Pasta is one of our favorite no-fuss dinners. It’s fast, easy and, let’s face it, the possibilities are endless. This week we’re sharing 10 ideas for cooking it up in just 10 minutes. (And take note: there’s not a jar of pasta sauce in sight!)
1) Basil Oil
Sauté your favorite vegetables, toss with olive oil and finish with fresh basil and Parmesan. It’s easy, delicious and a great reason to keep fresh herbs in your fridge.
2) Garlic Oil
Spicy, garlicy and delicious. Sauté garlic in a generous splash of olive oil along with good pinch of crushed red pepper. Add in broccoli, then mix with the pasta and a final finish of freshly grated cheese. It’s simply delicious.
3) Toasted White Beans
Talk about a complete dinner. Saute or roast white beans until they get crispy on the outside. They add a great crunch and protein to boot. Add a vegetable and some olive oil, and you’re ready to go.
4) Spinach & Blue Cheese
A match made in heaven. Toss drained, hot pasta with a bag of baby spinach until the greens wilt a bit, then stir in a handful of blue cheese. (Have a few more minutes? Freshly roasted tomatoes make this even better.)
5) Olive Tapenade
Think past bruschetta. Tapenades make great pasta sauces. Just mix with pasta for an instant fancy dinner.6) Lemon Cream Sauce
A squeeze of lemon juice and a splash of cream is all it takes to make one of the tastiest sauces for pasta. Even better, add a little sautéed garlic.
7) Balsamic Drizzle
A pinch of brown sugar, a splash of balsamic vinegar and a bit of feta or blue cheese makes for a cozy pasta dish. Even better with roasted sweet potatoes or carrots.
8) Parmesan & Parsley
It doesn’t get any simpler than this. Drizzle your pasta with a generous dose of olive oil, then sprinkle with plenty of Parmesan and parsley. It’s comfort food through and through.
9) Fried Breadcrumbs
Who knew something so easy could transform dinner. Sauté breadcrumbs in olive oil until crispy, then toss with the pasta. The texture is irresistible.
10) Toasted Nuts
They add incredibly flavor and texture to any dish. Toasted walnuts, pecans and almonds are all great with pasta. (If you were in Sicily, they’d add raisins and capers for an extra bite of flavor and texture.)
And one more…
Toasted gnocchi is truly a magical thing. Toss with olive oil and bake, and you have a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside gem that will star in any dinner. Toss with one of the ideas above and you’ve got magic.
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