Super easy pasta dinners

I am a huge fan of pasta for a quick, healthy dinner on weeknights. As long as you are careful about the portioning of pasta, it's easy to make a healthy yet delicious dinner in just a few minutes. Plus, with minimal ingredients, neither of these recipes will break the bank.

Here are two (very similar) versions of Dish Gal's "Easy Summer Pastas"

Cheesy Rotini with Fresh Basil and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Serves 1

1 cup Barilla Plus (or whole wheat) rotini

1 wedge laughing cow cheese

sundried tomatoes

fresh, torn basil leaves

1/2 tbsp chopped walnuts

1. Boil water, cook pasta according to directions (for Barilla Plus, 10 minutes for al dente).

2. Drain pasta (but you can leave it a little bit moist from pasta water). Add back into pot. Stir in wedge of laughing cow cheese until it creates a cheesy coating on pasta. 3. Add in sundried tomatoes, walnuts, and fresh basil. Season with S&P. Enjoy!

Rotini with Sweet Apple Chicken Sausage, Walnuts, and Sundried Tomatoes
Serves 1

1 cup Barilla plus rotini (or whole wheat)

sundried tomatoes

1/2 tbsp chopped walnuts

1 link sweet apple chicken sausage

2 tbsp EVOO

fresh, torn basil leaves

1. Boil water; cook pasta according to directions.

2. Meanwhile, heat some EVOO in a skillet over medium heat. Slice the link of chicken sausage into small, 1/2" circles and then add to pan. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Drain pasta. Return to pot. Add in tomatoes, walnuts, basil, and chicken sausage. The oil from the sausage should coat the pasta nicely. If you want more "sauce," add in some more EVOO. Season with S&P. Enjoy!