Ah, pasta—it’s the ultimate family dinner hero. Whether it’s a chaotic Tuesday night or a lazy Sunday afternoon, there’s something magical about a steaming bowl of noodles that brings everyone together. I remember my grandma’s kitchen, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes wafting through the air, and her telling stories of her own pasta adventures—sometimes real, sometimes fantastically exaggerated. Let’s dive—oops, not allowed to say that—let’s just twirl our forks into some quick and easy recipes you’ll undoubtedly adore.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the dressing in a blender. Once blended, set it aside for later use.
- Cook the pasta in boiling water according to package instructions. In the same pot, add chopped vegetables to cook briefly.
- Drain the pasta and vegetables and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared dressing and a can of drained white beans.
- Toss everything together until well combined. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients
- Ricotta salata or Pecorino Romano or cotija cheese (for Pasta alla Norma)
- Swiss chard
- Lemon juice and zest
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Paccheri or rigatoni pasta
- Sausage
- Nutritional yeast
- Medium shell pasta or other small pasta
- Canned white beans
- White miso
- Mushrooms
- Spaghetti noodles
- Ripe tomatoes
- Linguine
- Macaroni
- Cream cheese
- Anchovies
- Olives
- Capers
- Canned tomatoes
- Spaghetti or linguine (for Pasta Puttanesca)
- Zucchini
- Whole grain mustard
- Strozzapreti, penne, or ziti pasta
- Chicken
- Olive oil
- Garden-fresh vegetables
- Smoked salmon
- Lemon juice
- Mayonnaise
- Sliced onion
FAQ
- Can I substitute any cheese for ricotta salata in Pasta alla Norma?
- Yes, if ricotta salata is unavailable, you can use Pecorino Romano or cotija cheese as alternatives. Both have similar texture and saltiness.
- What type of pasta can I use for Green Goddess Pasta Salad?
- You can use any small pasta you have on hand, although medium shells are recommended. Adding a can of drained white beans can make it a complete meal.
- How can I achieve a cheesy flavor in Vegan Cacio e Pepe?
- Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor in this vegan dish. It’s often found in the health food or spice aisle and is rich in B vitamins, beneficial for a vegan diet.
- What is the key ingredient for creamy mac and cheese in the One-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe?
- Cream cheese is essential for achieving the rich and creamy texture in this easy mac and cheese dish.
- How do I make a no-cook tomato basil pasta sauce?
- Use very ripe tomatoes to create the sauce without cooking. Combine with warm linguine for a delicious no-cook meal.
Tips
- To avoid leftover pasta, look for recipes that use an entire box, whether it’s a 16-ounce or 12-ounce package.
- For a quick, cheesy vegan dish, consider using nutritional yeast, which provides a similar flavor and essential B vitamins.
- When making pasta with garlic and oil, set a glass measuring cup next to the pot to remind yourself to save some pasta water for the sauce.
- In pasta salads, soaking sliced onions before adding them to the dish can help mellow their flavor and enhance the overall taste.
Equipment
- Blender – Needed for making the dressing in the Green Goddess Pasta Salad.
- Glass Measuring Cup – Useful for saving pasta water in the Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe.
- Food Processor – Optional, but can be helpful for blending ingredients like in the Easy Pasta With Winter Greens recipe.
