Bow Ties with Black Beans

I got this one from a menu-mailer I use to subscribe to. I can't recall for sure which one it was, but my husband and 12 year old LOVED this one! My twelve year old ate three servings that night and enjoyed it for lunch the next day as well!

12 oz Bow Tie Pasta

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 bunch green onion, thinly sliced

2 1/4 teaspoons cumin

2 1/4 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 cans black beans drained and rinsed

salt to taste

pepper to taste

12 cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved

3 tablespoons fresh cilantro

Cook pasta according to directions.

While pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat, add green onions and cumin and cook for 2 minutes, remove from heat and stir in the lime juice.

Add the beans and salt and pepper, toss to coat(this salsa can be made and refrigerated for up to one day in advance)

Just before draining the pasta, measure 1/2 cup of the cooking water into the black bean salsa. Drain the pasta, return it to the saucepan and add the bean mixture.

Cook over medium heat until the sauce is boiling and thick enough to lightly coat the pasta. Remove from heat and stir in cherry tomatoes and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Pasta with Beans and Spinach

I made this tonite, and thought it was quite tasty, although the kids all took one look and decided they weren't eating! Their loss. The one that finally did try it, loved it!

3- 15 oz cans diced tomatoes

2 cans white beans, drained

1 lb fresh spinach

4 cups penne pasta

1 tsp garlic

1 tbs oregano

2 tsp basil

Feta Cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions.

While pasta is cooking combine tomatoes, beans and seasonings. The last few minutes add chopped spinach.

Drain pasta, top with sauce and a little feta.

Basil Pasta

This is an excellent side dish or a quick and easy light main dish for those nights you didn't think ahead and need something on the table fast!

First, I boil some pasta till just tender. I like to use fun shapes like spirals, mini-shells, or mini-tubes. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, dice 1/4 -1/2 an onion(depending on how much pasta you are making) and shred some mozzarella cheese(1/4 or so cups)

Heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil and saute your onions until tender. Add a tablespoon or so dried basil and saute another minute. Add your pasta and stir to mix well. Finally add your cheese, stir to mix and serve.

As a main dish I like to serve Focaccia bread and a steamed veggie like broccoli.

Guess what's for dinner tonite?