I hope you enjoy these easy week night pasta dinner recipes. These are some of our family favorites and staples to our meal plan.
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Two Easy Pasta Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
As a stay-at-home mom, it can often feel like a Herculean task to juggle the demands of family life, from school runs to extracurricular activities, all while ensuring that dinner is not just nutritious but also delicious. Pasta, with its versatility and quick cooking time, often becomes a go-to in many households. Today, I’m excited to share two easy pasta recipes that the whole family will love. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners and come together in no time!
Recipe 1: Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (your choice – penne or fettuccine work well)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or a non-dairy substitute)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a kick
Instructions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté the veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until they become tender (about 5 minutes).
Add the spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce until fully coated. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Why You’ll Love It:
This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutritious greens. The creamy texture and savory flavor profile make it a family favorite that kids and adults will devour!
Recipe 2: One-Pot Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Sauté the shrimp: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until they turn pink (about 3-4 minutes). Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Cook the pasta: In the same pot, add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally.
Add flavors: Once the pasta is cooked, add the lemon juice and zest, returning the shrimp to the pot. Stir everything to combine and let it cook for another minute for the flavors to meld.
Finish the dish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Dish out generous portions into bowls. You can add an extra squeeze of lemon or more parsley on top for garnish.
Why You’ll Love It:
This one-pot recipe is a dream for busy moms! Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor define this dish. The freshness of the lemon and the succulence of the shrimp create a delightful combination that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
Conclusion
These two easy pasta recipes are perfect for any weeknight dinner chaos. With quick prep times, minimal ingredients, and hearty flavors, they make it easy to serve a delicious meal that your family will adore without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy these comforting dishes that bring everyone to the table and, most importantly, create lasting family memories!
