When time is tight but tummies are rumbling, easy pasta favourites are a lifesaver. They’re warm, filling, quick to whip up and never fail to hit the spot. Whether you're feeding fussy kids, cooking for one, or hosting a casual dinner, pasta always brings comfort with minimal effort. Bonus? Most ingredients are already in your kitchen.
Pasta is always a good go-to food item for moms and dads when pressed for time. These two recipes will soon be added to your list of yummy favourites.
Chicken Florentine Pesto Pasta
Florentine is a fancy name for foods served with spinach. Take your pesto pasta up a notch by adding spinach and grilled chicken as a side, and you’ll be easily transported to an Italian countryside cafe!
Ingredients for Chicken Florentine Pesto Pasta
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2½ tbsp. pesto
- 2 tbsp. olive oil or chilli oil
- 2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp. fresh cream
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 250g Pasta Joy linguine pasta
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Preparation for Chicken Florentine Pesto Pasta
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted, boiling water until done (roughly 8 minutes). Pasta must be al dente. Drain.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan over medium low heat. Add pesto, onion, spinach and salt and pepper. Cook about five minutes, or until onions are soft. Swirl in cream and bring to a slight boil.
- Add pasta into the pot and swirl around in pesto sauce until coated. Adjust seasoning and stir in grated cheese. Serve alongside grilled chicken breasts
Red Pepper Romesco Pasta Salad
Ingredients for Red Pepper Romesco Pasta Salad
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 3 slices white bread, crust removed, cut into pieces (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 large red pepper
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, divided
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt
- 250g Pasta Joy fusilli (large spiral-shaped pasta) or medium shell pasta
- Mixed snacking tomatoes, cut into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)
- Parmesan, finely chopped
- 1 cup basil leaves, torn if large
Preparation for Red Pepper Romesco Pasta Salad
- Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Chop red pepper into chunks, place on an oven tray with olive oil, salt, garlic and pepper and roast until soft (roughly 20 minutes). Remove from oven. Place walnuts on a baking sheet and toast tossing halfway through, until golden brown (10 to 12 minutes). Let cool.
- Meanwhile, process bread in long pulses in a food processor until coarse crumbs form (you should have about 1 cup). Transfer to a small bowl.
- Purée roasted red pepper plus pan juices, lemon juice, garlic, ½ tsp. red pepper flakes, and about one quarter of the cooled walnuts in food processor (no need to clean) until smooth. With the motor running, very gradually stream in ½ cup oil. Process until thick; season Romesco dressing generously with salt.
- Cook PASTA JOY fusilli in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water (this stops cooking and removes surface starch so the pasta will be less sticky). Shake off excess water and transfer to a large bowl.
- Toss pasta with half of the Romesco to coat; set aside. Finely chop remaining walnuts; set aside.
- Heat remaining 2 tbsp. oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat and cook breadcrumbs, lemon zest and remaining ½ tsp. red pepper flakes, stirring often, until breadcrumbs are golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Toss reserved pasta with remaining dressing, then fold in tomatoes, Parmesan, and reserved walnuts just to distribute. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over pasta and top with basil.
Recipes and images supplied.
ALSO CHECK OUT: South African Curry Pasta Salad Recipe
FAQ’s: Easy Pasta Favourites Every Family Will Love
What makes pasta a great choice for family meals?
Pasta is quick to prepare, affordable, and incredibly versatile. It pairs well with a wide range of ingredients, making it easy to please even picky eaters.
Can I make these pasta dishes healthier?
Absolutely. You can use wholewheat or legume-based pasta, add extra vegetables, and reduce heavy creams or cheese for a lighter version.
How can I add protein to my pasta recipes?
Add grilled chicken, tuna, lentils, beans, mince or even a poached egg. These options are filling and nutritious without overpowering the dish.
Are there vegetarian-friendly pasta options?
Yes. Recipes like roasted veggie penne, creamy mushroom pasta or tomato-based sauces with lentils are delicious and meat-free.
What pasta types work best for different sauces?
Long pasta (like spaghetti) pairs well with smooth sauces, while shapes like penne and fusilli are great for holding chunky or creamy sauces.
Can I cook pasta in advance?
Yes. Cook it al dente, rinse with cold water, toss with a little oil, and store in the fridge. Reheat with your sauce when ready to serve.
How do I stop pasta from sticking together?
Stir the pasta in the first few minutes of cooking and don’t forget to salt the water. Draining and tossing it with a bit of oil also helps.
What are good sides to serve with pasta dishes?
Simple sides like a fresh salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement pasta meals well and add variety to the table.
Can pasta dishes be frozen?
Yes, many pasta bakes and sauces freeze well. Avoid freezing cream-heavy dishes as they may separate when reheated.
How can I get my toddler to eat more pasta?
Offer small, fun-shaped pasta like stars or shells, and mix in mild sauces or puréed veggies. Keep portions small and colourful to entice them.
Disclaimer: This content is for general family cooking guidance and does not replace professional dietary advice. Always consider food allergies and nutritional needs specific to your family.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
Exercise is essential for children! Learn the value of exercise for children, including its benefits for their health, confidence, and overall well-being.
