Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

This fresh-tasting cilantro lime shrimp pasta brings together simple ingredients to make an outstanding dish that’s healthy and easy to make!

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta

Course Main Course
Servings 3
Calories 530 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp butter (¼ cup or ½ stick)
  • 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 oz shrimp, uncooked, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tsp dried chives
  • 2 tsp dried cilantro
  • 2 tbsp sauvignon blanc
  • 6 oz whole grain spaghetti, cooked

Lime butter:

  • 8 tbsp butter (1 stick or 4 oz), softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp  hot sauce
  • 1 tbsp  lime juice

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for lime butter and set aside.
  • Melt 4 tbsp butter in a saute pan over medium heat.  Add mushrooms and saute, undisturbed, for 4 minutes or until browned.  Flip the mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.  
  • When mushrooms are uniformly browned, add shrimp, chives and cilantro.  Saute for 2-4 minutes or until shrimp is opaque.  Do not overcook.
  • Add wine and lime butter to the pan.  Continue cooking until lime butter melts and is thoroughly mixed with the shrimp and mushrooms.
  • Toss with spaghetti and serve.  
  • Hack:  Feel free to use your favorite pasta in this recipe or whatever you have on hand!  Cooked rice can also be substituted for spaghetti.
  • Hack: Canned or dehydrated mushrooms can be used in this recipe.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Hack: Shrimp can be purchased individually from the seafood counter at most grocery stores.  They can also be purchased frozen in large portions if you wish to keep some on hand.  Thaw needed amounts before cooking.  
  • Hack: Seafood can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator.  It can be thawed more quickly by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging them in a bath of cold water for about an hour.
Keyword angel hair, cilantro, fast and easy, fast meal, healthy, lime, main course, pasta, quick and easy meal, quick dinner, seafood, shrimp, spaghetti

Did you know?  Shrimp is a healthy addition to your diet.  It provides a high amount of nutrients that aren’t abundant in other foods!

Suggestion:  Tomato and shrimp salad is another great way to take advantage of the healthy benefits of eating shrimp!

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Cream, tomatoes and shredded cheese make this easy chicken alfredo pasta dish warm and comforting. Garlic bread rounds it out nicely!

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

Easy Chicken Alfredo Pasta

(Courtesy: Melissa Warren)  
Course Main Course
Servings 2
Calories 515 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 scallions
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp)
  • 4 oz farfalle (bow tie) pasta
  •  ½ cup light cream
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ½ Roma tomato, chopped
  • ¼ cup sharp cheddar, shredded

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken into 1” cubes and thinly slice scallions. 
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.  Add chicken, scallions and garlic.  Saute until no pink remains in the chicken, about 5 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions and drain.  Return pasta to the pan.
  • When chicken is fully cooked, turn the heat down to medium, add cream and bring to a simmer.  Sprinkle flour into cream, whisking constantly to thicken the sauce.
  • Add tomato and shredded cheese to cream sauce and heat until cheese is melted.
  • Pour chicken and sauce over pasta and toss to coat.
  • Hack:  Substitute your favorite cheese and/or pasta or use whatever you have on hand!
  • Hack:  Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keyword alfredo, bowtie pasta, chicken, creamy chicken, easy meal, fast and easy, pasta, quick and easy, quick meal preparation

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs or without!

Suggestion:  Serve with warm Italian herb focaccia bread!

Linguine with Squash Sauce

Linguine with Squash Sauce
Linguine with Squash Sauce

Linguine with Squash Sauce

 

1 small butternut squash (1 lb)

1 cup chicken broth

1 tbsp olive oil

½ cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)

½ tsp red pepper flakes

¼ tsp sage

⅛ tsp nutmeg

⅛ tsp pepper

½ tsp salt

⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

12 ounces linguine

 

Preheat oven to 400℉

Coat a baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Cut squash in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Place cut side down in the pan. Roast in the oven until tender, 30-45 minutes.

Remove from the oven and leave it until it’s cool enough to handle. Scoop squash from skins into a large bowl.

Place squash and chicken broth in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.

Heat oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add onions and saute until translucent, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add squash, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, sage, pepper and salt. Heat to simmer. Add Parmesan and heat until cheese is melted and well incorporated into the sauce. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.

Cook linguine according to package directions. Serve with squash sauce and garnish with additional Parmesan and chives, if desired.

 

6 servings, 310 calories per serving

Hack: Frozen butternut squash can be used in this recipe.

Hack: Leftover sauce and linguine can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be stored in air-tight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months. For better quality, sauce and linguine should be stored separately.

Hack:  Uncooked winter squash can be stored in a cool, dark environment (less than 50℉) for up to 2 months so stock up when it’s on sale!  Cook, mash and freeze unseasoned winter squash for up to 12 months as a quick and easy addition to many recipes.

 

 

Easy Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy beef and shells is a hearty combination of beef, tomatoes and pasta shells that cooks up in one skillet and is guaranteed to hit the spot!

Creamy Beef and Shells

Creamy Beef and Shells

Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 595 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • ½ lb chuck beef, cut into 1” cubes
  • 1 onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • cups water, divided
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup red wine
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • ¾ tsp Italian seasoning
  • cup tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef bouillon
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups pasta shells

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
  • Dry stew beef on paper towels and add to hot oil. Brown on all sides and remove from pan.
  • Add onion and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Push onion to the sides of the pan to make a well. Add garlic to well and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add beef back to the pan, add 1 cup water and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer, cover and turn the heat to low. Simmer for 2½ hours.
  • While beef is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Cook shells according to package directions.
  • Add red wine to pan and stir to deglaze.  Remove beef and juices from pan and set aside.
  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in pan over medium heat.  Add peppers and tomatoes.  Saute until peppers are soft, 5-7 minutes.
  • While peppers are cooking, use your fingers or a fork to pull the beef apart into small pieces.
  • Add Italian seasoning and tomato paste to the peppers and mix well.  Stir in broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Mix ¼ cup water with cornstarch in a small bowl or glass.  Add to the pepper mixture and bring back to a simmer, stirring constantly.  Simmer until the broth thickens.
  • Add beef, cream and shells to the pan.  Heat through and serve immediately.
  • Hack:  Pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Hack:  Dehydrated vegetables can be used in this recipe.
Keyword American Chop Suey, beef and shells, chuck, cubed beef, goulash, pasta dish, pasta shells, stew beef, stewed beef

Did you know?  Beef has gotten a bad rap due to its high fat and cholesterol content but the health benefits make it a healthy addition to a balanced diet!

Suggestion: Serve this dish with some Italian herb focaccia bread!

Fast and Easy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bacon asparagus pasta is a simple dish that’s quick and easy to pull together for a busy weeknight dinner! It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Course Main Course
Servings 4
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ ib rotini pasta, uncooked (6 cups)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces (4 oz)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Place a large pot of water on high heat to boil. Add pasta and cook to al dente, 10-11 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water, but do not rinse.
  • Heat olive oil in a heavy saute pan over medium heat and add bacon. Cook until bacon is crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove bacon from the pan, leaving drippings, and set aside.
  • Add asparagus and onion to the saute pan. Turn heat up to medium-high and saute until the mixture begins to brown. Stir in salt and broth.
  • Turn heat down to medium, cover pan and simmer until asparagus is tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in black pepper.
  • Add balsamic vinegar, pasta and bacon to the saute pan. Continue to cook for 1 minute, or until warmed through. Add pasta water if the mixture seems dry.
  • Toss with Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months.
  • Hack:  Separate any remaining uncooked bacon slices and roll them into individual pinwheels.. Place on a cookie sheet in the freezer to freeze bacon slices.  Place in a sealable freezer bag or container. The slices can then be thawed and used in the portions desired.
Keyword asparagus, bacon, easy, easy meal, easy prep, fast and easy, pasta, quick and easy, quick prep, rotini, skillet meal

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs or without!

Suggestion:  Leftover bacon?  Make a few of these heavenly bacon-wrapped crackers!

 

Beefy French Dip Casserole

This French dip casserole is a beefy, cheesy, creamy pasta and mushroom dish that warms the soul. It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!

French Dip Casserole

French Dip Casserole

Course Main Course
Servings 8
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 olive oil
  • ½ lb stew beef
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 5 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (2 tsp)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • cups heavy cream, divided
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp prepared horseradish
  • ½ ib angel hair pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 oz)
  • ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded (2 oz)

Instructions
 

  • Heavy olive oil in a large heavy skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
  • Dry stew beef on paper towels and add to hot oil. Brown on all sides and remove from pan.
  • Add onion and mushroom to the pan.  Saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Push ingredients to the sides of the pan to make a well in the center. Add garlic to well and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add beef back to the pan, as well as water and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to simmer, cover and turn heat to low. Simmer for 2½ hours.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  • Stir in 1 cup cream, pepper, and horseradish.
  • Heat 4 quarts of water to boiling. Add angel hair and cook for 4 minutes or until “al dente”. Drain well but don’t rinse.
  • Toss pasta with beef mixture and pour into an 8-cup covered casserole dish.
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in flour and bring to simmer, stirring constantly. Stir in the remaining cream and bring back to a simmer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add cheeses, stirring until they are melted.
  • Spread cheese sauce over the top of the beef and pasta mixture. Cover and bake in a preheated 350℉ oven for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 10 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160℉.
  • Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
  • Hack: One 4 oz can of mushrooms can replace the fresh mushrooms in this recipe.
  • Hack: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Alternately, seal serving-sized portions in freezer-safe containers and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Keyword angel hair, beef dish, casserole, dinner, French dip, horseradish, mushrooms, pasta, stew beef, supper

 

Did you know?  Beef has gotten a bad rap due to its high fat and cholesterol content but the health benefits make it a healthy addition to a balanced diet!

Suggestion:  Pair this dish with Italian herb focaccia bread!

Fresh Pasta Salad with Peas

Pasta salad with peas is one of my all-time favorite summer sides. It’s cool and refreshing on a hot day! What’s your favorite summer “go-to”?

Pasta Salad with Peas

Pasta Salad with Peas

Course pasta, Salad, side
Servings 4
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup rotini pasta, uncooked
  • ½ cup frozen peas
  • ¼ cup pasta water
  • 2 tbsp oil-based Italian salad dressing*
  • 2 tbsp fresh onion, minced
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Bring one quart of water to boil in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add pasta and boil until al dente, about 7 minutes or according to package directions. Add peas in the last minute of cooking.
  • Drain pasta, reserving ¼ pasta water.  Do not rinse.
  • Place pasta in a bowl or sealable plastic bag.  Add pasta water and Italian salad dressing and place in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Drain pasta and return to bowl.
  • In another small bowl, mix onion, mayonnaise, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, pepper and salt. Toss with cooled pasta and peas. Refrigerate until the salad is well chilled.
  • *Use olive oil, if desired.
  • Hack: Store tightly covered leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keyword cold side dish, easy, green peas, pasta, rotini, salad, vegetarian

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs or without!

Use this homemade Italian salad dressing for the overnight soak!

Basic Homemade Tomato Sauce

Nothing beats basic homemade tomato sauce…it’s fresh, delicious, versatile and eco-friendly!  Make sure to stock up when local tomatoes are in season!

Basic Homemade Tomato Sauce

Basic Homemade Tomato Sauce

Course cooking sauce, pasta
Servings 4 cups
Calories 70 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs fresh tomatoes (about 8 medium)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • tbsp lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • Remove stems or leaves, if necessary, from tomatoes. It is not necessary to remove the core or seeds.
  • Drop tomatoes in the blender and blend until smooth, in batches if needed. You should end up with about 8 cups of puree.
  • Put the puree in a large saucepan, straining through a mesh colander, if desired, to remove seeds. Add salt.
  • Simmer on low for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in lemon juice.
  • Hack: Store sauce, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze cooled sauce in one-cup servings in sealed freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 6 months.
  • Hack: To make tomato paste, double line mesh colander with cheesecloth and place in a bowl. Put 1 cup of cooled tomato sauce in the colander. Cover and leave in the refrigerator overnight. Using cheesecloth, squeeze out any remaining liquid. Yield: 3 tbsp.
  • Hack:  If you have leftover tomatoes and no time to make a sauce, simply puree them in the blender and freeze the fresh puree in sealed freezer bags or containers to cook with at a later date.
Keyword easy, fresh tomatoes, homemade, pasta, spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, tomato puree, tomato sauce, too many tomatoes

For more ways to deal with an overabundance of fresh tomatoes during the growing season, click here for advice for saving them for later use!

Suggestion:  Use this fresh tomato sauce to make spicy Spanish rice or homemade chili beans!

Shrimp Scampi With Linguine

This shrimp scampi with linguine is an elegant dish for one that pulls together in less than 15 minutes. It’s a perfect solution to a busy weeknight meal!

Shrimp Scampi With Linguine

Shrimp Scampi With Linguine

Course Main Course
Servings 1
Calories 510 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 oz linguine
  • 1 tbsp butter, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil, divided, plus more for drizzling
  • ½ shallot, finely diced
  • ½ clove garlic, minced (½ tsp)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
  • 6 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp dry white wine
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp parsley leaves
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions
 

  • Put a pot of water on the stove and bring to boil.
  • Add a sprinkle of salt and the linguine. When the water returns to a boil, cook until the pasta is al dente, 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat ½ tbsp butter and ½ tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Saute the shallots, garlic, and red pepper flakes until the shallots are translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Season the shrimp with salt and pepper; add to the pan and cook until they have turned pink, 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the shrimp from the skillet; set aside and keep warm.
  • Add wine and lemon juice to the skillet, bring to a simmer. Add ½ tbsp butter and ½ tbsp oil.
  • When the butter has melted, return the shrimp to the pan along with the parsley and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper and toss to mix. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top and serve immediately.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top and serve immediately.
Keyword dinner for one, easy dinner, fast and easy, linguine, meal for one, pasta, quick and easy, quick dinner, scampi, shellfish, shrimp

Did you know?  Traditional “white” pasta has gotten a bad rap lately but there are plenty of healthier alternatives out there, either with carbs and without!

Suggestion:  Looking for more super quick and easy “meals for one” options?  Try this spinach feta pizza for one!

Healthy Vegetable Lasagna with Bechamel

Healthy Vegetable Lasagna is a hearty dish with a sauce so delicious, you want to eat it all by itself.  Make a double batch to drizzle over veggies or pasta!

Healthy Vegetable Lasagna with Butternut Bechamel

Healthy Vegetable Lasagna with Butternut Bechamel

Course Main Course
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

Butternut Bechamel Sauce:

  • 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (2 lbs)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth, divided
  • 1 cup whole milk 
  • 4 cloves freshly minced garlic (4 tsp)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (2 ounces)
  • ½ cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes (2 ounces)

Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 sweet onion, chopped
  • 5 cups fresh mushrooms, sliced, (1 pound)
  • 5 cups Swiss chard, leaves thinly sliced, stems chopped and kept separate (1 bunch)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable broth
  • ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted and chopped*

Lasagna:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • Cooking spray
  • 6 lasagna noodles, cooked
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes (4 ounces)
  • cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Combine squash, 1 cup broth, milk and garlic in a medium saucepan, heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Place squash mixture in a blender. Add salt, pepper and nutmeg and blend until smooth. Add Gruyere cheese and 2 ounces of mozzarella.  Blend until cheese is well incorporated. Pour into a bowl and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil. Add onion, mushroom and chopped Swiss chard stems. Turn heat up to medium-high and cook until browned and liquid evaporates (7-10 minutes).
  • Add chard leaves and 1 tbsp vegetable broth. Cover and cook 2-3 minutes or until chard wilts. Place vegetable mixture into a cheesecloth-lined colander and allow to drain for 10 minutes. Place mixture into a bowl and toss in pine nuts.
  • In a seperate bowl, mix ricotta and egg until well incorporated.
  • Coat 11 x 7-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Spread ½ cup bechamel sauce on the bottom of the pan. Lay two lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
  • Spread ¾ cup bechamel sauce on top of lasagna noodles. Top with ½ of the vegetable mixture (about ¾ cup),
  • Add a layer of ½ cup ricotta and ⅓ cup mozzarella cubes. Top with 2 lasagna noodles.
  • Repeat the above step for the second layer.
  • Put remaining sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the lasagna. Spray aluminum foil with cooking spray and lay over top of the pan.
  • Cook, covered, for 25 minutes. Remove aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, until lasagna is bubbly and internal temperature is 160°. Put lasagna under the broiler to further brown top, if desired.
  • Allow lasagna to rest a minimum of 20 minutes before slicing and serving.
  • *Roast pine nuts in saute pan in a single layer until lightly browned.
  • Hack: Store leftovers in the redrigerator for up to 5 days
  • Hack: Place individual portions of cut, cooled lasagna into individual containers (or one container, separating portions with parchment paper) and store in the freezer for a quick grab-and-go lunch!
  • Hack: Fresh peeled and cubed butternut squash can be purchased in the produce department of the grocery store. Frozen butternut squash can also be used.
  • Hack: Pine nuts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 months or in the freezer for 6 months.
  • Hack: Make a double recipe of Bechamel sauce. Freeze extra portion in 1 cup portions to serve over pasta or vegetables!  If the sauce separates after thawing, give it a whirl in the blender before heating.
  • Hack:  Bechamel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.  Cover surface with plastic wrap to avoid forming a skin.
  • Hack:  Uncooked winter squash can be stored in a cool, dark environment (less than 50℉) for up to 2 months so stock up when it’s on sale!  Cook, mash and freeze unseasoned winter squash for up to 12 months as a quick and easy addition to many recipes.
Keyword bechamel, butternut squash, lasagna, mushroom, pasta, swiss chard, vegetable lasagna, vegetarian

Did you know?  Winter squash provides numerous health benefits that may help reduce the risk of many diseases!

Suggestion: Use leftover bechamel sauce to make creamy chicken and peas!

Suggestion:  Use leftover pine nuts to make this Roasted Asparagus with Pine Nuts, fresh green onion pesto or Baked Rice Pilaf!

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