the cheese well, adding reserved pasta water to make a smooth sauce – as thick or thin as you like
6. Plate with a little more cheese and fresh ground pepper

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Crazy Good Garlic Bread

Makes one loaf – and a damn good one at that

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

6 cloves garlic, finely crushed

1/2 cup shredded Parmesan

1 bunch green onions, white & light green parts only, finely chopped

1 /3 cup chopped curly parsley

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1 loaf French or sourdough bread

• Preheat oven to 425

• Put garlic & butter in a large bowl, mix well then add the Parmesan, green onions, parsley and salt - combine everything

• Cut loaf in half lengthwise and spread mixture on each cut side

• Place on baking sheet and put in oven about 6 minutes

• Turn oven to broil, then put loaves back in about 6-8 inches away from the heat until bread is beautifully golden brown and bubbly

• Slice into 2 inch pieces and serve

FRESH SPRING ROLLS

Perfect food for when it is 800 degrees outside (San Diego summertime).

INGREDIENTS

• 8 rice wrappers (approx 8 inch diameter)
• 1 cup poached shrimp, chilled, shells and tails removed, sliced lengthways
• 1 cup my Black Bean Salmon  recipe, chilled
• 1 cup shredded Napa Cabbage
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup matchstick red pepper
• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• big handful of lettuce leaves

SAUCE

• hoisin sauce
• Chili Garlic sauce (Huy Fong brand, the same people that make Sriracha)

DIRECTIONS

1. Prep everything
2. Mix Sauce: 3 parts Hoisin to 1 part Chili Garlic sauce, set aside  
3. Fill large bowl with warm water
4. One at a time, place 1 rice paper in water for 15 seconds
5. Place flat on clean kitchen cloth
6. Layer a strip of each ingredient, on top of each other, then roll it up like a mini buritto  
7. Repeat until you have used up all the ingredients
8. Serve with sauce, dip and enjoy! 

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MORE RECIPES

Orzo Carbonara

Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound bacon, diced
• 1/2 pound orzo
• 1 pound asparagus, cut into 1 inch lengths
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
• Kosher salt & freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until just getting crispy, remove all but 2 tablespoons of oil and turn off heat
2. Boil large pot of water and add orzo cook 8 minutes and after 4 minutes of cooking, add asparagus to cooking orzo
3. While it cooks, beat egg in a bowl and stir in cream
4. When orzo is done, drain but reserve 1 cup of the water
5. Add drained orzo and asparagus to the pan with bacon, and heat on medium until warmed through
6. Add garlic, and stir through until very fragrant - about 45 seconds, turn off heat
7. Stir in beaten egg/cream and 1/2 cup of the cheese - season with Kosher salt and lots of black pepper
8. Mix well and add as much reserved pasta water to make it creamy
9. Serve with extra Parmesan

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Tuna Casserole

Serves 6

This is old school food at it's best - one bite and you'll be thinking of lava lamps, the Dick Van Dyke show and shag carpet. Taste it again for the first time!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms

• 2 tablespoons dry vermouth or white wine

• 16 ounces shell noodles

• 10 ounces frozen peas

• 12 ounce can solid tuna, drained and flaked

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

• 14 ounce can cream of mushroom soup

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• 1 bag of salted chips

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375

2. Add oil to a pan on medium and cook onions & mushrooms until softened - about 5 minutes

3. Remove pan from heat (so it doesn't flame up) and add vermouth or wine - mix well and return to heat for a couple minutes, then put mixture in a large bowl

4. Cook shells about 2 minutes less than package directions - adding the peas in the last minute of cooking then drain and add to the mushroom mix with the tuna, cheese, soup and mustard - mix well

5. Put in casserole dish and top with crumbled chips

6. Bake 30 minutes and enjoy

Pasta with Bratwurst & Sour Cream

Try this quick and easy dinner idea, it's hearty and packed with flavor.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound penne pasta
• 2 bratwurst, uncooked
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt & fresh ground pepper
• 6 ounces sour cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated plus a little more for serving
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 2 -3 ounces milk or pasta water 

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil pasta according to package directions
2. Slice brats lengthwise, remove sausage and cook in a non-stick medium sized pan
3. While it cooks, season with red pepper, salt & pepper
4. When sausage is longer pink, add sour cream & stir well to combine
5. Drain pasta (reserving about ½ cup pasta water) and add to sausage with most of the parsley and parmesan
6. Mix well, and depending on how thick or thin you like it, add a little pasta water or milk
7. Mix again well and plate, adding a little more parsley

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Simple Lemon Pasta

If you can't make this, no one can.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound pasta, you can choose
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese, plus a little more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook noodles according to package directions
2. About 1/4 way though, heat olive oil a large pan on medium heat and add garlic
3. Just as it get super fragrant, about 30 seconds, and zest and juice of lemon and red pepper flakes
4. Stir well to combine and let simmer about a minute
5. Drain pasta and add to sauce along with cheese and parsley - mix well to combine
6. Plate and top with a little more cheese and parsley

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OLD SCHOOL SHRIMP SCAMPI

Not sure how you beat this. And considering this is "Super quick dinner week" and it goes from zip to amazing in less than 15 minutes...you gotta make it.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb fresh large raw shrimp (21-30 size)

• 1/2 pack spaghetti

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/3 cup Dry Vermouth

• pinch red pepper flakes

• 3 tablespoons curly parsley, finely chopped, (flatleaf will do)

• 1/2 lemon, fresh juice

• lemon wedge for serving

• drizzle of EVOO

• Optional: handful grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. In large pot boiled salted water add spaghetti, cook al dente

2. While that cooks... In a large skillet, on medium heat, add butter, oil, garlic, cook 30 seconds

3. Add vermouth, red pepper flakes, simmer 4 minutes to reduce liquid

4. Add shrimp, these guys only need 2 minutes, flip cook for 1 more minute

5. Add lemon juice and half parsley

6. Drain pasta, add to skillet coat in sauce

7. Serve garnished with parsley, drizzle of EVOO and a wedge of lemon. Sprinkle of Parmesan if you feel like it.

WATCH ME MAKE THIS

PUMPKIN MAC AND CHEESE

This nice and easy switch up from the norm, will have the whole family coming back for more. With the added bonus, of the nutritional benefits, pumpkin is rich in Vit A & K and packed with fibre.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound pasta - elbow, curly, penne – it’s up to you
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 7 tablespoons butter, divided (means you"ll just use it at different times)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup white cheddar, shredded
• 1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree - be sure it's not pumpkin pie filling
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water - about 1 minute less than directions
3. While the pasta cooks, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium sized pot, add onions and garlic and cook over medium heat until softened - about 5 minutes
4. Add 4 more tablespoons of the butter and when it melts sprinkle flour over the top then whisk in to make a thick & relatively lump-free paste
5. Stir in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened – then add in the Dijon, both cheeses, pumpkin, cayenne & salt & pepper
6. Stir well until you have a rich, thick & beautiful sauce - then add drained pasta and combine well - place into an oven proof dish
7. Melt the remaining butter in a non-stick pan, add breadcrumbs and mix well to coat - add to the top of the macaroni
8. Put in the oven and bake 30 minutes or until golden brown & serve

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Quick polenta with Spinach & mushrooms & fried egg

Under 15 minute and only approx 300 calories, gets you a healthy and totally delicious breakfast... I think it's worth it, for school mornings or before work. Honestly, the time could easily be wasted going to drive-thru.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup polenta
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup Crimini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 clove, finely diced garlic
• 4 big handfuls of spinach
• 2 eggs
• Kosher salt
• Fresh ground pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. In a bowl, add polenta, salt, water, mix well, cover with cling film, microwave high 8 minutes
2. While that cooks do the rest....
3. In hot pan, add 1/2 teaspoon oil, mushrooms, cook 2 minutes, turn down heat, add garlic, cook 2 minutes 
4. In another medium heat skillet/wok, add 1/2 teaspoon oil and spinach, cook 1 minute
5. Season spinach and mushrooms with pinch Kosher salt and 3 grinds fresh pepper
6. Fry 2 eggs over-easy
7. Remove polenta (careful of the steam!!) whisk polenta until smooth, season pinch Kosher salt, 5 grinds fresh pepper, add butter, mix well
8. Serve it up! Polenta, spinach, mushrooms and top with fried egg (or Poached if you want to be super healthy). 

WATCH ME MAKE THIS... 

SPAGHETTI WITH BACON & PEPPERS

Those adorable little sweet & hot cherry peppers make an important appearance in this super simple pasta.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb spaghetti
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1/2 cup jarred hot & sweet cherry peppers, diced
• 1/3 cup cream
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• freshly ground pepper
• Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

1. In deep skillet or wok, cook bacon for 15 mins, remove when crispy, keep 2 tablespoons fat in skillet
2. Using same skillet, add onion, soften for 4 minutes
3. Turn heat to low, add garlic cook for minute, add peppers, season with Kosher salt and fresh pepper
4. Cook pasta according to pack instructions, drain when 'al dente' (keep a cup of cooking water)
5. Add cream and parmesan to skillet, cook on medium/low for 3-4 minutes to thicken
6. Add pasta and 1/2 cup pasta water to skillet, mix in bacon and parsley, eat!

TIP: You could freeze remaining bacon fat and use for something else.

WATCH SAM COOK THIS >>> 

Squash Ravioli

What do you get when you pair a Chinese wrapper, a garden vegetable and Italian style cheese? You get this!

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pack frozen wonton wrappers, defrost 4 hours in advance
• 1 cup cooked squash puree (I found this in freezer section, but you can make fresh)
• 1 cup ricotta
• 2oz spinach
• 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/8-1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Boil large pot water, add spinach cook 1 minute then scoop it out – keep water in pan
2. Remove water from spinach using sieve and back of a large spoon, dice finely
3. In large bowl mix ricotta, squash puree, spinach, cayenne, salt and pepper, parmesan – chill in fridge for 30 minutes
4. Lay out the wrappers, place generous teaspoon mixture in middle of each, fold in half, pinch edges to seal (push out the air bubbles)
5. Drop a batch of 8 raviolis, gently into boiling water, fish them out when float on the top – about 2 minutes
6. In medium skillet on low cook butter until nutty brow color, add ravioli to skillet, cook in butter on medium for 1 minute each side, serve!

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Spaghetti Frittata

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover spaghetti besides eating it as is, here’s your answer. And before you laugh…just know this is really good. Stupidly good in fact.

Serves 4-6

INGREDIENTS

• 3 eggs

• 1  1/2 cup cooked, leftover spaghetti

• 1/4 cup marinara sauce (or use my EVERYDAY TOMATO SAUCE recipe) 

• 2 tablespoons butter

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground pepper

• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan  

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350

2. Beat eggs, season with salt and pepper 

3. Melt butter on medium heat in non-stick medium sized skillet, add spaghetti and sauce, heat through, about 1 minute

4. Turn heat down to low, pour in the beaten eggs and stir well to make sure everything is evenly combined

5. Top with Parmesan and leave alone to the bottom set, like making an omelet - cook about 2 minutes

6. Put on the middle shelf of the oven and cook for 10 minutes or until fully set and firm

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Edamame Cous Cous

Super fresh, light and delicious side dish. (Max spells it: Koos Koos.)

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup Cous cous

• 1 cup cooked frozen edamame

• 1 cup frozen corn

• 1/2 red pepper, finely diced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

• 12 cherry tomatoes, quartered

• 6 green onions, top & tail removed, finely diced

• 1 1/2 limes, juiced

• 2 tablespoons EVOO

• 1 clove garlic, crushed

• Kosher salt

• fresh black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook Cous cous, according to pack instructions directions, takes about 5 minutes

2. Boil edamame and corn for 5 minutes, drain and rinse cold water to stop cooking

3. Whisk dressing: lime juice, EVOO, garlic, pinch salt, 2 grinds fresh black pepper

4. Mix everything in large bowl, season well with salt and pepper, eat!

Serve with grilled tuna steak or scallops... salmon... chicken breast... whatever you like.

WATCH SAM MAKE THIS >>> 

MAC N GOAT CHEESE

Who says you need cheddar to make mac & cheese – cuz we certainly don’t. In an attempt to use up some leftover crumbled goat cheese, we create a super delicious mac that hopefully you’ll love – cuz we certainly did.

Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 lb Macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup All purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup crumbly goat cheese, not the log type (keep few crumbles for topping)
• Good pinch Kosher salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh black pepper  
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper  
• 1/2 small bag spinach
• 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven 350
2. In medium pan on low/medium heat, melt butter (don't let it color), add flour, mix well to make a roux, continuously whisk in milk gradually
3. Add goat cheese to sauce, add black pepper and cayenne pepper
4. Boil large pot salted water, cook until "al dente", for the last minute add the spinach, stir, then drain
5. Stir cooked pasta and spinach to sauce, decant into 8x8 casserole dish or deep cast iron skillet like me
6. Top with bread crumbs and remaining goat cheese crumbles, cook for 35 minutes and eat!

TIP:  you could throw in a handful bacon pieces!

BAKED PENNE

Dear Hungry family, fear not, this recipe is super easy and made from basic pantry ingredients, so you can whip this up and have it on the table in under 30 minutes.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 1- 28oz can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 12oz can tuna in oil, drained
• pinch Kosher salt
• few grinds freshly ground pepper
• 5oz ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. In large pot on medium heat, add tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, cook for 5-7 minutes
3. Mix ricotta and tuna into sauce, cook for 2 minutes, stir in cooked pasta
4. Add this to oven proof dish, sprinkle over parmesan, cook for 30 minutes

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