{"id":9252,"date":"2011-03-08T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2011-03-08T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2020-05-01T13:38:28","modified_gmt":"2020-05-01T13:38:28","slug":"short-on-time-money-pasta-saves-the-day","status":"publish","type":"notebook","link":"https:\/\/www.justapinch.com\/blog\/notebook\/read\/9252\/short-on-time-money-pasta-saves-the-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Short on Time, Money? Pasta Saves the Day!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Through my years of cooking for hungry family and friends, there has been one dish that has never failed me. It’s quick and inexpensive to prepare, and doesn’t require a whole lot of brain power (a good thing, when your attention is split between kids, grandkids, laundry and the like!) What’s this magical discovery, you ask? Pasta! Now, I know it would be much more impressive for me to say that I whip up a quick filet mignon anytime I’m in a pinch for time, but my Wonder Woman cape is at the cleaners. Instead, I stick to my tried-and-true noodles for a satisfying meal that can be dolled-up any which way, depending on what I have on hand.<\/p>\n

College student Rebecca Hammond<\/a><\/b> recently shared with us her Fresh Rosemary Chicken with Pesto Pasta<\/a><\/b> – proof that these days college cuisine can mean a whole lot more than a box of mac & cheese!<\/p>\n

“I took a number of different recipes and experimented by combining them,” explains Rebecca. “This is so easy and all fresh ingredients! I fed all my college friends and they were loving it!”<\/p>\n

And I can see why! This recipe is as much a delight for the eyes as it is for the tastebuds. By experimenting with different inspirations, Rebecca has created a delicious signature dish that can easily be prepared on a dorm-room budget. The simple ingredients – linguine, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto – can be swapped out to match what you already have on hand. Mushrooms? Olives? You bet! Toss ’em in and wow your family with how good a few extra veggies can taste.<\/p>\n

Now the only thing I like better than coming across an easy recipe is finding a SUPER easy one! Michelle Waco’s<\/a><\/b> Super Easy Working Mom’s Manicotti<\/a><\/b> takes simple to a whole new level. Like Rebecca, Michelle found inspiration in another recipe, tweaked it and made it perfectly fit her family’s needs. <\/p>\n

“Sometimes I make it with sausage and mushrooms, sometimes veggie style,” says Michelle. “Either way is great!”<\/p>\n

No-boil noodles make Michelle’s manicotti recipe even more delicious to the busy mom or grandma on the go. Planning ahead for the week? Whip-up some of these stuffed shells then pop ’em in the freezer! When you’re ready to serve, thaw the manicotti in the fridge and then bake as usual. <\/p>\n

Finally, I have to give a big round of applause to Oklahoman Kat Dotson<\/a><\/b>. Her Linguine with Clam Sauce<\/a><\/b> masquerades as a fancy-shmancy special occasion dinner, but in reality is a stress-free snap to prepare! Use canned clams, garlic and onion to create a delicious sauce, top with herbs, toss with linguine and prepare to be impressed. Super easy, super yummy… Super woman!<\/p>\n

Whatever you do, don’t forget that pasta doesn’t have to be boring! Try a new shape to get the kids interested (bow-ties are always fun) or amp up store-bought jarred sauce by adding fresh tomatoes or other veggies from the garden. The beautiful thing about pasta – the reason it’s my go-to dish – is its sheer versatility. Boldly experiment… You may just end up with a signature dish of your own.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Through my years of cooking for hungry family and friends, there has been one dish that has never failed me. It’s quick and inexpensive to prepare, and doesn’t require a whole lot of brain power (a good thing, when your attention is split between kids, grandkids, laundry and the like!) What’s this magical discovery, you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":236640,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":[],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nShort on Time, Money? Pasta Saves the Day! - Just A Pinch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Short on Time, Money? Pasta Saves the Day!\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Through my years of cooking for hungry family and friends, there has been one dish that has never failed me. 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