Hotdog and Rotini Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumber

This refreshing pasta salad is a fantastic way to combine your ingredients into a light and satisfying dish, perfect for gatherings or a light meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or regular tomatoes, diced)
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce (for dressing)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rotini, diced cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, mix the black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and tomato sauce to create a dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to combine.
5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toss lightly before serving.

Flavor Profile

This pasta salad is crisp and refreshing with a hint of spice from the paprika, balanced beautifully by the creamy cheese and fresh vegetables.

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Spicy Tomato Rotini with Sausage and Red Onion

A warm, hearty dish that combines savory sausage with a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to please!

Ingredients

• 2 cups rotini pasta
• 2 hotdog sausages, sliced
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced red onion until translucent.
3. Add the sliced hotdog sausages to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the cooked rotini, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and salt, mixing well.
5. Add the tomato sauce and heat through, ensuring everything is well combined.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Flavor Profile

This dish features delicious savory flavors with a kick from the spices, enriched by the tangy tomato sauce, making it comforting and fulfilling.

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