Quick Pasta Dishes

I love to serve pasta in the summer. It is easy, quick and fresh vegetables are always plentiful. Chop and add them liberally. Adding a grated vegetable is sometimes easier for children to accept. Good luck with that. If you have a child who just won't try it with the vege's, spoon a serving out before adding them. 

Here are some ideas to get you started.

Cook enough pasta for your family. Follow package directions. Choose whatever shape of pasta you desire.

To cook about 4 servings of rotini pasta, bring 6 cups water and ½ tsp. salt to a boil. Add 2 ½ Cups rotini.

When the pasta is ready, drain and add one of the following:

Chicken and Noodles

Add 1 can cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cooked chicken and 1 cup frozen peas. Cook until warmed through.

Note: for a lower calorie version add 1/2 can soup and 1/4 cup plain fat free yogurt.

Alfredo Noodles

Add 1 bottle of alfredo sauce. Chicken and broccoli may be added if desired.

Bean and Pasta Salad 

Add 1 drained can of black beans, 1 can (drained) kidney beans. If desired add chopped bell pepper. Add about ½ Cup Italian salad dressing and mix.

Pizza Macaroni

Add 1/2 - 3/4 cup pizza sauce. Chopped spinach and grated zucchini are good additions to this one. Top with parmesan or grated cheese if desired.