If you’re looking for a cheap meal that you can prepare ahead of time, look no further than pasta. Though you may think of macaroni and cheese or spaghetti with meatballs, pasta isn’t confined to heavy comfort foods. Try our recipes for healthy and easy meals you can make with a box of noodles.
Avocado Pasta
— 1 box pasta, any shape
— 2 avocados, sliced
— 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
— 2 cloves garlic
— 2 tablespoons lemon juice
— 1/3 cup olive oil
— 1 1/2 cups vegetables, like tomatoes or corn, prepared to taste
— Salt and pepper
1. Prepare pasta according to instructions and set aside.
2. Combine avocados, basil, garlic and lemon juice in a food processor. Then, with the motor running, add olive oil in a slow stream until smooth.
3. Mix together pasta, sauce and vegetables in a bowl and serve.
Adapted from Damn Delicious
Peanut Noodle Salad with Cucumber
— 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
— 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
— 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
— 1 tablespoon honey
— Cayenne pepper
— Long skinny pasta, like spaghetti or linguini
— 1/2 cup peeled, seeded and cubed cucumber
— 1/2 cup fresh basil
— 2 cups bean sprouts or shredded butter lettuce
1. Prepare pasta according to instructions and reserve three tablespoons of the pasta water. Drain the pasta, cool under a stream of water and pat dry with a towel. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Season with salt to taste.
3. Stir the reserved pasta water into the peanut butter sauce and pour over the noodles. Stir in the cucumber, basil and sprouts and serve.
Adapted from Food & Wine
Cajun Chicken Rigatoni
— 1 box rigatoni or similar pasta
— 2 tablespoons olive oil
— 2 minced cloves of garlic
— 1 cup diced onions
— 1 tablespoon Cajun spice mix (see below)
— 1 tablespoon paprika
— Black pepper
— 1/2 cup white wine
— 1 cup chicken stock
— 1/2 cup heavy cream
— 1 cup steam-in-the-bag peas, prepared
— 2 cup shredded chicken
— 1 tablespoon butter
— 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1. Prepare pasta according to instructions, reserving one cup of pasta water. Set both aside, separately.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook onions and garlic until soft. Season with Cajun spice mix. Add wine and stock, bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for four minutes. Add cream, peas and chicken, and simmer for two more minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and stir in pasta, butter and cheddar. Add reserved pasta water until the sauce is the desired consistency. Serve.
Adapted from Delish
Cajun Spice Mix
— 2 tablespoons garlic powder
— 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
— 2 tablespoons paprika
— 2 tablespoons salt
— 1 tablespoon black pepper
— 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
— 1 tablespoon dried thyme
— 1 tablespoon onion powder
Whisk all ingredients together and store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Adapted from Culinary Hill