Pasta is a versatile and easy-to-cook ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you prefer a creamy and indulgent pasta or a light and flavorful one, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and make for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. Here are three easy and flavorful pasta recipes to try.
1. Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of pasta (any shape you like)
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 lb of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the shrimp and garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
7. Add the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped parsley.
2. Tomato and Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of pasta (any shape you like)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Add the chopped fresh basil to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Broccoli and Chicken Alfredo
Ingredients:
- 8 oz of pasta (any shape you like)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
4. Add the broccoli to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender.
5. Add the jar of Alfredo sauce to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
These pasta recipes are quick and easy to make and packed with flavor. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized to your liking. Try them out and enjoy a delicious pasta meal today.