I have noticed that in our family parties or reunions, kids usually stay away from the huge, rich dishes such as pork chops, roast beef, and grilled fish. They always gravitate towards that one pasta dish that the adults mostly ignore. Spaghetti has established its presence in our family reunion table ever since we were kids; and it seems like it’s going to stay there for the next generations. Spaghetti is a favorite among the kids in the family. My nieces and nephews love it most especially if there are huge meatballs on top of the serving pan. They will always fight for a piece of those! Whenever they come over to my house for sleepover, I make sure that I put those extra large meatballs in there.

Lately, I’ve noticed that while they still love spaghetti, their appetite is not as big as before. Some of them still manage to finish their plates full of the spaghetti, but there’s no fight over meatballs anymore, and the pan isn’t as empty as it was before. I guess it’s true that it doesn’t matter how much you love something; sometimes there is a need for a change or a reinvention. I found this recipe that actually helped bring back those appetites. I just tried it in last month’s reunion and it was a huge hit! I just added a few things to give it a little twist – and voila!

Photo courtesy of Food.com. Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home.

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Quick Tip: Serve with a side of green salad.

Chicken noodle soup was one that I used to detest. Of all soups, this one was the worst in my opinion. One day I tried the one at Panera and once again was dissapointed. It felt like a cup of hot water with floating noodles. How is that even filling? Mind you, there was not even one piece of chicken. Blahhh, how boring. Do not worry, I am not a Panera hater, I just cannot enjoy their soups!

I used to hate my sick days because my grandma would make me down a big bowl of chicken noodle soup. She says it would be an instant cure, but I never really believed her. However, fast forward a bit to when I got a bit older and I realized that she was right. I got sick like never before and cured myself by drinking bit bowls of this. I was desperate, that is what made me. And the recipe I used was this one. It is the perfect amount of soup to chunks in it and has just enough noodles and chicken. This one is perfect to nurse someone back to perfect health. After you try this one, you will not go back to any old recipe.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Damn Delicious.

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Quick Tip: The longer you let this simmer, the better it gets!

I have a confession to make. I am not a fan of healthy food, but I am addicted to pesto pasta. I first encountered it at a party of a friend who was a bit of a health freak. Initially, I was reluctant to try it, given its unusual green color that reminded me of salads and green leafy vegetables that, let’s face it, aren’t really everyone’s choice for food. But I got curious because it seemed to smell spicy and a little bit minty. It also had that delicious nutty and garlicky scent; something that salads most definitely didn’t smell like. So, crossing my fingers, I tried it and I have been a fan ever since!

With basil leaves and extra virgin olive oil as its main ingredients, pesto sure has health benefits. But it never came across as health food to me. I have always thought of healthy food as dry and bland or somehow reduced in flavor. But pesto, with all of its zests and aroma, just tastes so sinfully good no one will mistake it as one!

Photo and recipe courtesy of Foodie Crush.

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Quick Tip: Because the flavors are so simple, use the best you can afford and fresh, leafy herbs always shine the most.

You’ve never tasted spaghetti until you’ve tasted spaghetti mixed with a rich creamy cheese sauce and baked until a fine level of perfection has been reached. This recipe combines everything you love about the classic Italian meal and so much more. We aren’t kidding, you won’t be able to put your fork down!

I find spaghetti cream cheese bake to be easier to make and much less of a mess than traditional spaghetti and meatballs. There are less pans to clean as everything you need eventually ends up in one baking dish. Savor the scents of pasta, fresh tomato sauce, and zesty spices wafting through your house as this amazing entree bakes. When I make this dish for my family, I can hardly contain myself until dinner time.

Recipe courtesy of Damn Delicious.

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Quick Tip: Before preparing this casserole, liberally spray your baking dish with Pam to avoid sticking.

If you are like my family, the argument over whose meatball recipe’s the best comes up at almost every Sunday dinner. Let this recipe be the new topic of conversation, as it will hands down win over even the pickiest meatball aficionados.

Not only does this recipe include a homemade meatball recipe using a tasty combination of beef and pork, but it also includes a delicious homemade sauce recipe to boot! Serve this super soft and succulent dish over a bed of pasta and extra scoops of sauce. Don’t forget the crunchy bread for cleaning the plate! Add a side salad for a complete dinner, perfect for a lazy Sunday!

Image courtesy of 12 Tomatoes

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A traditional Italian dinner turns into a hearty one-pot soup – and your family will LOVE it! From the kids to the adults alike, this one pot spaghetti and meatball soup will be appealing to all.

Slurp away with delicious parmesan meatballs and al dente spaghetti noodles. If you are craving a big Italian dinner made simple, this is your winner. You can choose to make the meatballs yourself, or make it one step simpler and use a store bought frozen variety. Either way you will be amazed at how delicious this dish is!

Image courtesy of Carlsbad Cravings

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It’s not often that you see a pasta salad with spaghetti, but now that I see it I think I should make it more often! This California spaghetti salad is loaded with color, flavor, and texture.

Packed with fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, and bell pepper, the colors are appealing and the fiber will fill you up. The zesty Italian dressing is the perfect finishing touch to this refreshing side dish or lighter lunch. Bring this to a potluck or any get together as it travels well and everyone will love it when it gets there!

Image courtesy of The Recipe Critic

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Quick Tip: Always cook your spaghetti noodles with a teaspoon or two of oil to keep them from sticking together.