Around this time of year, 3-4pm becomes the new “evening”. Once night time hits around 5pm, it is hard to feel inspired to go out and do things. Somehow, the earlier darkness and chilly weather encourages me to stay in. I love utilizing this sort of ambiance to make flavorful one-pot meals like hearty soups or pasta dishes. You already saw my five favorite soups in last week’s Friday Five. Therefore, today, I bring you five of my favorite pasta dishes.
Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Vegetarians and meat-eaters alike can find something to enjoy in the carbalicious entrée. Even if you’re gluten-free (like I’ve recently become), there are pasta options for you! My thing is to always include vegetables in a meal so it isn’t just a purely starchy meal. The following pasta dishes are vegetable-filled and sure to be satisfying!
Charred Tomato and Corn Pesto Pasta
I can’t be the only one who still has cobs of corn and baskets of tomatoes to use up, right? I love cooking with fresh herbs and this pasta is an excellent way to utilize them. Pesto, corn, and tomatoes are a trifecta of deliciousness you must try! I don’t consume dairy so I omit the cheese in the recipe but otherwise, I love everything about it! The basil vinaigrette is dreamy makes this pasta ideal for a simple lunch or even a side dish!
Garlic Chili Roasted Cauliflower Pasta
I’m sure anyone who dabbles in plant-based cooking has heard of Minimalist Baker. This pasta dish with roasted cauliflower is seemingly simple but incredibly flavorful! Take my word for it and just roast double the amount of cauliflower. Trust me, you’re going to want more of that tender and crispy veggie to pile onto your spaghetti.
Easy Pumpkin Pasta
I’ve got to throw a mention to my good ol’ pumpkin pasta that I created last year. I created the recipe last year for a competition with Banza pasta company but, of course, use whatever pasta brand you like. The recipe is a perfect single serving but multiply as needed to feed more people! I love enjoying pumpkin pasta with warmed spinach, oven-crisped kale, or even some sautéed yellow squash.
One-Pot Vegetable Penne Pasta
Jeanine from Love and Lemons is a queen at building pasta dishes around vegetables. Her one-pot vegetable penne pasta is one of my most favorites because it includes leeks. Yes, leeks! If you haven’t cooked with these babies, they’re similar to onions—which I’m also wildly obsessed with adding to everything I cook. Jeanine only uses the white part of a leek in this pasta but I often double the recipe and use the entire white and green parts of the leek!
Creamy Butternut Squash Linguine
Butternut squash might be a little more accessible all-year round nowadays but it is fall produce. I stockpile my butternut squashes until the following year: I’ll chop it into cubes and store it in freezer bags to use in the spring or summer if I so desire! If you haven’t tried turning butternut squash into pasta sauce, you haven’t lived! Okay, exaggeration aside, you’ll want to keep butternut squash on hand in your freezer like me just to make this pasta!
Now go enjoy yourselves some pasta dishes of your choosing!
Pasta is a creative base that can do no wrong in my book. I’m always looking for new ideas to experiment with. Feel free to tell me what your favorite pasta dishes are!
xoxo
Melanie