Category: Pasta

Gluten Free Pasta

Gluten Free Stuffed Shells

This meal has been on my bucket list for a while.  It was a few hours in the making, but worth every minute and a great thing to make on a Sunday afternoon.  The veal and zucchini stuffing has a nice pop of flavor!

The gluten free shells are delicate and prone to breakage, so be sure to cook a few more than needed just in case!

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Ingredients:

  • 1/2 sweet onion, minced (about 1-1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 small zucchini, minced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
  • fresh ground pepper, about 6 grinds
  • sea salt, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
  • splash of white wine (about 1/4 cup)
  • 8 oz. ground veal
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 oz. Italian cold cuts of choice (about 3 slices)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 tbsp. parmesan cheese plus more for topping and serving
  • 4 oz. gluten free pasta shells (about 30 shells)
  • cooking spray
  • 15 oz. marinara sauce, homemade or purchased
  • fresh basil and Italian parsley for garnish

Preparation:

Use an electric chopper to process the onion, zucchini and garlic to a fine mince.  Heat 2 tbsp. olive oil in a stainless-steel skillet, add the minced vegetables and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.

Stir frequently and cook down until reduced by half.  Add a splash of white wine and continue stirring until most of it has evaporated.  Remove from pan and place in a colander to drain and cool.

Wipe the pan clean, add 1 tbsp. olive oil and brown the veal, breaking it up with a spatula.  Season with more salt and pepper.

Mince the cold cuts and add to the veal.  You can use prosciutto, pancetta or whatever you have on hand.  I happened to have a few slices of Italian Salame left over from an antipasto, and it really made the flavor pop!

Continue stirring frequently until most of the liquid cooks off, then add the browned meat to the colander to drain.

In a clean bowl, whisk 1/2 cup ricotta cheese with 1 tbsp. grated parmesan.  Stir in the veal mixture.

Cook the shells according to package directions, stirring gently so they don’t break.  Drain in a colander.

Coat a casserole dish with cooking spray and spread one ladle of sauce on the bottom.  Arrange the shells in the pan, then fill them with stuffing.

Spoon a little more sauce over the filled shells, and sprinkle with more grated parmesan.  Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350º.

After 30 minutes, use tongs to carefully remove the foil.  Broil on low for 5 minutes.  Garnish with fresh parsley and basil.  Serve with extra sauce and grated cheese.

Notes ♪♫ It wasn’t easy finding these gluten free pasta shells from Farabella.  Currently out of stock on Amazon, I was lucky to find them here–>


If you can’t get them where you live or you can’t have corn pasta, these Brown Rice Pasta Shells from Tinkyada are a good stand-in.

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Easy Gluten Free Pasta Salad

Here is a simple, Italian inspired Gluten Free Pasta Salad to bring to the family BBQ, or to make ahead and enjoy with dinner after a busy workday.  With no mayonnaise, it won’t go bad on those hot summer days.  It’s a light refreshing side dish that won’t leave you feeling stuffed.

My biggest tip for this recipe is to assemble it no more than a few hours before serving.  You can prep the veggies the night before, but don’t cook the gluten free pasta too far ahead, it won’t keep as well in the fridge as regular pasta.  For best consistency, I like to drain and chill the pasta for 30 minutes before tossing it with the veggies and dressing.

8 servings

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Ingredients:

  • 3 slices of bacon, diced
  • 8 oz. gluten free pasta
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cups veggies cut into small dice –
      • frozen peas, thawed and drained
      • red onion, small dice
      • grated carrot
      • cucumber, small dice seeds removed
      • red bell pepper, small dice
      • green beans, blanched and diced
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup Italian cold cuts, chopped (optional but good)
  • 1/2 cup gluten free Italian dressing
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

It’s been almost impossible to find these Garden Pagodas from Ancient Harvest since the pandemic.  But they are just perfect in this pasta salad, so if you spot them be sure to grab a couple of boxes!

Tinkyada also makes tri-color spirals, as does Lieber’s although I haven’t tried them.  I will update the post if I can find any others.

Preparation:

You will need about 2 cups total diced veggies.  This is a great way to use up leftovers, use veggies you have on hand or use your favorites!  Today I’m using red onion, cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, peas and green beans.  You can do this step a day ahead to save time.  Keep everything chilled until ready to assemble the pasta.

Cook the bacon and drain on paper towels.

As I mentioned above, I recommend that you wait until a few hours before serving to assemble the salad.  Cook the pasta to al dente.  This will likely be several minutes less than the package directions, so taste frequently.  Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking.

Place the colander over a large bowl, toss with 1 tbsp. olive oil and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Combine the drained, chilled pasta with the veggies in a large bowl, toss with the bacon, cold cuts and cheese.

Add the Italian dressing and toss well.  You can serve it just like this!

Or transfer it all to a pretty serving bowl.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes ♪♫ I always add a gluten free marker to a dish that I bring to a cookout, in case there are other guests with the same dietary restrictions.  I’ll bet that if I didn’t tell anyone it was gluten free no one would be the wiser!  Make it for your next get together and watch it disappear 🙂

 

Originally posted 5/28/2018                      Updated 7/15/2022  

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Beef Guazzetto – Italian Beef Stew

Would you believe that a recipe from an Italian cooking show could be gluten free?  You might be surprised to know, that other than the pasta, there was only one ingredient swap needed to make this meal completely gluten free!

Beef Guazzetto, or Italian Beef Stew was adapted from a recent episode of Lidia’s Italy, Lidia has long been one of my favorite TV chefs!

While it’s true that some recipes require major modifications, the vast majority of meals will only need a swap of one or two ingredients to be gluten free.  Today’s recipe is a great example.

If you are thinking that you cannot enjoy your favorite meals on the gluten free diet, think again.  Or better yet, let me inspire you!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. stew beef (chuck), cut into cubes
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • salt, to taste
  • 1/4 cup gluten free flour (you can use rice flour)
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 sweet onion, minced
  • 2 small carrots, minced or grated
  • 2 small celery stalks, minced
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 2 bay leaves
  • gluten free pasta
  • grated cheese, for serving
  • fresh Italian parsley, for garnish

Preparation:

First, make a “soffritto” by pulsing the onion, carrot and celery in a food processor or electric chopper.

Dry the beef with paper towels, this helps with browning.

Place the beef cubes in a food safe plastic bag with 1/4 cup gluten free flour and shake to coat.

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and begin browning the beef.  Don’t crowd the pan, brown in batches if needed.

Leave those caramelized brown bits in the bottom of the pan, they are full of flavor!  Set the beef aside and keep warm.

Add more olive oil to the pan with the onion, carrot, and celery.  Cook for several minutes, stirring frequently, then clear a space in the center for the tomato paste.

Toast the tomato paste for a minute, then stir it into the vegetables.  Add the wine, using a spatula to scrape up those browned bits at the bottom of the pan.  Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking until the wine is reduced by half.

Add the beef cubes back to the pan, with the bay leaves.

Stir in the chicken stock, cover and simmer on lowest heat for 2 hours.  Add more stock if needed.

Stir the sauce frequently, be sure it isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pan.  A simmer mat is great for keeping sauces on a low simmer.  As it cooks, you will see the stew gradually thickening.

After 2 hours, this is what it will look like.  You will still have distinct chunks of beef, but some will partially break down and become one with the sauce.  It is incredible!

A meal like this deserves an extra special pasta.  I decided to get out my KitchenAid® and make some fresh rigatoni.  Read about how I made it here! Of course, you can use any gluten free pasta you have on hand.  One of my favorites is Jovial brown rice pasta.

To plate, spoon cooked pasta into serving bowls and ladle the Beef Guazzetto over the top.  Sprinkle with grated cheese and fresh Italian parsley.

Notes ♪♫ An economical cut like beef chuck becomes melt in your mouth tender using this slow cooked, braising method.  With today’s soaring food prices, it is a great way to stretch your grocery budget.

 

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Gluten Free Rigatoni Pasta

There is nothing like homemade pasta!  Just look at this beautiful Rigatoni!  Freshly made and ready to cook.  I made it with my KitchenAid® pasta press attachment, using the gluten free Artisan Flour Blend from Better Batter.

This post contains affiliate links. 

Don’t forget, when you shop Better Batter and use my (affiliate) code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item! 

CLICK HERE to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to try the flour that I call my little miracle in a bag!

When making extruded pasta, the consistency of the dough is everything!  Too dry and the dough will not hold together, too much liquid, and you will have trouble extruding the pasta and the rigatoni will collapse with the weight.  I’ve made these before, but it took a few tries to get the hydration just right.  It’s a bit finicky, like pie dough.

Below I have provided the exact ingredient measures that I used for this 2-serving recipe, and it’s my “go-to” for extruded pasta.  Like any dough, it may vary a bit from batch to batch.  Once you know what the dough should look like, you can adjust by adding a bit more flour or water as needed.

Note that you can double or triple the recipe for a larger family.

2 Servings 

Ingredients:

Preparation:

Place all of the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.  Mix on low speed to incorporate.  You should have a crumbly mixture, like this.  Do not add water.

To test the consistency, pinch a piece of the dough.  It should hold together, like this.

Use a stiff spatula to gather the dough together into a ball.

It’s important to give the dough time to hydrate.  Wrap it in plastic wrap and rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.

When ready, set up the pasta press attachment.  I used the rigatoni plate, one of six that comes with the pasta press.  It’s hard to find gluten free rigatoni, so this was a special treat!

Cut the dough into sections, you want to break off pieces about the size of a walnut.  Set up a tray lined with wax paper, and sprinkle with gluten free flour.  Turn on the mixer and begin feeding small pieces of dough into the press.

As the pasta extrudes, cut it to the length you prefer.  You can make mezzo rigatoni or full size.  Spread the rigatoni out on the floured tray in a single layer.

See how the rigatoni hold their shape, with nice defined ridges?

*Remember to follow food safety guidelines, pasta made with eggs should be refrigerated (or cooked) within one hour.

To cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.  Add the pasta and cover until it returns to a boil.  Fresh pasta cooks very quickly, no more than 3 minutes total!

Use a spider strainer to gently remove the pasta and place in serving bowls.

Aren’t they beautiful?  Top with your favorite sauce and serve it up!

Notes ♪♫ Curious about that meat sauce?  It’s actually a Beef Guazzetto, or Italian Beef Stew.  It is a perfect accompaniment to the hearty rigatoni pasta.  Get the recipe here.

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Gluten Free Cavatelli with Sausage, Mushrooms and Peas

Cavatelli are a small, indented pasta popular throughout Southern Italy.  Similar to gnocchi, they are among the easiest types of hand formed pasta to make from scratch.  Cavatelli were a favorite of my Dad, who was definitely not a pasta lover but I remember he liked the “cavati” from the Italian market.  Perhaps they brought back a long ago memory of pasta being made in the home.

Traditional cavatelli are made with semolina flour.  They are shaped on a smooth surface, with the cavity formed by pressing fingers into the dough, or by using a knife.  To make them gluten free, the semolina was replaced with a gluten free flour blend and the addition of eggs (again not traditional) helped form a smooth stretchy dough.

I served the cavatelli with an easy pan preparation of Italian Chicken Sausage, mushrooms and peas.  It was so good!  A simple, satisfying meal that was just the right amount for the two of us.  If you have bigger appetites or want leftovers just double the recipe!

Dinner for two.

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Ingredients:

For the pasta

Finish the dish

  • 6 oz. (2 links) gluten free Italian Chicken Sausage
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil + more for finishing
  • pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • splash (~ 1/4 cup) of white wine
  • 1 tbsp. of butter
  • grated cheese
  • Italian parsley

Preparation:

Combine the pasta ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat 3-4 minutes with the paddle attachment.

Gather the dough into a ball and dust with flour.  Cover with plastic wrap and rest 15 minutes.

Generously flour a cutting board.  Use a bench knife to divide the dough into 4 sections.  Working with one section at a time, roll the dough into a 1/2″ rope.

Cut the rope into 1/2″ pieces, then use a small paring knife to gently press and drag the pieces toward you to form the center indentation and curled edges.

Place the formed pasta on a floured tray and refrigerate until ready to cook.

To finish the dish cut the sausage links in half lengthwise and then slice into half moons.

Heat a braising pan or heavy skillet on the lowest setting and add 2 tbsp. olive oil.  Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and gently warm them to infuse the oil.  Heat a large pan of salted water for the pasta.

Add the sausage to the pan, cook for 1 minute then add the peas and the mushrooms.

Turn up the heat and cook, stirring frequently until most of the liquid evaporates.

Cook the pasta for 3 minutes.  It’s done when it floats to the top.

Add a little more olive oil, splash of white wine and a pat of butter to the skillet.  Drain the pasta and toss with the sausage mixture.  Cook for 1-2 more minutes to incorporate the flavors.

Drizzle with olive oil, then top with grated cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Notes ♪♫  As you probably know, I am a huge fan of Better Batter brand gluten free flours (not sponsored).  Both their Original Blend and Artisan Flour Blend are wonderful for making fresh pasta, either by hand or machine.  Check out some of my other made from scratch pasta dishes, like this Gluten Free Trofie and Gluten Free Pappardelle.

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Gluten Free Trofie Pasta

Trofie are a thin, twisted pasta shape popular in Liguria, Italy.  They are formed by rolling small pieces of dough on a flat surface, or between the palms of your hands.  Twisting into the final shape can be done using a wooden skewer, or a bench knife.

To make the Trofie Pasta, it was important that the dough be smooth and supple, easy to roll and shape.  A tall order for gluten free!  I created this gluten free Trofie with the Artisan Flour Blend from Better Batter.

The pasta was delicious!  The color and texture of the dough are reminiscent of whole wheat pasta.  Look closely and you can see flecks of grain in the dough.

The ingredients for this recipe will make a small batch, more than enough for 2 people.  We had it for dinner and there were leftovers.  You can double or triple the recipe for a large family.

Ingredients:

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When you shop Better Batter and use my code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item! 

Preparation:

Whisk together the flour and the salt.  Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer and whisk thoroughly.  Then add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix with the paddle attachment on low until the dough comes together.

Increase the speed and mix for 6-8 minutes until a smooth dough forms.

Press the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap and rest for 1 hour.

Divide the dough into 4 pieces.  Work with one section at a time, and keep the rest covered to prevent it from drying out.

On a floured cutting board, roll each section of dough into a long rope 1/2″ thick.  Cut the rope into 1/2″ pieces.  Be sure to keep the pieces small and uniform, so they will all cook at the same time.

Roll each piece between the palms of your hands into a long thin shape, tapering the ends.  Flour your hands as needed to keep the dough from sticking.

Working with one piece at a time, hold a wooden skewer or bench knife at a 90-degree angle, pressing lightly as you roll it over the dough to twist it into the final shape.

As you form each piece, slide it onto a baking sheet lined with floured wax paper.  Can you believe that little ball of dough made all this pasta?

Don’t overcrowd the tray and try to space out the pasta so it doesn’t stick together.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.  Add the pasta, stir and cover until the water returns to a boil.  Fresh pasta cooks quickly.  When it floats to the top it’s done, about 3 minutes for al dente.  Don’t overcook it!

To help the pasta keep its spiral shape, use a spider strainer (instead of a colander) to gently remove it from the pot and transfer to a serving bowl.  Doesn’t that look wonderful?

Top with your favorite sauce and finish with grated cheese and parsley.

The twisted shape holds onto sauce beautifully.  Leftovers the next day had excellent texture when reheated in the microwave.  I had so much fun making these!

Notes ♪♫ If you are missing whole wheat pasta on the gluten free diet (I know I was) the taste and texture of this pasta will make you smile.  Always follow food safety guidelines for fresh pasta made with eggs, if you are not going to cook the pasta immediately it should be refrigerated!

Originally posted 05/2019                                               Updated 03/2022

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Gluten Free Gnocchi with Chicken and Roasted Cauliflower

Look at this beautiful tray of gnocchi!  Would you believe it’s gluten free?  It is so good to know that we can still enjoy some of our favorite meals, minus the gluten!  This dish features fresh homemade gnocchi, one of my favorite pasta shapes, tossed in a flavorful skillet of chicken, sausage and cauliflower.

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4 servings

For the gnocchi:

When you shop Better Batter and use my (affiliate) code MGFC30 at checkout, you will receive 30% off any non-sale item! 

CLICK HERE to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to try the flour that I call my little miracle in a bag!

OR

For the skillet:

Preparation:

To make the pasta, whisk together the dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Beat together the eggs and olive oil and add to the flour mixture.  With the paddle attachment, mix on low speed until a soft dough forms (about 1 minute).

Press the dough into a ball and cover with plastic wrap.  Let it rest 10 minutes.

Lightly flour your work surface and gnocchi board.  Use a bench knife to divide the dough into 4 even pieces.  Work with one piece at a time and keep the rest covered so that it doesn’t dry out.  Roll each piece of dough into a long rope about 3/4″ wide.

Use the bench knife to cut the rope into 1/2″ pieces.

To form the ridges, roll each piece over the gnocchi board using your thumb, a butter knife or bench knife.  Keep the board and your fingers floured to prevent the gnocchi from sticking.

Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper and flour lightly.  Place the finished gnocchi on the baking sheet.  If not using right away, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

*Always follow food safety guidelines, pasta made with fresh eggs should be refrigerated within 1 hour.

Now it’s time to finish the dish!  Cut the chicken into 1.5″ cubes and toss with 3 tbsp. rice flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste.  Let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the vegetables.

Dice the onion, zucchini and cauliflower.  Slice the sausage into coins.  Toss the veggies and sausage with olive oil and Italian seasoning.  Spread the mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 minutes at 400º.  Roasting the veggies adds so much flavor to the dish, don’t skip this step!

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.  Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium low heat.  Begin browning the floured chicken in a little olive oil.  Cook for 3-4 minutes, turning several times to get good color on all sides.

When the chicken is almost done, cook the pasta.  Cover the pot if needed, to keep the water at a boil.  Remember fresh pasta cooks quickly, 3-4 minutes is all it takes!  It will float to the top when done.

Add the roasted sausage and veggies to the skillet with a little chicken broth, folding gently with a spatula as the liquid begins to thicken.

Use a spider strainer to gently lift the cooked pasta out of the water and add it to the skillet.  If too dry, add a bit more chicken broth or a ladle of the pasta water.  Toss gently and continue cooking 1-2 more minutes to get a little browning on the gnocchi.

Transfer to a serving platter and finish with a drizzle of olive oil, grated cheese and Italian parsley.

Just look at this amazing pasta dinner, all from scratch and its gluten free!  It is SO delicious and leftovers are just as good!

Notes ♪♫ This post, first published in 2018 was long overdue for an update.  My original pasta dough was made with brown rice flour and tapioca starch.  I’ve since found that a good all-purpose gluten free flour can work just as well.  I have made this recipe several times with Better Batter Original Blend.  If you use a different brand, be sure that your flour contains xanthan gum.  If not, you will need to add it to help your dough hold together without crumbling or tearing.

Original post 06/17/2018                                                    Updated 01/20/2022

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Gluten Free Pappardelle Pasta

Making pasta from scratch is a labor of love, and something I haven’t done in a very long time.  In fact, since my Celiac diagnosis in 2017, I have primarily used box pasta in my recipes.  Not that that’s a bad thing, as we have so many great options today.  But fresh pasta is such a treat!

So, this past weekend, it felt really good to get out the KitchenAid and make these beautiful Pappardelle noodles.  If you are gluten free and missing fresh pasta, this recipe is one you must have in your collection!

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Although you can make pasta entirely by hand, there are some helpful tools you can buy to make the job easier.  Here are a few that I used in this recipe.

It takes minutes to make dough in a stand mixer, and I used the pasta roller attachment to create sheets of pasta.

As KitchenAid has yet to make a cutter attachment for Pappardelle, I used a pastry cutter.  It can be adjusted to cut pasta sheets into perfectly even strips, especially helpful if you want to make a wider noodle like Pappardelle.

I used a pasta drying rack to hang my noodles.  This rack has been in my kitchen for many years BC (before Celiac).  So, I covered the wooden arms with plastic wrap to prevent any gluten contamination.  Looks like I will be ordering a new rack, or two!

I made a small batch of just 2 servings for this post.  Dinner was so delicious, next time I will make more!  The recipe can be scaled, to make a dinner for two or a family size platter.  I give you the measurements below for 2, 4, 6 and 8 servings.

Ingredients:

  • gluten free flour blend (I used, and recommend Better Batter)
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • eggs
  • egg yolks

*SHOP BETTER BATTER AND USE MY PROMO CODE MGFC30 FOR 30% OFF YOUR NON-SALE PURCHASE!

INGREDIENTS: 2 Servings 4 Servings 6 Servings 8 Servings
Better Batter Flour 70 G 140 G 210 G 280 G
Olive oil 3/4 tsp. 1-1/2 tsp. 2-1/4 tsp. 3 tsp.
Salt 1/8 tsp. 1/4 tsp. 3/8 tsp. 1/2 tsp.
Egg 1 large 2 large 3 large 4 large
Egg Yolk 1 2 3 4

Preparation:

Egg yolks give the pasta a silky rich texture and beautiful color.  Begin by separating the eggs.  Reserve the whites for another use.

Combine all of the dough ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.  Weigh the flour, accuracy is important!  I used (and recommend) Better Batter Original Gluten Free Flour to make the pasta dough.  Results may differ if you use another brand, or you may need to adjust the measurements.

Pat the dough into a ball and sprinkle with flour.  Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into sections.  For this 2 serving batch, I divided the dough into 4 pieces (adjust if you are making more).  Then take one section at a time and press into a disc.

Use a rolling pin or a pasta roller to roll each disc into a long thin sheet.  If using a pasta roller, remember that gluten free dough is more delicate and prone to tearing than wheat dough, so you will not be able to roll it as thin.  Sprinkle the dough with extra flour as you pass it through the roller to help avoid sticking and breakage.  I was able to roll mine out to the 3rd setting.

Lay the pasta sheets on lightly floured wax paper.  Use a knife or pizza wheel to cut the sheets into 3/4″ ribbons.  I used a pastry cutter to create perfectly even strips.

Separate the noodles and hang to dry for up to one hour.  They are best enjoyed immediately, but you can refrigerate if you are not ready to cook.

IMPORTANT:  Always follow food safety guidelines.  Egg pasta should be refrigerated within one hour and frozen if you need to store it for more than one day.

I always make my sauce first, so it’s ready when I finish making the pasta.

When it’s GO time, fill a large pot with water, salt generously and bring to a rolling boil.  Add the pappardelle with just a drop of olive oil, stir well and cover so that the water returns quickly to a full boil.  Cook for about 3 minutes, pasta will float to the top when it’s done.  Remember fresh pasta cooks quickly, be careful not to overcook!

Use a spider strainer to gently remove and drain the pappardelle and arrange on a serving dish.

Toss with sauce, and grated cheese.

Notes ♪♫ Pappardelle pairs perfectly with rich, meaty sauces like Bolognese Sauce.  Learn how to make a Traditional Bolognese Sauce in this post!

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Traditional Bolognese Sauce

When people say food is love, this is what they are talking about.  A big pot of Bolognese Sauce, simmered all day on the stove!  Pasta Bolognese is served in fine Italian restaurants everywhere, but you don’t have to go out to dinner to enjoy this traditional Italian favorite.  Read on and learn how you can make it right at home!

Patience is the key to this recipe!  A real Bolognese is not a quick meat sauce that you throw together in a hurry.  In fact, you will invest an entire afternoon.  But what a meal!  Special enough for guests or a romantic dinner for two.  Here are the step by step, easy to follow instructions.  Take your time and don’t rush the process!

Notice I didn’t title this post “Gluten Free” Bolognese Sauce?  That’s because it was always gluten free, there is nothing to change except the pasta you serve it with!

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6 Servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp. butter
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/2 onion minced, about 1 cup
  • 1 carrot minced, 1/2 cup
  • 2 celery stalks minced, 1/2 cup
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp.
  • 3 oz. pancetta, minced*
  • fresh ground pepper
  • 1/2 lb. ground veal
  • 1/2 lb. ground beef (90% lean)
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste*
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1 cup 1% milk (or whole milk, or cream)
  • 14.5 oz. can whole tomatoes in juices (or tomato sauce)*
  • 1/2 cup gluten free lower sodium broth (beef or chicken)*
  • fresh parsley for garnish
  • grated parmesan cheese, for serving

*Always check labels when purchasing stock, canned tomatoes and prepared meats.

Preparation:

To begin, you will make a “Soffritto”, a mixture of equal parts onion, celery and carrot processed to a fine mince.  This is the base for so many Italian dishes!  Add the veggies to an electric chopper and process.  Measures are approximate, but you should end up with about 2 cups total of minced veggies, including the garlic.

Heat the oil and butter in a heavy saucepan or Dutch oven on medium low heat.  Add the vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.  Season generously with salt and pepper.

Chop the pancetta into fine dice or pulse a few times in the processor.

Add it to the pot and continue cooking slowly for 10 more minutes.

Divide the ground beef and veal into 4 pieces and gradually add the meat to the pan, stirring and breaking it up with a spatula after each addition.

Allow some of the liquid to evaporate before adding more meat, you want it to brown, not steam.  Add more salt and pepper to taste.

After about 20 minutes the meat should be well browned and starting to caramelize on the bottom of the pan.  Clear a spot in the middle of the pan and add the tomato paste.  Cook for 2 minutes, then stir the tomato paste into the meat.

Add the red wine, and use a spatula to loosen up any browned bits on the bottom of the pan and stir them into the sauce.

Simmer 3 minutes to allow some of the wine to cook off, then add the milk (or cream), tomatoes and stock.

Cover the pot, but leave the lid slightly ajar so that the sauce thickens as it cooks.  Keep it on the lowest simmer for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.

Curious about this gadget?  It’s a heat diffuser, perfect for maintaining a long, slow simmer without burning.  I use it for all my soups, sauces and gravies.  It is a must have for this recipe!

Look at this thick, hearty sauce!  Can you imagine the aromas filling your kitchen?

Now just cook up a batch of your favorite gluten free pasta and ladle with Bolognese sauce.  Top it off with grated cheese and garnish with Italian parsley.

Notes: ♪♫  I see you eyeing that pasta!  It’s Pappardelle, a wide ribbon shaped egg noodle that is classically paired with Bolognese sauce.  It is  homemade and yes, it is gluten free!  Learn how to make it in this post, your family will love you. ♥  

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Easy Gluten Free Pumpkin Pasta

Look at that pasta!  The dough is enriched with egg and pumpkin puree, giving it a beautiful color and texture.  Yes, it is from scratch, and completely gluten free!

In the years before my Celiac diagnosis, I prided myself on my homemade pasta.  I made endless batches both by hand and with my KitchenAid®.  It’s been a while, but with the cooler weather I decided it was time to try it again.  This fall inspired pumpkin pasta was easy to make and I was so happy with the result!

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I don’t make huge batches of pasta anymore, but this little test batch is enough for a nice dinner for two.  The recipe is scalable, so you can adjust it to make a small dinner or a feast for the family.  I give you ingredient measures for 2, 4, 6 and 8 servings.

I used a Malloreddus board to create the ridged shape.  You can find them at specialty shops like Fante’s.  Similar to a gnocchi board, it’s a cool little gadget to have in your collection!  Did you know that traditional Malloreddus pasta is made with semolina?  Of course, that is off limits on the gluten free diet!

So, for this pasta I used Better Batter Original Gluten Free Flour, and wow, just wow!  The resulting dough was beautiful and silky smooth.  It was so easy to work with, reminiscent of the Italian 00 flour that I would have used back in the day.  Most importantly though, the pasta cooked beautifully and had great taste and texture.  Even the leftovers remained al dente.  Now that is a gluten free success story!

When you shop Better Batter, use my code MGFC30 at checkout to receive 30% off any non-sale item! 

Ingredients:

INGREDIENTS: 2 Servings 4 Servings 6 Servings 8 Servings
Better Batter Flour 70 G 140 G 210 G 280 G
Olive oil 3/4 tsp. 1-1/2 tsp. 2-1/4 tsp. 3 tsp.
Salt 1/8 tsp. 1/4 tsp. 3/8 tsp. 1/2 tsp.
Egg 1 large 2 large 3 large 4 large
Pumpkin Puree 1 tbsp. 2 tbsp. 3 tbsp. 4 tbsp.

Measure your ingredients according to serving size.  Be sure to use a scale to weigh the flour.  Whisk the egg, pumpkin, olive oil and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer.  Add the flour and mix with the beater attachment to form a smooth, soft dough.

Gather the dough into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.  This is a good time to wash the mixer bowl and attachments. 😉

Lightly dust a cutting board with flour.  Use a bench knife to cut the dough into 4 pieces.

Roll each piece of dough into a rope.  This is the moment when you know you have a good gluten free dough.  It rolls out beautifully without crumbling or breaking.

Cut each rope into 1/2″ pieces.

Using your fingers or a bench knife, gently roll each piece over the pasta board to create the ridges.

Line a baking sheet with wax paper and dust with flour.  As you form the pasta place it on the baking sheet.

Important- Always follow food safety guidelines.  If you are not going to cook the pasta immediately, refrigerate until ready.

How to serve it

You can dress this beautiful pasta with a simple brown butter sage sauce that comes together in minutes.  I grew sage in my container garden this year and it is amazing with browned butter.  If you don’t have an herb garden, try to find fresh sage at the market (or just leave it out).

INGREDIENTS: 2 Servings 4 Servings 6 Servings 8 Servings
Butter 1/2 stick 1 stick 1.5 sticks 2 sticks
Fresh Sage Leaves 8 leaves 12 leaves 16 leaves 20 leaves

When ready, set up a large pot of salted water for the pasta.  Bring the water to a boil while you make the sauce.  Melt the butter in a nonstick skillet.

As soon as the butter begins to foam, add the sage leaves.

As you stir the butter, you will notice the white solids beginning to separate.  Use a slotted spoon or spatula to push them to one side of the pan, skimming off as much as possible.  Watch carefully that the butter doesn’t get too dark.  Remove from the heat when it is just beginning to turn brown.  This shade is perfect.

When the water comes to a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook for about 3 minutes for al dente.  The pasta is done when it floats to the top (taste to see if you like the texture).

Use a spider strainer to remove the pasta and add it directly to the sauce.

Toss well to coat for 30 seconds and transfer to a serving platter.

More Serving Ideas:

This pasta is sturdy enough to hold up to a thick and chunky sauce, like my Harvest Pasta Sauce.  Made with tomato, carrot, squash and pumpkin, the flavors pair beautifully with the pumpkin pasta, perfect for a fall inspired dinner.  Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course.

Notes ♪♫ Not all gluten free all-purpose flours are created equal.  In fact, they can vary greatly in terms of ingredient content.  You can try other brands, but I strongly recommend you use Better Batter Gluten Free Original Blend for this recipe.  It was absolutely perfect for making pasta, and what a pleasure to have a smooth silky dough that doesn’t crumble in your hands.  I also used this all-purpose flour to make a gluten free version of My mother’s Italian Wine Biscuits.  Try it, you will not be disappointed!

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