Nutrition
Perfect pantry pastas
Keep your home stocked with necessities to simplify dinner prep with dishes made using common household staples.
Constantly seeking out recipe-specific ingredients that may only be used once or twice can be a burden. Instead, keep your home stocked with necessities to simplify dinner prep with dishes made using common household staples.
One perfect example: pastas. These recipes for Minestrone Pasta Saute with Ricotta, Creamy One-Pot Spaghetti and Pasta in a Pinch include easily recognizable seasonings and canned goods for simple dinner solutions. Plus, they all include dairy, an irreplaceable part of a balanced diet as a source of essential nutrients.
Another way to scale back on unnecessary grocery purchases is to give yourself permission to modify. Many recipes can be tweaked for personal preferences, such as using black beans rather than kidney beans or adjusting the amount of a spice used based on your family’s tastes.
Stock your pantry and refrigerator with versatile ingredients like these:
- Canned tomatoes
- Canned beans
- Quick-cook rice
- Small whole-grain pasta
- Stock, like vegetable, chicken or beef
- Fluid milk
- Shredded cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt
Minestrone Pasta Saute with Ricotta
Recipe courtesy of Lori Yates of “Foxes Love Lemons” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
8 ounces ditalini pasta
1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 carrots, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1/2 bunch kale, thinly sliced
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed and halved
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/2 pound lean ground beef (optional)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup Ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water then drain pasta.
In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add carrots, garlic and onion; cook 3 minutes, or until vegetables start to soften, stirring occasionally. Add kale and green beans; cook 3 minutes, or until green beans are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Add wine to skillet; cook 2 minutes, or until most liquid has evaporated. Transfer vegetables to medium bowl. If including meat, return skillet to medium-high heat. Add ground beef; cook 6-8 minutes, or until meat is cooked through, breaking up with side of spoon. Spoon off excess fat.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add kidney beans, marinara sauce, salt, pepper, pasta, reserved pasta cooking water and cooked vegetable mixture to skillet with beef, if using. Cook 2 minutes, or until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Divide pasta between four pasta bowls or plates and top with Ricotta and Parmesan cheeses.
Pasta in a Pinch
Recipe courtesy of Jenn Fillenworth, MS, RDN, of “Jenny With the Good Eats” on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
2 1/2 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup milk
2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
freshly chopped herbs, for garnish (optional)
In large microwavable bowl, place uncooked penne pasta and pour water over top to cover. With food-safe plastic wrap, cover bowl, leaving small section to vent as it cooks. Cook 3 minutes longer than package directs, approximately 13 minutes.
Once pasta has cooked, drain into colander then place back in bowl. Add salt, pepper, basil, garlic powder and milk; stir to combine. Begin to stir in cheese a little at a time. Microwave 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir again.
Add cannellini beans and diced tomatoes; stir. Microwave 1 minute. Remove from microwave and stir. Assess if ingredients are hot and cheese is melted. If not, microwave 1-2 minutes. Top with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.
Creamy One-Pot Spaghetti
Recipe courtesy of Marcia Stanley, MS, RDN, on behalf of Milk Means More
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth or reduced-sodium beef broth
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
8 ounces spaghetti noodles, broken into 3-4-inch pieces
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
1 1/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Using saute function of pressure cooker, heat oil until hot. Add meat and onion. Cook, uncovered, about 5 minutes, or until meat is browned, stirring to break up. Press cancel.
Stir broth, marinara sauce, fennel seeds and cayenne pepper into meat. Stir in spaghetti, making sure noodle pieces are covered by liquid. Secure lid and set pressure release to sealing function. Select high pressure and cook 5 minutes. Press cancel.
Allow pressure to release naturally 2 minutes. Move pressure release to venting function to release remaining steam. Remove lid.
Stir spaghetti mixture. Stir in cream cheese and 1 cup cheddar cheese until melted. Ladle into bowls to serve. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
For more ideas to simplify family meals, visit milkmeansmore.org.
Nutrition
Potato recipes for the holidays
Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family by turning to easy-to-prepare potato recipes that can make the whole family happy.
Many people would agree the holidays are one of the happiest times of the year – but also one of the most stressful. Replace the stress with smiles by cooking easy, delicious dinners that can help make the season a breeze and bring a little holiday happiness to mealtime.
Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family by turning to easy-to-prepare potato recipes that can make the whole family happy.
For example, when you’re busy trying to cook multiple things at once, free up precious oven real estate while saving time with these Herby Holiday Air Fryer Little Potatoes. For a busy weeknight during the holiday season, potato dishes like this one can be made in an air fryer and customized with a few of your favorite pantry staples. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried will do the trick.
This recipe and many others can be streamlined with Little Potatoes, which come pre-washed, are small enough they don’t need to be cut and are a fresh, whole food grown on family farms so you can feel good about serving them to your loved ones.
Remember, easy can still be fabulous and festive. This Warm Winter Potato Salad with Cranberries offers the best of both worlds as it comes together in around 7 minutes with seasonal pops of red and green.
This family-friendly side features A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Microwave Ready Little Potatoes that simply need to be steamed in the microwave for 5 minutes then tossed with the included seasoning pack – no boiling or peeling required. It’s truly a holiday shortcut, and you can make the recipe even easier by using store-bought honey mustard vinaigrette if you’re short on time to make it from scratch.
Visit littlepotatoes.com to find more ways to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with family.
Herby Holiday Air Fryer Little Potatoes
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh or dried herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, sage or oregano, chopped
In large bowl, toss potatoes with oil or melted butter. Add salt and pepper, to taste. Place in air fryer basket.
Air fry potatoes at 390 F for 25 minutes.
Once air-fried, sprinkle potatoes with herbs and serve.
Warm Winter Potato Salad with Cranberries
Prep time: 2-5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
1 package A Little Roasted Garlic, Rosemary & Thyme Microwave Ready Little Potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 small apple, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or other nuts (optional)
fresh parsley (optional)
green onions (optional)
Prepare potatoes according to package instructions, about 5 minutes, tossing with olive oil and included seasoning pack once cooked.
In small bowl, whisk Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar and honey or maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
In large bowl, toss warm potatoes with cranberries, thinly sliced apple and walnuts, if using.
Drizzle mustard dressing over top and gently mix until well-coated.
Top with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired, for pop of color. Serve warm.
Tips: If you like more texture, toast walnuts for extra crunch. For added creaminess, mix 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into dressing. To save time or reduce ingredients needed, use storebought honey mustard vinaigrette.
Nutrition
Tasty twists on a traditional holiday treat
These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.
Embrace the color and flavor of tradition this holiday season with new twists on red velvet desserts. These variations on the classic cake can take your celebrations to new heights by throwing it back to childhood with a little bite of the past.
Take a trip down memory lane with “Cookin’ Savvy” and her delicious takes on tradition: Red Velvet Bundt Cake, Red Velvet Cake Balls and Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts, all of which make it easy for the entire family to join together for some fun (and rich homemade flavor) in the kitchen.
Find more “Cookin’ Savvy” recipes at Culinary.net.
Red Velvet Bundt Cake
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy“
1 red velvet cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
1 stick softened butter
1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
5 cups powdered sugar
white sanding sugar (optional)
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
Grease bundt pan with butter and pour in batter. Bake according to package instructions for bundt cakes then add 10-15 minutes. Let cool before icing.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
Ice entire bundt cake or place frosting in piping bag and pipe with back and forth “drip” motion. Sprinkle sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.
Red Velvet Cake Balls
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy“
1 red velvet cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
1/2 stick softened butter
4 ounces softened cream cheese
1/8 cup heavy whipping cream
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for rolling, divided
Heat oven to 350 F.
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
Grease 9-by-13-inch pan and pour in batter. Bake 45 minutes.
Remove from oven and use fork to crumble cake then place in large bowl.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar. Mix frosting into bowl with cake.
Form cake mixture into balls then roll in powdered sugar.
Red Velvet Cookie Cutouts
Recipe courtesy of “Cookin’ Savvy“
1 red velvet cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 heaping tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
3 eggs
1 stick melted butter
Frosting:
1 stick softened butter
1 package (8 ounces) softened cream cheese
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
5 cups powdered sugar
white sanding sugar (optional)
Heat oven to 350 F.
In mixing bowl, mix cake mix, flour, cocoa powder and sugar. Blend in milk, eggs and butter.
Cover two cookie sheets with parchment paper. Pour half the mixture onto each sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes.
Let cookies cool then freeze 1 hour. Use cookie cutters to make desired shapes.
To make frosting: In bowl, mix butter, cream cheese and whipping cream. Slowly blend in powdered sugar.
Using knife or piping bag, frost cookies. Sprinkle with sanding sugar for sparkly snow appearance, if desired.
Nutrition
Asian-inspired dishes to enjoy
You can skip the to-go boxes with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.
Some nights, especially when schedules are jam packed, the allure of grabbing takeout or swinging through a drive-thru between activities may sound more appealing than spending time in the kitchen. You can skip the to-go boxes, however, with these tasty Asian-inspired dishes that come together almost as fast as delivery while allowing you to get creative at mealtime.
Packed with fresh shrimp and crispy veggies, this Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito fuses some favorite takeout dishes together to satisfy cravings in half an hour. Using Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice, which cooks up soft and fluffy, provides a flavorful and aromatic base. This combination of seafood, homemade sauces and flavorful veggies makes for an unforgettable taste experience comparable to your favorite quick-serve restaurant.
Or let your kitchen appliances help create a satisfying, soothing take on a Thai classic. A quick and easy bowl of deliciousness that’s sure to comfort the whole family, this Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup features chicken, lime juice, Thai red curry and coconut milk mixed with basmati rice.
Ready in just 10 minutes, Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is quick, easy and mess-free, and it’s guaranteed to always cook right – just place the bag in chicken broth to experience the long-grain rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture. Plus, Success Rice is free from artificial additives and unprocessed ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it with a variety of dishes.
Find more recipe inspiration to tackle takeout cravings and more at SuccessRice.com.
Crab and Shrimp Sushi Burrito
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
1/2 cup unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
4 sushi nori sheets
1/2 carrot, ribboned, divided
1/2 cucumber, ribboned, divided
6 crab sticks, shredded, divided
6 large shrimp, cooked, deveined, tails removed and butterflied, divided
Rinse rice bag under cold water to remove starch. Prepare rice according to package directions.
In small saucepan over medium-low heat, heat rice vinegar, sugar and salt until sugar and salt have dissolved, about 1 minute. Set aside.
In small bowl, mix mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
Transfer cooked rice onto large baking sheet. Drizzle half the vinegar mixture over rice, turning until all rice is fully coated. Taste and add more vinegar mixture, if desired. Spread rice into thin layer and cool to room temperature. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Lay down one sushi nori sheet. Spread layer of rice on it. Place half the carrots and cucumbers on rice. Place crab and shrimp on top.
Place another sushi nori sheet just under first one and roll. Repeat with remaining sushi nori sheets, rice, carrots, cucumbers, crab and shrimp. Wrap both burritos in plastic wrap. Let rest 10 minutes.
Slice burritos in half and serve with spicy mayo.
Thai Red Curry Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
6 cups chicken broth
2 bags Success Basmati Rice
1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 pound chicken breast tenders
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 green onions, thinly sliced
In pressure cooker on saute setting over high heat, bring broth and rice bags to boil. Boil, uncovered, 10 minutes. Remove bags with fork and set aside.
Add coconut milk, curry paste, soy sauce and brown sugar to pressure cooker. Turn off saute setting. Add chicken. Cover and lock to seal. Set to pressure cook setting over high heat about 10 minutes, or until chicken is tender. Carefully, manually or naturally, release pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions before removing lid.
Set pressure cooker to saute setting over medium heat. Remove chicken and shred with two forks; add to soup along with lime juice and green onions. Remove rice from bags and stir into soup. Simmer until rice is heated through.
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