We have a lot of pot lucks around here too!!! I am into simplicity when it comes to making a main dish ( I don't have the time for gourmet these days)... Try this one, I just made it a couple of weeks ago for a friends b'day party and it was gone in a flash!!! I like it because I can grab the pesto out of the freezer, cook some noodles and voila!!!!
Rigatoni Pesto
2 or 3 bags of rigatoni pasta cooked and drained (can use other kinds too)\
pesto (either store bought or homemade--see recipe below)
parmesan cheese to taste
mozarella cheese to taste
Combine all ingredients and heat through. Top with additional parmesan cheese.
I use enough pesto to coat evenly--use your discretion and taste buds!
Pesto
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 cups grated parmesan
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup melted butter
6 large cloves of crushed garlic
Place basil with cheese, butter and garlic in blender. Begin blending--turning motor on and off. Push pesto down with rubber spatula. Continue until you have a coarse puree. Freezes beautifully!!!!