Italian ragus tend to be long-simmered dishes, but a French ragout is a quicker affair, a thick, cheesy stew. Tossed over pasta, this one is a true fusion, a halfway point between ragu and ragout.
A pinch of saffron goes a long way to add flavor and intense color. The aromatic spice is expensive, and can be eliminated without sacrificing all the flavor. With or without the spice, this pasta and chicken soup recipe is low-cal and low-fat.
For quick weeknight solutions, prepare and stuff cannelloni shells. Wrap tightly with wax paper; freeze until ready to serve. Let thaw in the refrigerator. Unwrap and place in a baking dish; top with your favorite supermarket pasta sauce, and bake as directed.
What's the secret to its success? Fresh basil and onions mixed with our garlic & herb flavored mayo. Add ham and a slice of sharp Cheddar, and you've got a winner.
