Here's an ideal summer pasta with fresh tomatoes as the main attraction. Feta complements the tomatoes beautifully, and the heat of the pasta and hot garlic oil make the cheese meltingly soft.
Quinoa is the perfect vehicle for summer vegetables: it's more substantial than couscous or rice and it kind of binds ingredients together. This simple version involves minimal cooking: just toss hot quinoa with black beans, chunks of ripe heirloom tomatoes, and crunchy scallions, and cover with a refreshing lemon dressing.
Freshly baked chicken Parm on the table in 30 minutes? Check. Sticking with your healthy eating goals on a busy weeknight? Done. Check out this easy-and smart-dinner fave.
A marriage of traditional chicken Florentine with pasta and basil pesto. Sliced sauteed chicken breasts with spinach, garlic, white wine, cream, pesto, and pasta.
This dish derives its name from the color contrast of the two types of pasta. Because it mixes the earthiness of whole wheat with the familiarity of regular pasta, it's a delicious introduction to whole-grain pastas. Truffle oil adds a pleasant, earthy undertone; you can substitute extravirgin olive oil. As with all alfredo dishes, serve immediately.
Fresh spinach, chicken, and a combination of cheeses make this pasta dish comforting enough for the last days of winter yet fresh enough for the first days of spring. Serve family style or portion out in individual ramekins. Either way, this penne pasta casserole is definitely worth sharing.