{Tasty Tuesday: Two Super Fast Dinners Ideas}

I love to try new recipes and take my time in the kitchen. Still, sometimes what wins

over is a lack of motivation or time to plan, shop, chop, and prepare. The goal then

becomes making something:

* In about 15 minutes

* With a decent nutritional value

* Made mostly from items I can keep stocked in my pantry and freezer

Of course, there are also nights when I set the bar much lower and settle on cereal,

cucumbers & hummus, toast & peanut butter, steamed broccoli, cottage cheese &

fruit, or a frozen Amy's pizza. Just yesterday I tweeted that "my darling dogs & I

stood in the kitchen & shared a head of steamed cauliflower for dinner, with carrot

sticks for dessert," much to the dismay of a couple friends who said that was sad

even for a veggie or that carrot sticks are not, in fact, dessert. :)

But fast and easy doesn't have to be boring, unsatisfying or unhealthy. I've created a

couple quick concoctions lately that would triumph over a basic bowl of pasta and

sauce any day. They're super simple, fairly healthy, pretty economical, and tasty

(I think). Hopefully they'll help you next time you're in a pinch.

Tortellini with Artichokes, Roasted Red Peppers,

Sun Dried Tomatoes, & Zucchini

I sauteed up a few fresh ingredients -- yellow onion, shallot, garlic, and zucchini. I also

used fresh thyme, but you could go with dried instead. Then, I added my pantry items --

artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, and sun dried tomatoes -- all of which I sliced or

bought pre-sliced. I poured the combination of vegetables over a large package of store

bought tortellini (which only takes 7-9 minutes to cook), and dinner was ready.

Rustic Spinach, Tomato and Beans

This one also has Italian flavors but through a different vibe -- less carby and more rustic.

I sauteed chopped red onions and garlic. Then, I popped in two handfuls of frozen corn

(mostly for color) and let the pan heat it through. I added a package of frozen spinach

(thawed and very well drained), one can diced tomatoes (juice included), a can of beans

(drained and rinsed), a couple shakes of red pepper flakes, Italian seasonings, a Table-

spoon or two of tomato paste, and salt & pepper to taste. Once it simmered for a bit, I

add a handful or two of shredded cheese to connect it all. You can pop it in a bowl by

itself (like I did), or elevate it by serving it over polenta or under sliced grilled chicken.

Check out Alissa's gorgeous blog. She hosts Tasty Tuesdays every week, and bloggers

from all over pop in to share their latest kitchen creations. It's a good place to get

dinner ideas or tempt yourself with ideas for baking -- totally worth a visit.

I hope you're well!