Gorgonzola

Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

This recipe can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Spruce up some purchased pasta salad with drained marinated artichoke hearts and marinated mushrooms for a hearty side dish. For dessert, spoon raspberries and sliced peaches over vanilla frozen yogurt.

This satisfying pasta is an easy-to-make entrée to serve after a night on the town. Just add a salad, bread, and some sorbet and biscotti to complete the meal.

Pour a chilled dry Gewürztraminer to accompany the salad and offer crusty bread throughout dinner.

Crisp broccoli and a creamy blue cheese dressing give new life to pasta salad.

"Our family vacations in Albany, New York, wouldn’t be the same without one dinner at Nicole’s Italia in nearby Guilderland," says Stephanie Clauson, Wayne, New Jersey. "I’d love to get the recipe for the spinach salad.'

Having relatives who live near Lansing, Illinois, gives Janice and Paul Abrinko a reason to visit that part of the country—and after trying the veal with Gorgonzola sauce and red cabbage at Cafe Borgia, they have one more reason to go.

Uncork a bottle of hearty Chianti to go with the great Italian flavors in this new twist on a traditional tomato-sauced pizza.

Carol Waddington of Cumberland, Rhode Island, writes: "I recently attended a function that was catered by Downcity Food + Cocktails of Providence, Rhode Island. The appetizer buffet was incredible — I especially enjoyed the scrumptious artichoke hors d'oeuvre." Serve this with crusty bread to soak up some of the creamy cooking juices.

Serve this delicate salad as a first course or alongside grilled chicken. Active time: 20 min Start to finish: 20 min

Red pears are first choice here, but any ripe, firm pears would be delicious. Can be prepared in 45 minutes or less.

Pears and Gorgonzola are a classic combination in Italy; here they team up in a unique pasta recipe. To make this intriguing dish even heartier, toss in some diced ham or cooked chicken.

In this easy starter, a mix of tangy blue cheese, chopped toasted walnuts and peppery arugula makes a delicious topping for baguette toasts.