Hello, foodies and busybodies, let’s discuss weeknight meals! After a busy day, no one has time to spend hours in the kitchen. We all need something delicious, comforting, and speedy. That’s where Mary Berry’s brilliance comes in. With her classic, down to earth recipes, she’s come up with a 15 minute pasta recipe that’s a complete life saver. It’s full of flavor, with little work, and it’s like a big hug on a plate. I tried it myself, and from the first spoonful, it became my lazy meal go to. Ready to revolutionize your nights? Let’s get to why this meal is a must try.
1. A Quick, Flavorful Weeknight Solution
Mary Berry’s 15 minute pasta is your solution to a speedy, comforting meal that seems homemade. It’s not just quick it’s indulgence without the effort. Imagine a dish ready sooner than selecting your next Netflix series. The secret is perfectly cooked pasta mixed with a silky, tomato based sauce. Pantry essentials such as olive oil, garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato purée, and cream cheese build a rich, indulgent texture. Fresh herbs give a pop of color, so it looks like you’ve spent all day in the kitchen. It’s easy, comforting, and ideal for rushed nights.
2. Why This Pasta Stands Out
If you’re doubtful about another pasta recipe, listen to me. This meal tackles so many weeknight cooking struggles. It’s not just quick it makes delicious, homemade food accessible, no matter your skill level or schedule. The creamy sauce paired with fresh ingredients delivers comfort in every bite, like a cozy blanket after a long day. It’s reliable, delightful, and effortless, addressing the universal need for wholesome meals without the stress. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, this recipe is a keeper.
3. Truly Ready in 15 Minutes
The best part about this recipe is its quickness. Mary Berry’s 15 minute boast is genuine no secret prep time or hours simmering away. Start to finish, it’s ready before a social media scroll. Ideal for spur of the moment hunger or impromptu dinner decisions, it’s a savior. While the pasta cooks, you make the sauce in a different pan no tedious chopping and standing around. This efficient process lets you have a delicious, nutritious meal even on your most hectic nights.
4. Simple, Everyday Ingredients
Philly Cheesesteak Chickpea Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Braiser Essential for one-pan cooking
- 1 Slotted Spoon or Tongs For removing vegetables
- 1 Chef’s knife For slicing vegetables
- 1 Cutting Board For prep work
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Main
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 large bell peppers any color, sliced
- 1 large sweet onion sliced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces lean ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 hot pickled cherry peppers stemmed, seeded and sliced, plus 3 tablespoons brine from the jar
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- One 8-ounce box chickpea penne or other tubular shape
- 2 ounces cream cheese cut into pieces
- 1 cup shredded mild provolone about 4 ounces
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the bell peppers and onions and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and several grinds of pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the peppers and onions are lightly browned but still crisp, about 3 minutes. Remove to a bowl with a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Crumble in the ground beef and season with the garlic powder, a pinch of salt and several grinds of pepper. Cook until browned all over, about 3 minutes. Add the cherry peppers and brine and cook until sizzling, about 30 seconds. Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce and 1 1/2 cups water. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Add the chickpea pasta and spread it out in an even layer so it’s mostly submerged. Cover and simmer until it’s just beginning to lose some of its bite but is still quite al dente, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the reserved peppers and onions and cover again. Cook until the pasta is al dente and the peppers and onions are crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes more depending on your brand of pasta. Scatter in the cream cheese pieces and stir to melt. Remove from the heat.
- Sprinkle in the provolone and parsley. Stir just to melt the cheese, taking care not to break up the pasta too much. Serve immediately.
Notes
This pasta glimmers with the addition of pantry staples gourmet store run not necessary. The likes of pasta, olive oil, garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato purée, and cream cheese are inexpensive, available everywhere, and versatile. The simple steps mean anyone can prepare it without fanfare. It’s evidence that tasty doesn’t always have to be complicated. These everyday staples are combined to produce a dish that tastes rich but remains within reach, making it a staple for any evening.
5. Kid Friendly and Crowd Pleasing
Lamb Ragu with Mint
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For cooking pasta
- 1 Colander For draining pasta
- 1 Large Skillet For preparing the ragu
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring and scraping
- 1 Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board For preparing aromatics
Ingredients
Main
- 1 pound rigatoni pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 shallots chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup red wine
- 4 cups marinara sauce store-bought or home made
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves torn
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet warm the olive oil over high heat. Add the shallots and the garlic and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the ground lamb, salt, and pepper. Cook until the lamb has browned and the juices have evaporated. Add the wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan using a wooden spoon. Simmer until the wine has reduced by half. Add the marinara sauce and simmer over low heat until the flavors have blended, about 10 minutes. Add the mint and ricotta and stir until mixed. Add the pasta and stir to coat. Serve immediately.
Notes
Got finicky eaters? This pasta is a home run. Its light, creamy taste and silky texture are both kid and adult pleasers. The tomato sauce, enriched with cream cheese, steers clear of bold spices, providing a soothing warmth that pleases everyone. It’s a hassle free, healthy dish that families enjoy, with frequent requests for seconds. This meal serves up everyone at the table smiling, making dinner time stress free and a pleasure.
6. Customizable for Any Taste
This recipe’s adaptability is a game changer. It’s a blank slate for you to get creative and make it fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or lentils for protein. Throw in spinach, broccoli, or peas for some added greens. This adaptability guarantees it’s a different experience each time, customized to fit your needs or what you have on hand.
7. Budget Friendly Comfort
With grocery costs rising, this pasta is a budget hero. Using affordable staples like pasta, canned tomatoes, and cream cheese, it delivers a luxurious meal without breaking the bank. These long shelf life ingredients are accessible to all, proving you don’t need pricey items for a rich, comforting dish. It’s smart cooking that maximizes flavor and minimizes cost.
8. Tips for Perfect Pasta
To give your pasta its shine, employ room temperature cream cheese for its silky, lump free sauce. Sauté garlic only 30 seconds to prevent bitterness. Reserve some starch pasta water to adjust consistency of the sauce so it adheres beautifully to pasta. Constantly stir after adding cream cheese to maintain its silky texture. Serve immediately for the creamiest most comforting experience.
9. Perfect Pairings
This pasta is wonderful on its own but is even better matched with sides. A warm garlic bread or a toasted baguette provides a satisfying crunch. A light green salad adds freshness, and steamed broccoli or peas add nutrition. For more filling meals, add in grilled chicken or shrimp. Adults can serve it with a glass of white wine or add chili flakes for some heat.
10. Creative Twists
Transform this pasta into something new and exciting. Top it with crispy bacon or ham for a smoky taste. Mix in spinach for color and nutrition, broccoli or peas for added variety. Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a rich twist, or include red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. These adjustments allow you to adapt the dish to your mood or what you have on hand.
11. Storing Leftovers
Leftovers? Chill pasta and refrigerate in an airtight container in two hours for freshness. Chill and consume in two days for optimal flavor. Gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little milk or water to regain creaminess. Do not freeze, as the sauce can split, ruining texture.
12. FAQs Answered
Curious about cheese exchanges? Mascarpone, ricotta, or double cream are good just adjust to creaminess. Any short pasta such as penne or fusilli works as it catches the sauce. Use dairy free cream cheese and egg free pasta for vegan versions, and add protein such as chicken or lentils towards the end for a filling meal.
13. Another Quick Mary Berry Pasta
Mary Berry’s crème fraîche pasta is another 15 minute jewel. With mushrooms, crispy ham, and parmesan, it’s a rich break from the tomato variety. Ideal for family meals or informal parties, it feeds six and is great for meal prep. Substitute penne, Black Forest, or Serrano ham if Parma’s not an option.
14. Crème Fraîche Pasta Steps
Boil penne in salted water and drain. Crisp half the ham in a pan, then reserve. Sauté quartered chestnut mushrooms for two minutes. Add full fat crème fraîche, boil, then stir in pasta, remaining ham, parmesan, and parsley. Season, finish with crispy ham, and serve with a salad and crusty bread.
Mary Berry’s 15 minute pastas are a testament to the fact that tasty, homemade food can be accommodated in any timetable. With uncomplicated ingredients, unlimited options, and speedy preparation, these meals are your key to hassle free, rewarding supper times. Get out your ingredients and let Mary Berry’s recipes make your kitchen a happy place. Enjoy!
