Not only do you have to slave over making meals every night, but then you have to slave over the dishes. Even when its the kids night to do the dishes you’re going to end up redoing them. Instead of taking out every pot and pan to make dinner, try one of these practically effortless one dish meals.
Baked Pizza Pasta
Not only is this ridiculously easy to make, its a fun twist on two classic dishes.
Ingredients
8 ounces spaghetti noodles
3 eggs
¼ cup milk
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon oregano
½ teaspoon crushed garlic
2 ½ cups jarred spaghetti sauce (or my quick and easy sauce recipe below)
3 cups shredded mozzarella
3.5 ounce package sliced pepperoni
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cook the spaghetti noodles in salted water according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain well.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
Add the parmesan, oregano and garlic to the egg mixture.
Stir in spaghetti noodles and quickly toss until all ingredients are combined.
Pour noddle mixture into a greased 9×13 pan.
Pour the spaghetti sauce on top of noodles.
Top with half of the pepperoni.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the pepperoni and top with remaining pepperoni.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
Let the pizza spaghetti cool for five minutes before serving so all the yummy cheesiness doesn’t fall apart.
Caprese Pasta
For a lighter option, consider this dish. Caprese pasta is a heathy and delicious meal everyone in the family will love! It requires a few more ingredients but is totally worth the extra effort.
Ingredients
1/2 cup diced white onion
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 1/2 cups dry pasta
1 package of grape tomatoes, sliced in half
5 fresh whole basil leaves
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
1 1/2 cups fresh, diced Mozzarella (about 8 oz)
2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
Chopped basil leaves for garnish
Directions
Preheat a 12 inch skillet or saute pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft.
Add dry pasta, sliced tomatoes, fresh whole basil leaves, garlic, water, salt and pepper. Stir together to combine.
Bring pasta mixture to a boil. Continue to cook pasta over medium heat, stirring often, until pasta is cooked and the liquid is reduced; about ten minutes.
Top evenly with mozzarella cubes and cover the pan so the cheese can melt.
Sprinkle with Balsamic vinegar and chopped basil for garnish.
Chicken Alfredo Casserole
For a new twist on an old favorite, serve up this dish for dinner. It guarantees leftovers that you will want to eat for every meal. This recipe includes homemade alfredo sauce but you can use jarred to save some time.
Ingredients
1 8 oz package regular or whole grain Penne pasta, cooked, al dente
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked or use store bought rotisserie chicken
1/8 teaspoon thyme
1/8 teaspoon poultry seasoning
salt and pepper to taste, white pepper if you have it
1 tablespoon olive oil
5 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon onion, chopped
1 1/2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups half and half or fat free half & half
1 1/2 cups low fat milk
1 cup + 2/3 cup Italian Cheese Blend Cheese
Italian Seasoning, garnish
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente then drain.
Grill chicken until browned.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Add the flour and mix using a wire whisk. Mix until bubbly and starts to take on a bit of color.
Add the half & half and milk; mix to combine. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce hit to medium and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add 2/3 cup of cheese and blend using a wire whisk and mix until thick.
Remove sauce from heat. Cut the chicken into bite size pieces and add to a large bowl. Add the cooked and drained pasta and the sauce last.
Mix everything to combine.
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until bubbling.
meals and photos via
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