Changing up the typical Spaghetti Night

Like I said in my previous post, this week is just super crazy so I have been in a major time crunch to produce some healthy quick dinners. This one is a great change up from the traditional spaghetti night.

Quick and Easy Baguette

recipe from (www.thesisterscafe.com)

• 1 1/2 cups warm water
• 1 1/2 Tbs. (2 packages) dry yeast
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 3 1/4 cups flour
• 2 tsp. salt

Start by mixing the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Allow to sit for 5 min until it becomes frothy.

 

Next mix in salt and flour. When well mixed, roll out the dough onto floured surface. Roll the dough into a rectangle and then roll lengthwise and pinch the ends under. I slit the dough with a serrated knife to make it look pretty.

 

 

Let rise for 30 min and honestly, keep an eye on it because it really does rise quickly. Place into the preheated oven and bake for 15 min. Around the 8 min mark pull the bread out and brush melted butter on the top, then allow to bake for the last 7 min.

 Place on cooling rack and get ready to enjoy!

Now for the main course, this has become my new favorite pasta dish. It's the perfect combination of creamy, saucy and cheesy pasta.

Two Timing Pasta

adapted from (www.pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.com)

• 1 box whole wheat penne pasta
• 1 (15 oz.) jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 (24oz.) jar Marinara sauce * I make my own marinara while the pasta cooks
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

This is a super easy recipe, it's hard to mess it up. Cook the pasta according to the box. Drain pasta and place into a large bowl. Next dump in Alfredo sauce, marinara, and mozzarella. Mix well so that each noodle is covered in saucy goodness.

 Next place into a greased 9x13 casserole dish and top with Parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until nice and bubbly. Dish it up with a slice of fresh baked bread, a little salad and your set for a yummy, comforting, quick dinner.