Friday, August 5, 2016

Lemon noodles...an easy weeknight meal ♥

 
 
Welcome to August! And thus we've turned the page of another month.  While John is still holding on tightly to summer,  I'm happily planning back to school and Fall activities. I've started seeing school supplies in the stores and that is my first sign that Fall is on it's way. Yaaaay!  Pumpkin spice latte anyone? Too soon? 

Maybe... ♥

Life lately has been pretty ordinary. The summer days are rolling merrily along.  John and I have been to the movies a few times (which is a perfect way to escape the heat!) and on Monday we went bowling with some friends.  It was super fun and reminded me of when I was a kid.
 
Is bowling still a thing these days? 
 
We used to bowl all the time.  When I was growing up there was a bowling alley right down the street from my house that we could walk to.  I passed it every day on my way home from school. Today it's a Dunkin Donuts, which sort of makes me sad but on the bright side, I'm still there every day!  : ) 
 
Memories like this make me nostalgic....♥

 
 
Anyway......

Today I wanted to share with you an easy go-to pasta recipe for nights when you just don't know what to cook (which is me ALL the time!). 

I've posted this recipe before but I just made it again the other night and decided it needed a re-post!  (is that even a word??)

It's so easy and versatile. 




Recipe adapted from Susan Branch's Vineyard Seasons

1 lb spaghetti
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup ricotta cheese **
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp grated lemon peel
freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup minced parsley
Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Cook the noodles in boiling water; drain and put in baking dish.  Melt butter in a small saucepan; remove from heat.  Stir in ricotta cheese, lemon juice, and lemon peel.  Pour over pasta, toss and bake for 20-25 minutes. 




Remove from oven and sprinkle with lots of freshly ground pepper, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. 

Toss and eat.




** Susan's recipe calls for 1 pt of sour cream. I always use ricotta cheese instead and it comes out delicious, but feel free to use the sour cream if you have it on hand **



I like to serve lemon chicken tenders over this pasta  ♥

You could also leave out the meat and just add veggies. It's delicious!

Some variations I've tossed in are chopped tomatoes and spinach / peas/ and grilled summer veggies. 

Use whatever you like and Enjoy! ♥ 
 
 
 
 
Later this morning we are loading up the car and heading off on a three day weekend to the beautiful mountains of New Hampshire. I'm packing a thermos of coffee, some chocolate bars, and my favorite magazines for the road. 
.
I'll be sure to take lots of pictures that I'll share with you next week. 

Have a happy weekend!
 
If you're feeling nostalgic like I am, I suggest get a friend and go bowling.....♥♥♥
 
xoxo











7 comments:

  1. I start school in less than two weeks, so it is a busy time around here. That pasta looks amazing! Have a happy road trip!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Joey! We had a great time! Have fun planning for school. Fall is coming! ♥

      Delete
  2. That pasta looks delicious!!!
    I am going to put this in our menu plan!!!!
    Hugs! : )

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bring on autumn!! My favourite season and not just for the PSL's at Starbucks ;).

    ReplyDelete
  4. I remember going bowling with my class back in elementary school. It was so much fun. And just this April, Annabel and her friends celebrated her birthday at a bowling alley here in Barrie. They have party rooms there and the kids just loved it.

    I haven't tried this recipe for lemon noodles. I really, really want to now. Thanks for re-posting the recipe. By the way, last week I made Susan's recipe for clam linguine. Have you ever tried it? Nuno and I love it! The girls like the pasta, but not the clams. LOL! Happy Monday, Danielle! I hope you had a wonderful weekend away. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your New Hampshire photos! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven't tried Susan's clam linguine. It sounds so good but I'm the only one in the house that eats seafood! Can you imagine? They don't know what they are missing! : )

      Delete