Pasta can be an ideal staple for weeknight meals since it’s so versatile and easy to prepare. It’s also very filling and can be a stand-alone meal or a main entree served with complementary side dishes. You can prepare many pasta dishes as one-pot meals, making preparation and cleanup much easier. Here are several great pasta dishes the whole family will love.
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Spaghetti might be one of the simplest pasta meals to prepare, especially with a ready-made sauce. Homemade sauce takes 30 to 90 minutes to cook, but you can perform other tasks once it’s simmering. The spaghetti noodles only need a few minutes to cook, and supper can be on the table. Vary spaghetti dinners by adding meatballs, sausage, or vegetables like onions, green peppers, or zucchini. Serve with fresh French bread or garlic bread to dip in the spaghetti sauce.
Create a chicken and pasta dish for a simple, filling meal. You can combine diced chicken or whole boneless chicken breasts with sauce and pasta for a quick, tasty entree. Try this creamy Italian chicken and pasta recipe for an easy weeknight meal.
Ravioli is a stuffed pasta filled with meat or cheese. Some ravioli also contains vegetables, like cheese and spinach ravioli. Purchase fresh ravioli in the deli section or frozen prepared ravioli. Boil the ravioli and top with a marinara sauce. Many people prefer to make their own ravioli, customizing it by adding their favourite fillings. If you choose to prepare your ravioli from scratch, make it in advance so you can just heat it for an easy meal on a busy night.
Casseroles are an easy way to cook with foods already in your pantry. A casserole generally contains meat, a starch, and a creamy or cheese sauce. Choose a pasta or starch and a protein like ground beef, chicken, or tuna. Add macaroni or penne pasta and a cream sauce for a simple yet satisfying meal.
While traditional lasagna can be complicated to prepare, you can make a simplified dish by creating an easy skillet version. Combine beef, onions, and seasonings in a skillet with a can of roasted red pepper and tomato soup to make a quick lasagna-like meal.
Macaroni and cheese is a staple for many families. Kids love it because it’s delicious, and adults love it because it is often a one-pot meal, allowing for quick cleanup after supper. Make macaroni and cheese on the stovetop or prepare it in a casserole dish and bake it in the oven. You can easily make variations using different pasta and cheeses or adding vegetables and seasonings. Top with breadcrumbs to add a little crunch to your macaroni and cheese.
Pasta primavera is an American dish consisting of pasta, cream sauce, and fresh vegetables. This one-pot entree can be a staple when you include your family’s favourite noodles, sauce, and veggies. Vary the dish using macaroni, penne, angel hair for the pasta, marinara or white cream sauce, and whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand.
Try some of these tasty dishes and experiment with different types of pasta and sauces. Your family will enjoy the variety, and you’ll appreciate the easy preparation and cleanup.