Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Then you've come to the right place! This recipe for frozen egg noodles offers a simple yet satisfying solution for busy weeknights. It's one of those easy recipes that’s perfect for homemade cooking, even if you're a beginner. This dish is packed with flavor, incredibly versatile, and a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound frozen egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (cremini or button)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the frozen egg noodles and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until tender. Drain well and set aside. Don't rinse the noodles; they'll absorb the sauce better this way.
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Sauté the Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds a delicious flavor base for our dish.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the sliced mushrooms and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Gently toss to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This slow simmer is key to creating a delicious and well-balanced dish.
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Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Egg Noodles:
- Don't overcook the noodles: Overcooked noodles will be mushy. Follow the package directions carefully.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh oregano and basil on hand, use them instead of the dried herbs for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the seasonings: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. For a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Add protein: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef to the skillet along with the vegetables.
Variations:
- Creamy Egg Noodles: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or crème fraîche during the last few minutes of simmering for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Lemon-Garlic Egg Noodles: Add the zest and juice of one lemon along with the garlic for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Spicy Egg Noodles: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Fat: 10-15g
This frozen egg noodles recipe is a quick and healthy meal perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!