Shrimp Pasta Primavera

It's spring break this week so why not try out some lighter entrees.  This take on pasta Primavera  comes together in a half hour so it is quick enough for a weeknight.

Here are your ingredients;

• 1 box of pasta (I used farfalle)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 red onion diced
• 1 pound shrimp
• 1 head of broccoli chopped
• zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sundried tomatoes packed in oil (drained, chopped)
• 1/2 cup peas

And here is how you put the dish together:

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions (reserve about a half cup of the pasta water)
2. In a large skillet over medium heat add butter, garlic and onion for about a minute
3. Add shrimp, broccoli, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
4. Cook for 3 minutes until shrimp are cooked through and pink
5. In a small bowl whisk milk and flour and add to skillet along with the cheese, stir to combine
6. Add sundried tomatoes and peas continue cooking until sauce thickens (about 3 minutes)
7. If you skillet isn't large enough transfer everything to a large mixing bowl, add pasta and stir.
8. If sauce is too thick just add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up a bit

Cashew Chicken Pasta Salad

I have made this pasta salad multiple times over the years and it always seems to be a hit.  I only made one minor tweak to the original recipe to help cut down on some of the sweetness.

For this recipe I made my own farfalle pasta...because that's just how I roll! If you are a little less ambitious feel free to use a box of dried farfalle...I won't judge you!

Toss the bulk of the ingredients into a bowl and mix it up!

Here is the recipe:

Toss the following into a large mixing bowl

• 1 pound of cooked farfalle pasta
• 4 Cups cooked chicken (cut into bite sized cubes)
• 1 20 oz can of drained pineapple tidbits
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1 cup seedless grapes (any mix of color)
• 1 6 oz package of dried cranberries

In a smaller bowl mix the following:

• 1 cup ranch dressing
• 1/3 cup miracle whip
• 1/3 cup real mayonnaise

Now add the dressing mixture into the large bowl and stir to combine

If you are going to be eating the salad right away go ahead and 2 cups of cashews,  if not wait until just before serving to add them so they don't become soggy.