Description
Discover 15 Easy Dinner Recipes for Two perfect for weeknights! Quick, flavorful, and satisfying. No more cooking too much, just delicious meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- 8 oz cooked chicken sausage, sliced (or 1 can chickpeas, drained)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Flavor Boosters:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, diced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- Creamy Goodness:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Pantry Staples:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
Instructions
- Get Your Pasta Ready: First things first, get a pot of salted water boiling for your pasta. You want it salty like the sea, really. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente—that’s just slightly firm to the bite. This is where I always forget to salt the water, honestly, and then the pasta tastes bland. Don’t be like me! Drain it, but hold onto about half a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for our sauce.
- Sauté the Flavor Builders: While your pasta is doing its thing, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It always makes my stomach rumble. Be careful not to burn the garlic; I’ve done that, and it makes the whole dish taste bitter, a real oops moment.
- Brown the Sausage & Add Tomatoes: Now, add your sliced chicken sausage (or chickpeas if you’re going veggie) to the skillet and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with your spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Then, toss in your cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let those tomatoes cook down for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and release their juices. It’s like a little flavor explosion!
- Creamy Goodness Time: Pour in your heavy cream and about a quarter cup of that reserved pasta water. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. This is where the magic happens, turning everything into a luscious, creamy dream. If it looks too thick, add a bit more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time. Trust your gut here; you’re the chef!
- Spinach and Pasta Join the Party: Add your fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it wilts down, which happens super fast, usually just 1-2 minutes. Then, toss in your cooked pasta and a good handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated in that glorious sauce. This is where the kitchen might get a little chaotic, but it’s a happy chaos, I promise.
- Taste, Adjust, and Serve!: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A crack of black pepper? Maybe a bit more red pepper for a kick? This step is crucial! Divide your creamy pasta between two bowls and garnish with more fresh Parmesan and maybe a sprinkle of fresh basil if you’ve got it. The aroma alone is enough to make you smile. Enjoy your amazing 15 easy dinner recipes for two example!