Crave-Worthy Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce

While the recipe itself doesn't have a typical pesto sauce in it, it brings the elements of pesto compiled together in a cooked pasta dish plus an addition of a gloriously creamy sauce.

I love a good pesto with a rich olive oil, but just think of a pesto made with silky cream instead. Once you taste this be wondering why you hadn't made it this way before.

You only need a few ingredients to make this freshly flavorful dish. Plan on a simple prep, and if you want to upgrade it with a protein to make it heartier feel free to add one right into the pasta or pair alongside it.

Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

This Italian tomato sauce is unbelievably easy to make, so easy in fact you you don't even have to start by cutting tomatoes they are just added whole. A quick simmer on the stove will have the skins bursting and they'll simmer down to a thick sauce.

The sauce is ready in 15 minutes and you can have the pasta cooking while the sauce is simmering for a super fast meal. For a quick cooking pasta try it with cheese filled tortellini!

You'll find this to be a vegetarian dish that's sure to please everyone especially if you opt to crown individual servings with those creamy finishing touches. That includes either moisture rich fresh mozzarella (mini pearls are great), dollops of milky ricotta, or torn portions of cream filled burrata.

This is a must try summer recipe that's brimming with freshness and sure to satisfy those pasta cravings!

Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is made with tender penne pasta, lightly charred grilled chicken breasts, crisp romaine lettuce, sweet grape tomatoes, crunchy croutons, rich parmesan and it's all covered in a creamy, lemony caesar salad dressing.

It's a dish so filling and delicious that is could easily pasta for the main entree of a meal.

Plus it's easy to make and there's even a few shortcuts if you want to save some time, such as using rotisserie chicken, store-bought croutons, and even a store-bought caesar dressing (though I'd add some fresh lemon to it).

Or if you love to impress and go all out like I did here, which will create the very best pasta salad, then make the croutons from scratch, go for the grilled chicken option, and make the simple dressing fresh. This pasta salad is a dream and I think you'll absolutely love it!

Pasta Salad with Pesto

Traditional pasta salad is delicious but I think it's safe to say this pasta salad with upgraded Italian flavors is even better!

It doesn't require an overload of ingredients to really build up flavor, just a generous bowlful of fresh, highly scented basil and some good olive oil.

This pasta salad is easy to make, the pesto is even made in the food processor for a shortcut and the fresh mozzarella already comes pre-cut into tiny pearls.

And you'll love that this pairs well with so many summery grilled meats. I like to serve it with grilled chicken or steak and grilled corn on the cob.

It's adaptable to use other types of pasta and it will actually store well in the fridge for a day (or more if you wait to add the arugula).

Add this one to the dinner menu this week and save any extra for lunch the next day!

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Aren't most things better when they have the addition of cream? This chicken noodle soup is no exception.

It's very similar to the traditional homestyle chicken noodle soup just richer and creamier. And it's perfectly soul warming and satisfying.

This soup is so over-the-top delicious that it's easily worthy of the dinner rotation.

You'll find it's also a versatile soup. You can switch up the pasta, try different vegetables, or use a rotisserie chicken if that's what you've got on hand.

We love it served with beautifully browned, artisanal style fresh bread for dipping and a seasonal side salad.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta 

This tomato pasta recipe is one of my go-to options for busy weeknights. Made with just one pot and a saucepan, it’s ready in just a little over 30 minutes. You really can’t go wrong. 

If you’ve never had sun-dried tomatoes in pasta, prepare to be amazed. They’re one of my favorite ways to spruce up a simple dish with a pop of color and a rich, savory, slightly smokey flavor. 

I love to include them in recipes like my sun dried tomato basil and Parmesan orzo with chicken and this spaghetti with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. However, this tomato pasta might be my favorite sun-dried tomato recipe yet. 

Made with al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce, it’s rich, creamy, and unbelievably satisfying. Plus, it features fresh spinach for a boost of nutrients and fiber. 

Basically, this sun dried tomato pasta has everything you could want in a homemade dinner and more. Quick to make, it’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. It’s sure to have all of your guests coming back for more!  

Club Chicken Pasta Salad

This is a family favorite pasta salad! It's similar to the taste of a club chicken sandwich meets a ranch salad. In other words it's completely irresistible!

It has all the best flavors including the unmistakable taste of dill, sweet corn, vibrant tomatoes, crave-able cheese, meaty bacon, bone-in cooked chicken, and a rich tangy dressing. And if you want one more summery mix-in you can also include in a buttery avocado.

It makes an extra large batch which is perfectly fitting for a summer cook out of about 12 people, but the recipe can easily be halved as well for a smaller family lunch or dinner (amounts are included at the bottom of the recipe).

Though you'll find it also keeps well in the fridge so you may opt to just make the full batch and have the extra for lunch that's ready to go the following few days.

This chicken pasta salad is chilled and refreshing and perfect for a hot summer day. Plus it's such a tasty upgrade from traditional pasta salad. So much delicious goodness in every serving!

Simple Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

This is a staple recipe for a quick weeknight side dish. This garlic parm pasta is similar to cacio e pepe but includes butter and has less black pepper (unless you prefer an abundance for that kick).

It's amazing how you can get such a delicious dish with exceptional flavor out of so few ingredients.

You can also easy modify the recipe and include cooked shredded chicken, fresh bright lemon or try it with roasted garlic. Or just serve as is and pair it with roasted broccoli for a simple vegetarian dinner.

A Quick and Easy Skillet Lasagna Recipe!

This is likely to quick become a new family favorite! It's unbelievably easy to make yet the finished result is undeniably impressive for something so simple.

You get all the flavors of a traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort. None of that tedious pre-cooking and repetitive layering. And huge bonus - there's not tons of extra dishes!

Let's also not forget you don't even need to turn the oven on. This is a cooked solely on the stovetop.

Which could also be nice if you want free up oven space to bake breadsticks, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli to pair with this.

A classic dish with a updated and simplified, modern weeknight spin. So much to love here, especially that overload of cheese!

Quick Lemon Orzo

Welcome to a new favorite dinner side that goes with just about anything!

It couldn't be easier to make yet each bite is brimming with flavor and it's enjoyed by people of all ages. It's also a versatile recipe and easy to switch things up (see variations below).

I love to serve it with a quick pan seared chicken recipe, salmon or shrimp to keep the quick dinner theme going.

It's also great for meal prep (just add a little extra broth or oil as it tends to dry overnight in the fridge).

Try it soon, it's practically guaranteed to be a repeat as a dinner staple!