EASY PEASY PASTA SALAD

This recipe is one I use all the time for camping, work potlucks, and family events- because it is super easy, and everyone loves it! It isn't fancy or complicated, and is ready in 3 quick steps. It's a vegetarian dish that is a crowd pleaser even for meat-eaters!

 What you'll need to make it happen *serves a ton of people:

- 1 box bowtie pasta

- 1 container Light or Fat Free Italian Dressing

- 1 can large pitted black olives (cut into rings)

- 1 large red bell pepper (cut into bite sized pieces)

- 2 cups broccoli (chopped small)

- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (asiago works too!)

- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes

-1 teaspoon black pepper

How to make it happen:

I know that looks like a lot of ingredients, but what makes it easy is that you can pretty much throw it all together, mix, and be good to go.

Step 1: Cook your pasta as directed on the box. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Once the pasta has cooled down a bit mix in your dressing, veggies, and cheese. 

Step 3: Mix in your spices and enjoy!

Keep refrigerated until you're ready to enjoy it- and add an extra sprinkle of cheese when you serve it, just for looks :) 

 If I had to guess, this recipe would probably make 9-10 servings if served as a side? I know that using the dressing is a total cheat-move, but like I said- the purpose of this recipe is to be FAST & EASY!

What recipe do you have that you "cheat" in?

I might have to steal your tricks of the trade!

xo, lp

SPICY & SALTY RED PEPPER PARMESAN PASTA

Note: Sometimes in my recipe posts I post a lot of pictures to try to prove to you how good the recipe is. I won't do that this week. This recipe speaks for itself. Nom. 

I love pasta so much. So so much. Don't waste your time telling me how processed food is bad for you. 

Yes I know.

No I will not stop eating pasta.

I've shared recipes for different noodleypastay dishes here, here, and here- and the only reason there aren't more is because I'm afraid all my Whole 30/ Paleo friends will disown me if I keep posting carb heavy dishes. Unfortunately, I just couldn't NOT post this one. It is so simple, and ridiculously delicious. 

Pepper Parmesan Pasta (serves 3-4)

What you'll need:

1/2 box (1/2 lb) of Angel Hair Pasta 

2-3 large cloves of garlic, minced

1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese

1 1/2 Tablespoons red pepper flakes (more if you like more spice)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

(sea salt to taste)

How to make it happen: (ready for how hard it is?)

Step 1: Cook your pasta to the directions on the box- to al dente.

Step 2. Toss while warm in olive oil  and garlic and serve on a large dish immediately.

Step 3: Top with cheese, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and oregano. 

Step 4: Eat. 

This dish looks gorgeous to serve on a big white dish, and couldn't be easier to make- as you just saw! 

If you want to cut the salt a bit- squeeze a little lemon over before dishing it all out. 

Have an awesome pasta dish I have to try?

PLEASE leave a link in comments or email me beautyandbeard@gmail.com!!

xo, lp

(as always on tuesdays, linking with 33shadesofgreen)