June 30, 2009
Pasta Helps You Get Dinner on the Table in No Time
Pasta is one of your finest options for a quick and simple dinner. The pasta just needs to be added to boiling water and can be cooked in under 15 minutes. And while the pasta is cooking you can make your desired sauce. Whether you go with a tomato based sauce, pesto or a creamy topping, you will be finished in an instant. Here are several guidelines for a quick and simple pasta dish.
Avoid adding the pasta to the pot before it reaches a complete boil. This will keep the noodles from getting limp and sticky. Additionally, keep the water at a boil constantly. You can help the pasta remain firmer if you add some salt to the water. Be aware that you must not cover up the pan after you add the pasta. You have to check occasionally to see if the noodles are done. Pasta cooks rather rapidly and leaving it too long can give rise to soggy noodles. When the pasta is done, take it out of the water at once. It will keep cooking if it remains in the water.
And now, half of your preparation is accomplished. The other half is making the topping. The great thing about pasta is that there are innumerable options for adding to it. If you’re a pasta lover then keeping one or two kinds of toppings stockpiled in your pantry is the best route to go.
Pesto is a quick and simple sauce. Add some garlic, mushrooms or maybe some Italian sausage, top it with a handful of shredded cheese, and you have a tasty dinner in a flash. Some canned or bottled sun-dried tomatoes also work with pasta and allow you to enjoy tomato based pasta without the usual sauce. Cover with shredded parmesan and partner it with some fresh bread for a satisfying repast. If you are in the mood for a creamy topping, simply combine some sliced olives, cream, and oregano. Top it with a handful of grated parmesan cheese. It’s a straightforward topping but very flavorful.
Olive oil is also a staple with pasta and can be rather simple to use too. Try mixing olive oil with canned seafood or slices of meat or sausage. You can throw in some basil for flavor and don’t overlook the shredded parmesan. If you wish to be daring, try including some highly spiced meat such as pepperoni.
With pasta, you’ll have a meal served in a flash. In just 15 to 20 minutes you will be able to prepare a filling dinner of pasta blanketed with a variety of delicious sauces. With all the potential alternatives, it’s a quick and easy cooking dinner that you won’t ever become bored with.
Filed under Pasta Dishes by Jaimie Leaven