Are you craving a comforting, delicious meal but short on time? Look no further! Prego sauce is a pantry staple that transforms into a wide array of quick and easy pasta recipes, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes offer a fantastic base to build upon, allowing for creativity and customization to suit your taste. Get ready to elevate your pasta game with these simple yet satisfying dishes!
Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta
This recipe is a fantastic example of how a simple jar of Prego can become a healthy and flavorful meal. It's ready in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect quick dinner idea.
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
- 10 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in the Prego sauce and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Spicy Sausage & Prego Pasta
This recipe adds a kick to your classic pasta dish, showcasing the versatility of Prego sauce. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for those chilly evenings.
Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine or spaghetti)
- 1 jar (24 ounces) Prego Spicy Italian Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the Prego Spicy Italian sauce and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Stir in the fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- Add protein: Enhance your pasta dishes with grilled chicken, meatballs, or shrimp.
- Boost the veggies: Include other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to add some heat.
- Creamy variations: Use different cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like oregano, basil, thyme, or rosemary to customize the flavor profile.
These easy recipes are just a starting point. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your own delicious variations! Prego sauce offers a convenient and flavorful base for countless homemade cooking adventures. Enjoy your delicious and effortless pasta creations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving for Creamy Tomato & Spinach Pasta):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
Remember, nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an estimate and should be used as a general guideline.