Pesto Pasta Recipe

Still on a pasta kick...tonight was Pesto Pasta

The simple version...
Cook pasta of choice (I used whole wheat penne)
While pasta is cooking I sliced fresh veggies on hand (peppers and onions) then cooked them in the frying pan with olive oil until warm but still crisp.
While stirring the pasta and veggies occasionally, I prepared a Knorr pesto packet. (Takes about 6 minutes)

I drained the pasta and then placed the cooked veggies in a bowl and used the "seasoned" pan to warm some Tyson frozen oven roasted tenderloin pieces. This takes about 5 minutes

I tossed everything in my pasta and topped it with some feta crumbles (because I had some...ha!)

Enjoy with a fresh veggie side like grape tomatoes.

It was really easy and good. Dinner was ready in about 20 minutes, give or take.

photo by Tracy Hilbun

Easy Summer Salad Recipe

Eating a hot and heavy meal in the summer just makes me feel...hot and heavy!

I made this pretty and colorful salad for dinner instead  and I felt...pretty and colorful. Ha!

Super easy summer pasta salad
Boil pasta of choice,  set aside cooked pasta to cool.
Chop up as many lovely and colorful veggies that you can.
I used red onion, red pepper, orange pepper, yellow pepper, celery, peeled and seeded cucumber, radish, grape tomato
I cut some leftover ham slices into small pieces and pan cooked them until browned.

After the pasta cooled, I mixed half of everything together with kraft Tuscan italian dressing and a small amount of season salt.  Then I added the rest and mixed with a little more dressing and season. (Go light on dressing and seasoning as the veggies and ham add a wonderful flavor on their own)

I served with reduced fat parmisan cheese sprinkled on top and chopped black olives for those that like them (not me)

If you can, make ahead to marinate the salad flavors.

Taste the rainbow (thanks Chrissy) and enjoy.

photo by Tracy Hilbun

photo by Tracy Hilbun