Dinner in less than 10 minutes-Pasta and Peas in Creamy No-Cook Basil Sauce

Being a full-time working mom is tough. It's especially hard when you are committed to cooking dinner every night. I admit it's a stress I put upon myself, but so worth it. When I get home from work, I have about 15 minutes to get dinner on the table for one very hungry toddler. Any meal I attempt on a weeknight must be healthy, and fast! It's not easy trying to make dinner with a toddler at your feet, but it is not impossible. I achieve this most nights by keeping things VERY SIMPLE. It's definitely a challenge and sure, there are nights when we go out or order pizza. Luckily, those nights are few and far between thanks to a repertoire of quick recipes like this one. This dish is super fast. In the time it takes to boil the pasta, you're done!


Pasta in Creamy No-Cook Basil Sauce
Serves 4

1/2 cup grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup basil, plus more for garnish

1 pound pasta (I used Barilla's Tri-color Fiori Shape here)

1/2 cup frozen or fresh peas
*extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling at the end


1)-In a food processor, combine the parmigiano, ricotta, salt, pepper and basil. Process until mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Set aside.

2)-Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until tender but still firm (al dente). About 30 seconds before the pasta is done, toss in the peas. Drain pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Place pasta, peas and basil sauce into a large serving bowl. Toss well to coat. Use some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed. Top with extra parmigiano cheese, extra basil and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately.