Quick pasta dishes that are easy and delicious

By Heather Holland

Pasta dishes are cheap and easy to make and make wonderful leftovers. I’m always looking for something substantial to pack for lunch, and these recipes fit the bill. The lasagna is great reheated, and the tortellini dish can be eaten hot or cold.

This recipe makes just two servings, so it’s great for dinner one night and lunch the next day. Serve this dish with a fresh green salad and homemade French bread.

Lazy Lasagna

1 cup spaghetti sauce
½ cup cottage cheese
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 ½ cup cooked lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Warm sauce; stir in cottage cheese and mozzarella cheese. Fold in the noodles. Pour into two creased two-cup casserole dishes. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serves two.

This homemade pesto tastes like springtime. The walnuts and garlic are earthy while the spinach and lemon add a clean taste. Use the pesto in place of mayonnaise on a sandwich for an extra zip.

Spinach-Walnut Pesto with Tortellini

(Heather Holland/Western Herald) Spinach-walnut pesto with tortellini

3-4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Salt/Pepper to taste

Add all ingredients in blender. Pulse mixture until it is has a smooth creamy consistency. Serve with tortellini or other pasta. Makes about 2 cups of fresh pesto.

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Posted by HeraldAdmin on Sep 24 2008. Filed under Recipe, Weekend Scene. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry

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