Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
• Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make It
• Tip for Success
• More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

This December, I’m taking a break from holiday recipes to share with you what is quite possibly the easiest, simplest pasta recipe I’ve ever made! I figure this easy dinner idea is just as welcome as Christmas cookies, because dang if this time of the year isn’t super crazy! The easier the better for dinner, in my book.

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti stemmed from a super simple pasta recipe that I found in Cook’s Illustrated. They basically scaled back baked ziti to its simplest elements, adding heavy whipping cream for a rich and creamy sauce + fresh basil for loads of flavor.

I’d been wanting to create a super easy Crock Pot pasta recipe, so I thought I’d use that recipe as inspiration and create a simple, cheesy, creamy tomato-based ziti that is super simple to make and cooks up right in the slow cooker while I’m going out about my busy day.

I was so happy with how this Crock Pot Baked Ziti turned out! It cooks up quickly for a slow cooker dinner, tastes so good, and is super low-effort! A trifecta of Crock Pot goodness.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

• Quick to prep – I created this recipe to be nearly chopping-free so that it’s super fast to prep. The only chopping to do is giving the fresh basil a quick chiffonade.
• Family friendly – With simple ingredients, this creamy, cheesy Crock Pot pasta tends to be a hit with kids as well as grown-ups.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe Ingredients

• Pasta – I use penne or ziti pasta, but another medium tubular pasta would work too. You’ll want 12 ounces. I know it’s not a full bag/container of pasta and that’s annoying! I try really hard to use full containers of food or at least quantities that aren’t super odd. But I found that the full pound was too much and the half pound was not enough. I like to save the remaining pasta for a big pot of minestrone soup.
• Crushed canned tomatoes – You’ll need one large can (28 ounces).
• Water – Two cups to help cook the pasta.
• Sugar – This is optional, but I find that pureed tomatoes can be fairly acidic, and a teaspoon or two of sugar helps to cut down on the acidity.
• Garlic powder – I like to use garlic powder to get that garlicky taste without having to break out the cutting board and knife. If you prefer to use fresh garlic, I recommend a couple of cloves. I’ve tried it both ways and it’s great either way.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Just 1/4 teaspoon for a teeny little touch of heat. If you’re serving any sensitive palates, feel free to leave it out.
• Salt & pepper
• Heavy cream
• Basil – Fresh basil is best, but during those times of year when basil is a little more difficult to find in grocery stores, I’ve subbed in a couple of tablespoons of freeze-dried basil and it’s worked well. In my area, the freeze-dried basil is usually in little tubs placed right with the fresh herbs in the produce section.
• Mozzarella – You’ll stir some in and you’ll top the Crock Pot Baked Ziti with the remainder.
• Parmesan cheese

How to Make It

1. First, add the pasta, tomatoes, water, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to your Crock Pot. Stir to combine.
2. Put the lid on the slow cooker and cook until the pasta is JUST tender, around d 2 hours on high or 4 hours on low.
3. Lift up the lid and stir in the cream, basil, and half of the cheeses. Stir and give it a quick taste. Feel like it needs a bit more salt and pepper? Add it now!
4. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Replace the lid and cook for a few minutes longer until the cheese has melted.
5. Garnish with more basil if you like and serve.

Tip for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta! I know it can be tempting to push it, but when you’re cooking pasta in the Crock Pot, it’s important not to overcook the pasta. It can get mushy fast.

I hope you love this Crock Pot Baked Ziti! I find it to be such a savior for impossibly busy weeknights.

More Easy Pasta Recipes

• The Laziest Lazy Lasagna Ever
• Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie
• Baked Boursin Pasta
• Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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Crock Pot Baked Ziti

The easiest slow cooker pasta recipe ever! Cheesy tender pasta in a tomato-cream sauce … what's not to love? Everything cooks right in the Crock Pot – even the pasta.

Keyword crock pot baked ziti, crock pot creamy tomato pasta, slow cooker baked ziti

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 3 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Servings 6 servings

Calories 395kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 3-quart or larger slow cooker

Ingredients

• 12 ounces dry penne or ziti pasta
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 large can
• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar optional*
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped; or 2 tablespoons freeze-dried basil
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese shredded; about 1 cup; divided
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese divided

Instructions

• Add the pasta, tomatoes, water, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
• Cook on high for about 2 hours or low 4 hours, until the pasta is just tender. Take care not to overcook or the pasta can get mushy.
• Stir in the heavy cream, basil, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Replace lid and cook for 20-30 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve.

Notes

* Sugar seems like a weird ingredient here, I know! I find that pureed tomatoes can be fairly acidic, and the sugar helps to cut down on the acidity. You can absolutely leave it out, or give it a taste before adding the cream and see if you think it needs it. It’s good either way.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 395kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 568mg | Potassium: 563mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 814IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 220mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Crock Pot Baked Ziti appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Greek Mosaic Salad
• Greek Mosaic Salad Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make It
• Tips for Success

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Have you seen mosaic salads? They’re so pretty! So far I’ve seen melon mosaic salad (or “Tetris salad”) like this, this and this, and that presentation is just *chefskiss* perfect. Love.

I knew I wanted to bring that mosaic concept to a different type of salad. I originally wanted to do something that was fall-inspired, like apple, pear, and cheddar (and that’s still swirling in my brain), but when I was eating a Greek salad at a restaurant recently, it all clicked for me. The ingredients in horiatiki-style Greek salad would be PERFECT arranged mosaic-style!

So I got to work, settling pretty quickly on cherry tomatoes nestled into squares secured by feta, cucumber, and green bell pepper squares.

Then I scattered on some Kalamata olives, red onions, fresh herbs, and a simple oregano olive oil dressing. Gah, love at first sight (and then more love at first bite!)

Why You’ll Love Greek Mosaic Salad

• Crowd-pleaser: There’s no way this mosaic Greek salad won’t impress!
• Unique spin on a classic horiatiki-style Greek salad: Horiatiki Greek Salad is made simply with veggies and a straightforward dressing; no lettuce involved. It’s the perfect style of salad for the mosaic treatment!
• Surprisingly easy: This Greek salad isn’t just easy to put together, it’s really not fussy. No need to be precious about it and get the squares exact; it’s going to look amazing no matter what!

Greek Mosaic Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Red onion – You won’t need much onion; just enough to thinly slice and arrange over the top. I like to soak the onion in ice water to help mellow it out.
• Cucumber – I use one large English cucumber for this mosaic Greek salad. You can use different types of cucumber if you prefer, just make sure it’s large enough to cut into cubes.
• Green bell pepper – One large one with flat, even sides if you can find it.
• Feta cheese – You’ll want a block of solid feta. Blot it with a paper towel to help sop up some of the moisture.
• Cherry tomatoes – Try to find some cherry tomatoes that are smaller in size, or you can cut them in half.
• Kalamata olives – Just a few, halved and scattered across the top.
• Dressing – Just olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and kosher salt.
• Fresh oregano and/or or mint leaves – Arrange on top to make it extra pretty.
• Bonus: I don’t have these in pics or ingredients but a few capers scattered along the top will never hurt!

Tips for Success

• Cut everything into roughly the same size cubes. I go for about 3/4-inch.
• To prep ahead, cut up your feta and veggies then store them separately in an airtight container in the fridge (bell pepper and onion can flavor the other ingredients if stored together). Assemble right before serving.

I hope you love this fun spin on Greek salad! It’s one of my favorite recipes I’ve created lately. I’ve always loved a horiatiki Greek salad, and I think the mosaic presentation brings it to the next level!

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Greek Mosaic Salad Recipe

Sweet cherry tomatoes are nestled in between squares of cool cucumbers, crisp green bell peppers, and creamy feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple red wine viniagrette, top with red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh herbs and dazzle your guests!

Keyword greek mosaic salad, horiatiki greek salad

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4 servings

Calories 209kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced soaked in ice water for 15 minutes
• 1 English cucumber
• 1/2 large green bell pepper
• 4 ounces feta cheese in block form; drained
• 1 cup small cherry tomatoes if large, you can cut them in half
• 10-12 kalamata olives halved
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10-15 fresh oregano or mint leaves optional

Instructions

Soak the onions

• Thinly slice the onion and place it in bowl. Submerge it in ice water. Let it soak for 15 minutes. (This helps mellow out the flavor and makes them nice and crisp.)

Cut the veggies & feta

• Meanwhile, cut the four sides off of the cucumber to square it off, leaving some green peel on the corners for color. Cut into roughly 3/4-inch cubes.
• Cut the sides off of the green pepper, as large as possible. Square the edges then cut each piece into 3/4-inch wide squares.
• Cut the feta into approximately 3/4-inch squares.

Arrange the salad

• On a large rimmed platter, arrange the cucumber, feta, and bell peppers, leaving room for a cherry tomato here and there.
• Plop the cherry tomatoes into the blank spaces.

Top with onion and olives

• Drain the red onion slices and arrange over the top. Scatter the Kalamata olive halves over the top, too.

Add the dressing

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Drizzle dressing over the top of the salad.

Garnish

• Sprinkle with a pinch of coarse salt. Decorate with fresh oregano or fresh mint if desired.
• To serve, use a flat server or large serving spoon and scoop salad pieces onto a plate or into bowls.

Notes

Serves 4 as a side or 2 as a main dish.

To store leftovers, wrap the platter tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I’ve also simply moved the ingredients into a storage bowl for easier storing (even if the mosaic presentation is lost!)

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 209kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 559mg | Potassium: 267mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 583IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 173mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Greek Mosaic Salad appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love One-Pot Tortellini Alfredo
• Ingredients
• How to Make One-Pot Tortellini Alfredo
• Tips for Success
• More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’m a huge fan of one-pot pasta dishes. I created this creamy one-pot pumpkin pasta years ago, and when I’m craving more veggies, I go for this one-pot pasta primavera.

The … selective … eater in our house (ahem, not naming names, love you kiddo!) has recently been adding more pasta into their rotation, and is a fan of Alfredo, so I thought this one-pot tortellini Alfredo would go over well. And, yay! It did!

Not only is the kid a fan, the grown-ups are too. I love how easy this one pot tortellini Alfredo is to make, and it’s one of those great versatile recipes that is as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for a little dinner party.

Why You’ll Love One-Pot Tortellini Alfredo

• SO delicious – The garlicky creamy sauce with parmesan is to die for. So good!
• Simple & easy – Just a few ingredients and a bit of prep time and your creamy tortellini Alfredo is ready to serve!

Ingredients

• Tortellini – I like to use refrigerated pasta for this creamy garlic parmesan tortellini. Because I’m a vegetarian, I go for cheese tortellini, but you can swap in any kind.
• Olive oil – For sautéing the shallot and garlic
• Shallot – Sautéed at the beginning of the process, the shallot creates the backbone of a flavorful Alfredo-inspired sauce. If you don’t have any shallots on hand, a small onion will work just fine.
• Garlic – You’ll want three cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced.
• Italian seasoning mix – Grab some in the seasonings section of just about any grocery store, or make your own Italian seasoning mix at home (it’s super easy to whip up!)
• Vegetable broth – Helps create a full-of-flavor, rich sauce.
• Heavy cream – For that thick, rich, glorious sauce!
• Nutmeg – Optional, but highly recommended.
• Salt & pepper
• Spinach – You don’t have to add it, but I like to throw a little in there at the end of the process to get some veggies in.
• Parmesan cheese – For the best BEST creamy sauce. 1/2 cup, plus more for topping your one-pot tortellini.
• Fresh basil or parsley – Also optional but lovely for additional flavor and pretty color.

Tips for Success

• The sauce will thicken up when serving. It might seem thin at first, but have faith in the process!
• For smaller pieces of spinach that all but disappears into the dish, chop it up a bit before adding it.

I hope you love this One-Pot Creamy Tortellini Alfredo as much as my family does! This has become a great go-to easy recipe for us. It’s creamy and comforting and cozy and garlicky and everything good about tortellini + Alfredo.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think! Please come back and leave a review.

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One-Pot Tortellini Alfredo Recipe

Tender cheese tortellini in a rich and creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. Comes together in a single pot and under 30 minutes to make!

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword one pot tortellini, one pot tortellini alfredo, tortellini alfredo

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 3

Calories 696kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 medium-size dutch oven or deep skillet

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small shallot finely chopped; can substitute 1/3 cup finely diced onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more to taste
• 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 package
• 1 ounce baby spinach, chopped small 1 cup packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese + more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chiffonaded for garnish; can substitute parsley

Instructions

• Set a medium to large skillet or pot over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and shallot. Sauté, stirring frequently, until softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in the Italian seasoning, then stream in the broth and cream. Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add the tortellini to the simmering sauce. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens slightly, 9-10 minutes. The sauce will seem thin at first, but it will continue to thicken as it cooks and thicken even more once it's done cooking.
• Stir in the spinach and Parmesan until the spinach has wilted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
• Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and basil. Serve.

Notes

Meat option:

Add crisp prosciutto or pancetta on top for a salty crunch

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 696kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 1396mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2524IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 360mg | Iron: 3mg

More Easy Pasta Recipes

• Lazy Cheese Lasagna
• One Pot Pumpkin Pasta
• Baked Boursin Pasta
• Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie

The post One-Pot Creamy Tortellini Alfredo Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

But they’re often made with bacon, and for a vegetarian, that’s a hard no. For this recipe, I wanted to be able to make baked beans quickly, starting out with canned beans, along with some vegetarian ingredients for the saucy situation.

The sauce simmers in a skillet, then the whole thing is placed in the oven to bake until perfect. These skillet baked beans are easy AND super good!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Skillet Baked Beans Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make These Vegetarian Baked Beans
• Tips for Success
• More Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’ve created a few vegetarian baked bean recipes over the years, but for this one, I wanted something nice, easy, and fast in comparison to other baked beans recipes. I wanted to be able to take a couple of cans of already-cooked beans and transform them into tasty, saucy vegetarian baked beans.

Ever since spending a few days in London last year, I’ve been mildly obsessed with the idea of baked beans for breakfast. English breakfasts often include a pile of baked beans, and I think they’re such a brilliant breakfast food. Protein + fiber? Count me in!

But baked beans can take awhile to make! They often start out with a bag of dried beans and that takes a long time to cook. Usually we’re talking several hours from start to finish. They’re great, but I wanted something that took less time and started with already cooked beans, but was more homemade than just opening a can of baked beans.

Skillet Baked Beans Ingredients

• Olive oil – For sauteing the veggies.
• Onion – I usually grab the standard yellow onion, but any onion will do.
• Green bell pepper – Adds sweet peppery flavor and some nutrients, too.
• Garlic – Because garlic is ALWAYS a good thing!
• Ketchup – Feel free to use your favorite brand.
• Veggie broth – Grab some from the store or make your own vegetable broth.
• Brown sugar – Adds a nice bit of sweetness.
• Worcestershire sauce – Be sure to grab vegetarian Worcestershire sauce if that’s important to you. Traditional Worcestershire usually contains anchovies.
• Dry mustard, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper – Add tangy, smoky, and spicy notes, respectively.
• Salt & pepper – Adjust according to your personal taste.
• Navy beans – Two cans, drained and rinsed.

Adaptations/Variations

• For sweeter beans a’la Boston Baked Beans, add a couple of tablespoons of dark (not blackstrap) molasses.
• Baked Cannellini Beans – Swap in larger cannellini beans for a different spin. Many other beans are delicious, too!

Tips for Success

• For saucier baked beans, add more vegetable broth. It’s fine to add this at the end of baking. Just stir it right into the warm beans.
• For spicier baked beans, double or even triple the cayenne pepper.

I hope these shortcut baked beans hit the spot for you when you’re craving a baked bean fix! I love how they incorporate veggies and fresh flavors, which to me makes them taste so much better than canned. Yet when you use canned beans instead of dried, it drastically cuts down on cooking time. It’s kind of a nice go-between between an hours long recipe from dried beans and just opening a can.

More Vegetarian Baked Beans Recipes

• Slow Cooker Vegetarian Boston Baked Beans
• Maple Miso Baked Beans
• Slow Cooker Curry Baked Beans
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Baked Beans

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Vegetarian Skillet Baked Beans (from Canned Beans) Recipe

This fast and easy shortcut recipe for vegetarian baked beans is so delicious! Tender navy beans simmered in a tangy, smoky, slightly sweet sauce … not much better than that.

Keyword skillet baked beans, vegetarian baked beans

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 45 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 70kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion diced small, about 1 cup
• 1/2 green bell pepper diced small, about 1 cup
• 2 medium cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more if desired
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 15-ounce cans navy beans drained

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F.
• Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. You'll want a skillet that's at least 8-inches in diameter; I use a cast-iron skillet. Add the 1 tablespoon olive oil. When hot, add the 1 cup each onion and green pepper and saute until tender, 5-6 minutes. Add the 2 cloves minced garlic and saute an additional minute.
• Reduce heat to low and add the 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 cup vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until well-combined, then drain the two cans of navy beans and stir them in.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven (I like to place it on top of a baking sheet to insure against any spills) and bake about 30 minutes, until thickened and slightly browned around the edges. Serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 70kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 597mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 241IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.4mg

The post Easy Vegetarian Skillet Baked Beans (from Canned Beans) Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

This creamy sun-dried tomato gnocchi is made with 10 ingredients and only takes about 15 minutes to whip up. Not only is it a weeknight savior, seriously delicious, and easy, but the combination of flavors will have your loved one exclaiming “marry me!” after one bite. Or so the story goes.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Marry-Me Gnocchi
• Ingredients
• Adaptation/Variation
• How to Make Marry-Me Gnocchi
• Tip for Success
• More Gnocchi & Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’ve been eyeing the “marry me” trend for awhile now. It started with marry-me chicken then quickly moved on to many variations with pasta, chickpeas, tofu, and more. So much more.

While I’m not sure about the stability of a relationship that gets its start from a recipe, I do agree that the combination of flavors is inspirational, if not freaking delicious!

I decided I wanted to make my first marry-me recipe with gnocchi – because not a whole lot is better than gnocchi in a creamy sauce! Plus, I love how easy and fast it is to transform a package of store-bought gnocchi into a knockout of a dish within minutes. And this marry-me gnocchi is no exception!

Ingredients

• Olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and Italian seasoning. You can also use the oil from the jar of your sun-dried tomatoes for a boost of tomato flavor.
• Vegetable broth – For simmering the gnocchi and infusing some flavor.
• Gnocchi – The standard shelf-stable potato gnocchi you find in the pasta section at the grocery store.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – You’ll want about 1/2 cup of drained, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. I use the ones packed in oil.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – Just a bit for a smidge of heat.
• Salt & pepper
• Parmesan cheese – Make sure you grab a vegetarian Parm if that matters to you.
• Heavy whipping cream – For that gloriously rich and creamy sauce.
• Spinach – I like to use packaged baby spinach. It’s so convenient! I tend to pile the leaves on my cutting board and give them a few chops so that the wilted leaves aren’t quite so large when served.
• Basil – Fresh basil added at the end lends so much flavor! I like to leave a few extra for garnish.

Adaptation/Variation

• To make this a vegan marry-me gnocchi recipe, you can sub in full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream for the whipped cream and use vegan Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Marry-Me Gnocchi

1. First, you’ll add the olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning to a large skillet and give it a quick sauté.
2. Then, you’ll add the broth, gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cover it up and let it simmer for just a few minutes, until the gnocchi is cooked through.
3. Third, stir in the spinach until wilted.
4. Now it’s time to transform your marry-me gnocchi into the most glorious creamy gnocchi dish ever. Pour in your heavy whipping cream, then add the Parmesan and fresh basil. Stir until blended and warmed through.
5. Yum! Serve topped with additional basil, more Parm, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like.

Jump to the full, printable recipe

Tip for Success

• Be sure and cover the gnocchi while it simmers in the broth. This will help retain the liquid for a nice and saucy result.

I hope this Marry-Me Gnocchi brings you everything you want this Valentine’s Day and beyond! Whether it’s a marriage proposal or just self-love because you’ve just made the most AMAZING dish all on your own, I hope you find yourself just as in love with Marry Me Gnocchi as we are.

More Gnocchi & Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Sheet Pan Gnocchi & Veggies
• Roasted Red Pepper Pasta
• The Best Vegetarian Lasagna Ever
• The Best Macaroni & Cheese Recipe Ever
• Baked Boursin Pasta

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Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe

Tender gnocchi in a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce! What's not to love?

Keyword marry me gnocchi, marry me pasta, sun dried tomato gnocchi, tuscan gnocchi

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Total Time 17 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 528kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 16 ounces gnocchi
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
• 2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves chiffonaded [rolled and cut into ribbons], plus more for garnish

Top with

• basil leaves
• shredded Parmesan cheese
• crushed red pepper flakes if you'd like additional heat

Instructions

• Place a large saute pan over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. When hot, add the garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for one minute, until tender and fragrant.
• Stream in the vegetable broth while stirring to pick up any stuck bits, then add the gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 5 minutes until the gnocchi is tender. Remove the lid and stir in the spinach. Cook for about a minute, until wilted, then stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream, and fresh basil. Taste and add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and basil.

Notes

Storage notes:

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Store for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or gently over the stovetop with a splash of broth or water. 

Vegan/Dairy-Free Option:

Swap in unsweetened cashew creamer (try this cashew creamer recipe w/o sweetener or vanilla) or full-fat coconut milk for the heavy whipping cream. Swap in vegan/dairy free Parm instead of the dairy Parmesan. Make sure the gnocchi does not container dairy and/or egg. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 528kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 1296mg | Potassium: 639mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2468IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 274mg | Iron: 9mg

The post Marry Me Gnocchi Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

We’ve got broccoli, zucchini, red bell peppers, snap peas, and spinach along with Thai green curry paste, coconut milk, and a generous squeeze of lime. You can enjoy this one as-is, or add your protein of choice. I’ll often add tofu or chickpeas to my protein and shredded cooked chicken to the resident carnivore’s bowl.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love These Thai Green Curry Vegetables
• Ingredients
• Adaptation Idea
• How to Make Thai Green Curry
• Tip for Success
• More Curry Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

This is another recipe I’ve had in the hopper for years! Every summer, we head up to the Southern Gulf Islands in British Columbia, and nearly every restaurant has a Thai green curry dish, each one better than the last.

My favorite is loaded up with veggies along with wedges of grilled tofu, then topped with chopped almonds and shredded carrots. It’s incredible!

So a few years ago, I decided to work on recreating the dish at home. It seemed like the perfect One Dish Two Ways recipe – a “fork in the road” recipe where it starts out vegan or vegetarian, then you divide it in half and add meat to one half for the carnivores.

I’ve made this one many times with chicken for my guy and leaving it vegetarian for me. It’s super flexible that way!

I decided that for publishing this Thai green curry recipe, I’d leave it to veggies only, then you can give it the “pick your protein” treatment if you like. Add tofu, chickpeas, white beans, seitan, or chicken – or just enjoy the veggies just as they are! No matter how you serve it up, it’s SO tasty.

Why You’ll Love These Thai Green Curry Vegetables

• SO full of flavor. Garlic, ginger, Thai green curry paste, coconut milk … it’s just the best combo.
• Super flexible. Subtract or add veggies and make it yours. Add a protein if you like. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version or quinoa for a bit more protein.
• Easy! SO easy!
• Simple to prep ahead. Chop up the veggies, garlic and ginger beforehand, then keep the veggies in one container and the garlic and ginger in another in the fridge for up to 2 days. Perfect for when you want a healthy weeknight dinner but are short on time.

Ingredients

• Oil – Any neutral cooking oil like vegetable oil or avocado oil will work well.
• Thai green curry paste – I prefer Thai Kitchen Brand, but use whichever one you like. Note that Thai Kitchen green curry paste is pretty mild, so you might grab another if you want a spicier Thai green curry. I also add crushed red pepper flakes as garnish to add a bit of heat.
• Salt, garlic, & ginger – Helps enhance/add to the flavors of the Thai green curry paste.
• Veggies – Broccoli, zucchini, red bell pepper, sugar snap peas, and baby spinach
• Coconut milk – I like to use full-fat canned coconut milk for the richest curry.
• Brown sugar – Just that touch of sweetness really helps to round out the flavor.
• Cornstarch – This is to help thicken the sauce to give it a more velvety texture. You can totally leave it out if you prefer!
• Lime – Lime zest lends flavor (traditionally you might find kaffir lime leaves in Thai green curry, but that’s an ingredient that’s really hard for me to find in my area, so I use lime zest + serve lime wedges to squeeze over the top of the curry.
• Thai basil – Fresh Thai basil can be found in the produce section of most grocery stores.
• For serving – Rice, chopped almonds, more Thai basil, lime wedges, crushed red pepper flakes, shredded carrots

Adaptation Idea

• Add chickpeas, white beans, edamame, tofu, or chicken for some additional protein.

How to Make Thai Green Curry

You’re gonna LOVE how easy it is to make vegetable Thai green curry!

You’ll want to chop your veggies in advance, because once you start cooking, the process goes pretty quickly. And make sure you have some rice ready to go.

First, saute the green curry paste, garlic, and ginger in the oil for just a bit to help liven up the flavors. Next, add water and all of the veggies except for the spinach.

Cover and let that simmer until the veggies are tender, then stir in the coconut milk. Stir the cornstarch with a little water and pour that in too.

Simmer gently until thickened, then stir in the lime zest, spinach, and Thai basil.

Taste and add more salt if desired. That’s it!

Serve over rice and garnish how you like.

Tip for Success

• Once you’ve added the coconut milk, do not boil the mixture. This can cause the coconut milk to split or curdle. If that does happen, it will still taste okay, don’t worry! It just doesn’t look as appetizing or have quite the lovely silky texture.

I hope you love this Thai green curry vegetables recipe as much as we do! It’s such a delicious way to enjoy veggies, and super flexible too. I love this as a one-dish-two-ways recipe – it’s so easy to just add your protein of choice!

More Curry Recipes

• Chickpea & Tomato Curry
• Chana Masala
• Slow Cooker Red Lentil & Chickpea Pumpkin Curry
• Slow Cooker Red Lentil & Chickpea Curry with Potatoes & Peas
• Thai Green Curry Soup
• Thai Red Curry

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Thai Green Curry Vegetables Recipe

I love this full-of-flavor curry dish as-is, or give it the "pick your protein" treatment. I'll often dish this up with chickpeas or diced tofu stirred into my portion and shredded chicken stirred into the carnivore's bowl.

Keyword thai green curry, thai green curry vegetables

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 176kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

For the Thai Green Curry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or another neutral cooking oil
• 3 tablespoons Thai green curry paste I like Thai Kitchen brand
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste
• 1 medium clove garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger about a pinky-sized piece, peeled
• 3/4 cup water can substitute low-sodium veg broth for a bit more flavor
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 medium zucchini cut into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper cut into strips
• 1/2 cup sugar snap peas or snow peas
• 1 cup coconut milk from the can
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 teaspoons lime zest from one medium lime
• 10 leaves Thai basil roughly chopped

Serve with:

• cooked brown rice or quinoa
• Thai basil leaves
• lime wedges for squeezing over the top
• chopped almonds
• crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

• Set a large saute pan over medium-low heat and add the oil. When hot, add the green curry paste, 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic and ginger. Stir frequently for a minute, then stir in the 3/4 cup water and add the broccoli, zucchini, red bell pepper, and sugar snap peas (or snow peas). Cover and simmer until the veggies are bright and just becoming tender, about 3 minutes.
• Stir in the coconut milk and brown sugar. In a small bowl, stir the cornstarch with 1 tablespoons cold water and add that to the pan. Increase heat to medium high and bring just to a light boil then immediately turn the heat to low, simmering until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Be sure you don't cook this at a high/rolling boil, or the coconut milk might break/curdle.
• Stir in the spinach, lime zest, and fresh Thai basil until and stir until wilted, about a minute. Remove from heat. Taste and add more salt until it's perfect for you (I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon more).
• To serve, spoon over cooked quinoa or rice and garnish with more Thai basil, chopped almonds, crushed red pepper if you want some heat, and lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Servings: 3 large or 4 medium servings

Nutrition info does not include rice

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 622mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5394IU | Vitamin C: 103mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 4mg

The post Thai Green Curry Vegetables Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love This Pasta Pie
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie
• Tips for Success
• More Pasta Bake Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

Like most everyone else, I’m a huge fan of the food blog Smitten Kitchen. Deb has been blogging since the beginning, and she’s done it SO well.

A few years ago, she shared the recipe for a winter squash and spinach pasta bake that was inspired by a similar pasta “cake” by British chef Yotam Ottolenghi. I’ve made this pasta bake more times than I can count, revising and refining it into my own version of the recipe that I absolutely love.

The concept is similar to my laziest lazy lasagna – simply toss everything together, raw pasta and all, in a big bowl, then spread it in a baking dish and bake until perfect. It’s light on the hands-on time, and even though the baking (and resting) times are quite long, clocking in at two hours, with a little planning ahead this butternut squash pasta pie makes for a super easy dinner.

The best part, other than it being super easy to make, is that this pasta pie holds up flawlessly for easy leftovers. We don’t have a microwave, so we add a couple of slices to our steamer basket and steam it for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Perfection.

One of these Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pies feeds us for multiple dinners and lunches for several days! It’s just so awesome.

Ottolenghi calls this a cake, and Deb calls it a bake. I deviate and instead call it a pasta pie. Growing up, we used to eat this delicious spaghetti pie that would cook up in a similar shape and style and you’d serve it in wedges, so in my mind, it’s a pie.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Pie

• It’s super easy. Mix it up in a big bowl, dump it into your springform pan, and let the oven do all the work.
• It’s comfort food with a twist. We’ve got comforting cheesy pasta, but we also have protein thanks to the cheeses and nutrients courtesy of the butternut squash and spinach.
• The leftovers! I know I keep droning on about the leftovers, but seriously. The best.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash – You’ll need about 1/4 of a medium-size squash.
• Spinach – I like to use packaged pre-washed baby spinach. It’s just so easy! I do give it a few extra chops just so the pieces aren’t super big.
• Pasta – I like penne pasta best in this butternut squash pasta bake, but another medium pasta will work just fine, or even broken-up lasagna pasta.
• Ricotta cheese – I like full-fat for the most creamy result.
• Parmesan – For loads of umami flavor. Both mixed into the pasta and melted on top.
• Mozzarella cheese – Low-moisture, whole milk mozzarella is my preference.
• Water – I know it feels weird to mix water in! Just trust me. It helps cook the pasta and ultimately evaporates.
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder – Fresh garlic is delicious and works too, but I’ve noticed that garlic powder tastes great as well, and it’s so much easier. Easy is good.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat. You can leave these out if you are feeding kiddos or anyone sensitive to spiciness.
• Thyme – Love the flavor dried thyme adds! You can use fresh thyme if you have it and would rather; I suggest doubling the quantity if so.
• Salt & pepper – Mixed in, and a little more for serving, if you like.

Adaptations/Variations

• Swap out the squash: Most any winter squash or pumpkin will work well. Not sure which squash you want to try? Check out my Ultimate Squash Guide on my other blog.
• Try kale instead of spinach – Just make sure to de-stem it first and chop into bite-size pieces.
• Try another cheese. Smitten Kitchen’s version uses fontina; over the years, I’ve switched to mozzarella because I’m such more likely to have it on hand (and I love it!) Swiss, Gruyere, or even cheddar would all be great.

How to Make Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie

I’ve found that it can be hard to make sure all of the cheeses and seasonings are distributed, so I like to mix the cheese, water, and seasonings first, then add the big bulky items (the spinach, squash, and pasta).

So first up, you’ll want to grab a big bowl – the bigger the better! Add the egg, ricotta, half of the parmesan, the mozzarella, water, the seasonings, and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Whisk everything together until well-blended, then add the pasta, spinach, and butternut squash and, using a sturdy spatula, mix until combined.

Now it’s time to pile everything into your springform pan! Line it with parchment paper – I like to do a “plus sign” of paper, with plenty hanging over the edges.

Pour the entire bowl of pasta mixture into the parchment-lined springform, press it in gently to make sure it’s even, then fold the parchment paper that’s over the sides back over the top of the pie.

And then cover the whole thing with foil, place it on a sturdy baking sheet to catch any spillage, and bake for an hour.

After an hour, you’ll want to remove the foil, drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top, and continue baking it uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes.

The last 30 minutes are the hardest! Because this is your resting time. In order for the pasta pie to hold together well, it’s highly recommended that you rest it for 30 minutes after baking it.

Rested? Good! Now unclip your springform and relish in your perfect butternut squash and spinach pasta pie! Slice into wedges, serve, and devour.

Tips for Success

• If possible, definitely use a springform pan. You’ll want a standard size 9-inch” springform pan with 3″ tall sides. That said, this will probably work in an 8×8″ casserole dish. I haven’t tried it, and you’ll want to scoop it out more like a lasagna vs. in wedges.
• Use a baking sheet to catch drips. It’s worth the extra insurance!
• Don’t skip the resting step. It helps the pie hold together.
• Cut the butternut squash into small-size cubes. My cubes often end up bigger than I meant to, so I intentionally try to cut them smaller (about 1/2-inch). I like the smaller bites and feel that size goes better with the overall dish.

I hope this Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie is as much a revelation for you as it has been for us! It’s just so easy and so tasty, the perfect vegetarian pasta bake.

More Pasta Bake Recipes

• The Best Mac & Cheese
• Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
• Best Vegetarian Lasagna
• The Laziest Lazy Lasagna Ever
• Four-Cheese Baked Ziti

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Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie Recipe

If you've had baked spaghetti pie, this pasta bake is similar in concept. Pasta, cheeses, squash, and spinach are baked together and then sliced into wedges for serving. This pasta pie tastes SO good and makes super easy, amazing leftovers!

Keyword butternut squash pasta bake, pasta pie

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours

Servings 8 wedges

Calories 353kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• 1 9" springform pan
• parchment paper
• foil

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated parmesan divided in half
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided [you'll reserve 1 tablespoon for drizzling over the top]
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups winter squash cubed small [1 pound, or about 1/4 of a medium-size butternut squash]
• 5 ounces baby spinach roughly chopped
• 8 ounces penne pasta can sub another type of medium dried pasta or lasagna noodles broken into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a nine-inch springform pan with parchment paper. I like to use two pieces in plus sign to ensure coverage Fold the sides over the edge.
• In a very large bowl, beat the egg. Add the ricotta, 1/2 the parmesan, mozzarella, water, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
• Add the butternut squash, spinach, and pasta. Using a large, sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, mix well.
• Pour the mix into the lined springform pan. Press gently to make sure it'a all even. Sprinkle with the second half of the parmesan. Fold the parchment paper that was hanging over the sides up and over the top and cover tightly with foil.
• Place on a baking sheet to catch any spillage and bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil and fold the sides down, drizzle on the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and bake for another 30 minutes uncovered until golden in spots on top.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes.
• Remove the springform ring and slide the pasta bake by the parchment paper onto a platter. Cut into wedges and serve.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop (we usually steam leftover wedges in a steamer basket on the stovetop).

Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen’s winter squash and spinach pasta bake which was adapted from pasta “cake” by British chef Yotam Ottolenghi. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1wedge | Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 553mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 11484IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 318mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Butternut Squash & Spinach Pasta Pie Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Fluffy baked sweet potatoes are cut in half and topped with your taco filling of choice and some cheese, then baked for a bit until bubbly and melty. Then, just top with your taco favorite fixings like lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream, guacamole, salsa … you name it!

These taco sweet potatoes make an easy and filling lunch or dinner, and they’re perfect for mixed-diet households. I love lentil walnut taco filling or vegan chorizo on mine while my guy is partial to taco-seasoned ground beef. Perfect for one-dish-two-ways life!

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Why You’ll Love Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Ingredients
• Adaptations/Variations
• How to Make Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Tips for Success
• What to Serve with Taco Sweet Potatoes
• More Sweet Potato Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Reviews & Comments

The Story Behind the Recipe

I’ve been making these Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes for quite awhile now, and I thought it was high time I shared them! I love that they’re super hearty and full of protein, plus, sweet potatoes bring some added nutrition over standard baked potatoes.

Also, they taste really, really good.

Why You’ll Love Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

I think the best thing about these taco sweet potatoes, other than the fact that they’re easy and delicious, is that they’re super customizable. They’re already gluten-free, so yay! They’re easily made meaty, vegetarian, or vegan, and everyone can grab their favorite toppings.

Taco Sweet Potato bar, anyone?! I’m immediately adding that one to my game-day list!

Ingredients

• Baked sweet potatoes – I like to use medium-to-large sweet potatoes for these Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes. That way, one half tends to be just right for one generous serving. I make baked sweet potatoes just for these taco-stuffed sweet potatoes, or sometimes I’ll make them for another meal and throw in a couple extra sweet potatoes for this meal later on.
• Taco meat – Whether you choose ground beef with taco seasoning, vegetarian crumbles or chorizo, lentil taco filling, or simply some black beans or pinto beans, you’ll want about 1/2 cup per sweet potato half.
• Cheese – I use medium cheddar, but you can use Jack or even pepper Jack for a bit of a spicy kick. Or sub in a vegan cheese, or you can even skip the cheese altogether if you prefer. These taco stuffed sweet potatoes are still good without it!
• Lettuce – I like to use curly lettuce or romaine lettuce, sliced into shreds. Any crisp, mildly flavored lettuce will do.
• Cherry tomatoes – I like the juicy burst of flavor and color that they add. Diced larger tomatoes work, too.
• Salsa – For drizzling over the top. Use your favorite kind and heat-level.
• Sour cream – Adds a creamy, tangy touch that’s so good with everything else! If you’re eating vegan or dairy-free, try this vegan sour cream recipe.
• Toppings – Add any other taco-y toppings you’d like! Sliced or pickled jalapeños, fresh onions or scallions, pickled red onions, sliced black olives, micro-greens, cilantro, pico de gallo – sky’s the limit!

Adaptations/Variations

• Vegan Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Use a vegetarian taco meat or beans, vegan cheese, and vegan sour cream.
• Taco-Stuffed Potatoes: If you’re craving a fluffy white potato instead of a sweet potato, just bake up some Russet potatoes and use those instead.

How to Make Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

First, bake your sweet potatoes. For fluffy interiors and crispy interiors, I rub cleaned and dried potatoes with olive oil and add a sprinkle of salt for good measure, then prick them with a fork and bake them at 400°F for about 40 minutes until they pierce easily with a fork.

While your potatoes are baking, prepare your taco filling. I tend to make my lentil walnut taco filling ahead of time and have it in the fridge, while my guy often has frozen leftover taco-seasoned ground beef that we can use. Easy!

Slice the baked potatoes in half lengthwise, and fluff them a bit with a fork, moving the potato over to the sides a bit while leaving some room in the center for filling.

Then add the filling to the sweet potato and top with cheese.

Bake until the filling is warmed through and the cheese has melted.

From there, it’s just a matter of topping them with all your goodies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and more, and serve ’em up!

Tips for Success

• Prep ahead: Bake the sweet potatoes, chop up your toppings, shred your cheese, and prep your taco filling ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Then, when you’re ready to eat, it’s just a few minutes prep time and you’re ready to go!
• If you’re short on time, you don’t strictly have to bake the filling and cheese in the sweet potatoes. This just helps to melt the cheese and really warm the filling, but these taco sweet potatoes are still plenty yummy if you skip that second baking step.

What to Serve with Taco Sweet Potatoes

Because these Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes have protein, fiber, carbs, and veggies, I often consider them a meal-in-one. But sometimes it’s nice to round out the meal with a bit more. I also love to make homemade toppings. Here are a few ideas.

• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Black beans or vegetarian refried beans
• Brown rice or Mexican rice
• Salsa, salsa verde, or pico de gallo
• Steamed, sautéed, or roasted vegetables like these roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans

More Sweet Potato Recipes

• Crispy Baked Sweet Potato Fries
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili
• Whipped Sweet Potatoes
• Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

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Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Sweet potato halves stuffed with taco filling and cheese, plus an assortment of fresh toppings. These Mexican stuffed sweet potatoes are so versatile and easy, this is more of a method than a recipe! Perfect for mixed-diet families.

Keyword mexican stuffed sweet potatoes, taco stuffed sweet potatoes, taco sweet potatoes

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 504kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 2 baked sweet potatoes halved
• 2 cups taco meat options include: black beans, taco-seasoned lentils, chorizo, vegan chorizo, vegetarian crumbles, or taco-seasoned ground beef; 1/2 cup per sweet potato
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded lettuce I like romaine or curly
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup Sour cream or vegan sour cream

Topping ideas

• guacamole
• sliced jalapeños
• avocado
• corn
• sliced black olives
• scallions
• pickled red onions
• pico de gallo

Instructions

• Bake sweet potatoes and set them aside to cool for a bit. To bake them, scrub and dry sweet potatoes and prick them with a fork. Rub them all over with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, then place on a parchment lined sheet pan. Bake at 400°F until easily pierced with a fork, about 40 minutes.
• Cut the sweet potatoes in half and use a fork to fluff up the insides a bit, moving some of the sweet potato to the edges so that there is an indent for fillings in the center.
• Lower the temperature of the oven to 350°F. Top each half with 1/2 cup of the taco filling of choice. Divide the cheese between the four halves. Bake for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melted.
• Remove from oven. Transfer to a plate and divide the lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream between the four halves. Add any other toppings as desired. Serve.

Notes

Recipe time includes time to bake the sweet potatoes. If you have already-baked sweet potatoes, the prep and cooking time should be more like 25 minutes. 

Nutrition information assumes ground beef, green leaf lettuce, salsa, and sour cream, but does not include any other suggested toppings. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 504kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 329mg | Potassium: 782mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 17738IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 262mg | Iron: 3mg

The post Taco-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

If you haven’t guessed, I’m here to tell you how to make the perfect baked sweet potatoes! Fluffy inside, crispy skin outside … I love sweet potatoes prepared this way.

Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Bake Sweet Potatoes
  • Step 1: Wash the sweet potatoes
  • Step 2: Rub them with olive oil & salt
  • Step 3: Line them up on a baking sheet
  • Step 4: Bake
  • Step 5: Stuff and serve!
• Tips for Success
• Ideas for Serving Baked Sweet Potatoes
• More Sweet Potato Recipes

• Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
• Read Comments & Reviews

The Story Behind the Recipe

This baked sweet potato recipe is one of those things that I’ve been meaning to share forever! It’s not even really a recipe as much as it is a method, but either way, I finally got this one photographed and am looking forward to sharing it with you.

Around here, baked sweet potatoes are a staple. We often stuff them with leftover chili or black beans for a healthy, satisfying lunch or dinner.

I love that they’re full of vitamins and fiber – and they taste great, too!

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes – Also known in the U.S. as yams, sweet potatoes come in a few different colors and sizes. I like to grab sweet potatoes that are orange inside and are smaller in size, for individual portions. But it’s easy to bake any color or size of sweet potato, so grab whatever you want! Note that while yams and sweet potatoes are considered the same thing in the U.S., outside of the U.S., a yam is an entirely different root veggie. So stick with those labeled “sweet potatoes.”
• Olive oil – For rubbing on the outside of your sweet potato. This gives you a nice crispy skin!
• Kosher salt – Just a little, also for the outside of your sweet potato. Give that crispy skin a bit of flavor!

How to Bake Sweet Potatoes

It takes just a few minutes prep and about 40 minutes in the oven to bake sweet potatoes. I love that it’s mostly hands-off – the oven does all the work!

Step 1: Wash the sweet potatoes

First, you’ll want to wash your sweet potatoes. Scrub with a vegetable scrubber, if you have one. Then dry them off with a clean towel.

Step 2: Rub them with olive oil & salt

Rub them all over with olive oil and a layer of kosher salt.

Step 3: Line them up on a baking sheet

Lay them on a baking sheet (I like to use a layer of aluminum foil or parchment paper to catch the inevitable drips). Make sure the potatoes have lots of room so that the skin gets crispy on all sides.

Step 4: Bake

Bake at 400°F for about 40 minutes, until easily fork-tender and the skin looks a bit shriveled.

Step 5: Stuff and serve!

Let them cool for a few minutes, then slice them open and serve!

You can cut them open and fluff them up like a standard baked potato, or cut them in half.

Tips for Success

• Dry them well after washing. This is key to crisp skin.
• No wrapping! Some recipes call for wrapping baked sweet potatoes in foil, but in my opinion, that’s a no-no. Wrapped sweet potatoes have a moist – not crispy – skin. Best to let them bake in the wide-open.
• Poke those holes. It allows excess moisture to escape for the fluffiest interiors (no wateriness!)
• Cook them hot. I like to bake sweet potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit so that the natural sugars caramelize. Yum.

Ideas for Serving Baked Sweet Potatoes

• Top with a pat of butter, salt and pepper, and maybe some fresh herbs like cilantro or chives.
• Stuff with beans or leftover chili.
• Sour Cream & Chive Baked Sweet Potatoes: Drizzle sour cream or Greek yogurt over the top along with a generous sprinkle of chives, salt, and pepper.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

• Sweet Potato Fries
• Sweet Potato Quinoa Chili
• Whipped Sweet Potatoes (with coconut milk)
• Creamy Sweet Potato Soup
• Sweet Potato Peanut Stew

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Baked Sweet Potatoes

For the fluffiest inside and crispy, delicious skin, here's my favorite method for how to bake sweet potatoes. Easy + just a few minutes prep!

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 44 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 225kcal

Author Kare

Ingredients

• 4 sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (205° C). Cover a small rimmed cookie sheet with parchment paper or foil (this is not a must, but helps with easy clean up).
• Wash your sweet potatoes under water, scrubbing the skin so it's nice and clean. Dry them with a dish towel or paper towel.
• Rub each sweet potato with some of the olive oil and rub on the salt as well.
• Place on a baking sheet with at least a couple of inches between each sweet potato. Prick each potato 2-3 times with a fork.
• Bake until soft inside (a fork will pierce the skin and flesh effortlessly) and the skin is crispy, about 40 minutes. If you have smaller sweet potatoes, you'll want to check them at the 30 minute mark. Larger sweet potatoes might take a bit longer to bake.
• Let cool for about 5 minutes then serve as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 225kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 415mg | Potassium: 762mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 32063IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 68mg | Iron: 1mg

The post How to Bake Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.

Quick, put down the green food coloring! With all the amazing naturally green foodstuffs out there, there’s no need for that stuff, nuh uh. If you’re looking for pasta in green sauce, this Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta is about as green as green can get.

About This Green Pasta Recipe

Have you heard of avocado pasta? Basically, you puree avocado with a few other tasty morsels and bam! The most luxuriously creamy pasta sauce. It’s brilliant and I wish I’d been the first to think of it, but I wasn’t … it’s been around for awhile.

This creamy avocado pesto pasta includes lots of kale and some pine nuts for a nutrient-dense, pesto-like situation.

The result is an utterly emerald pasta dish that I definitely do not reserve just for St. Patrick’s Day. It’s an all-the-time thing around here.

(Oh, and bonus: This recipe is totally a sneaky way to usher kale into kale-haters’ diets without them even knowing. If, you know, you are into that sort of thing!)

Avocado Pesto Pasta Ingredients

I love that all you need is a super simple list of ingredients to make this swoon-worthy pasta.

• Pasta – I love whole wheat pasta with this one, but use whichever you’d like (brown rice pasta is great, too, if you’re eating gluten-free)
• Pine nuts – I like to give these a quick toast in a skillet for more flavor.
• Avocado – you’ll know it’s ripe if, when you lightly press it, it feels like the skin on your palm just below your thumb. This is a tip I picked up from What’s Gaby Cooking somewhere along the way, and it’s my fave way to check them!
• Kale – I love to use kale in my pesto; it’s a great way to sneak in those dark leafy greens. Feel free to sub in fresh basil for a more traditional twist. Spinach is great for a milder option, and parsley is fab because it’s parsley and parsley is always fab!
• Garlic – two fresh cloves.
• Lemon juice – helps brighten and balance the flavors of the creamy pesto.
• Crushed red pepper flakes – I love a touch of heat in this green pasta.
• Salt – To taste.

How to Adapt This Green Pasta Recipe to Make it Your Own

Dietary Adaptations

Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta is vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan as-is.

• To make it gluten-free, just swap in GF pasta.
• For the carnivores, you can add meat – such as grilled chicken – to the carnivores’ portions really easily.
• For a lower glycemic load, everyone’s different, but I’ve found using whole wheat pasta helps keep my blood sugar more balanced as compared to white pasta, due to the higher protein and fiber content in whole wheat pasta. More information here

Ingredient Adaptations

• Use your favorite pasta shape. Tubes and pastas with nooks and crannies are great for grabbing all the sauce, but I’m a huge fan of spaghetti for this one.
• Brown rice pasta, whole wheat pasta, pasta pasta – all great. Use whichever kind you like.
• For the pine nuts, feel free to swap in another seed or nut. Cashews, pecans, walnuts, and pepitas are all wonderful. Pepitas even have the added bonus of being green if you’re going full-on emerald with your green pasta!
• For the green pasta sauce, I recommend keeping the avocado no matter what because it’s key to the creamy sauce. But feel free to swap in different greens and/or herbs. Basil, parsley, arugula, spinach … all delicious.

Scaling this Recipe

• This pasta in green sauce recipe is easily doubled or halved; just double or half the ingredients. Use a large pot to cook the pasta if you’re doubling it; you’ll want lots of room!

How to Make It

This avocado pesto pasta recipe is SO VERY easy to make.

1. First, you cook your pasta, and reserve a cup of the pasta water. This is very important, because it is a key component of your green pasta sauce.
2. Then, give the pine nuts a quick toast in a skillet and set them aside.
3. Next, add some of the pine nuts and the remaining ingredients to the blender and puree until smooth, adding pasta water until it’s the perfect creamy consistency.
4. Finally, place the cooked pasta in a serving bowl, toss until coated with the luxurious green sauce, and top with the remaining pine nuts. Feel free to add a green garnish, too – I just kept it super simple for the photos.

How to Store

This recipe does NOT keep well, due to the avocado, so I recommend you eat it as soon as you make it. There is not enough lemon juice to keep the green pasta sauce from turning brown after awhile in the fridge.

Make-Ahead Notes

For the most part, you’ll want to make this pasta in green sauce right before you’re going to eat it. One step that you can do in advance to cut down on prep time is to toast the pine nuts. Allow them to cool then place in an airtight storage container and keep at room temperature until you’re ready to make your avocado pesto pasta.

If you try and love this recipe for green pasta, please leave a review! Even if you don’t absolutely love it, I welcome any and all feedback and I share all legit reviews. I test my recipes multiple times in my home kitchen, but I really appreciate knowing how they’re working for others; your reviews help me make tweaks until my recipes are just right! And they’re so valuable for other readers, too. Thank you! ❤️

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Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

A fast and easy pasta dish with penne pasta (or another fave pasta shape) in a ridiculously creamy and flavorful avocado pesto sauce. Only 20 minutes to make and a super short list of ingredients!

Course entree

Keyword avocado pesto pasta, green pasta, pasta in green sauce

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 355kcal

Author Kare

Equipment

• High-speed blender such as Vitamix, for making the sauce
• Large pot for cooking the pasta
• Skillet for toasting the pine nuts

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta or another favorite pasta; we also like this with spaghetti
• 1/4 cup pine nuts divided
• 1 ripe avocado pitted and peeled
• 2 cups kale leaves ribs removed and torn into medium pieces
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes more or less to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt + more to taste

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package instructions. RESERVE 1 CUP OF THE WATER YOU COOKED THE PASTA IN.
• While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts. Place in a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until just beginning to brown, about 3 minutes.
• Add 2 tablespoons of the toasted pine nuts to a pitcher of a high-powered blender along with the avocado, kale, garlic, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Puree until completely smooth, adding more water, about 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed to keep it moving.
• Add cooked and drained pasta to your serving bowl. Pour the avocado-kale sauce over the top. Toss to combine. Top with remaining pine nuts. Serve immediately.

Notes

We have found that this recipe does NOT keep well – so be sure to eat it all when you make it! I know – tough job, but somebody has to do it.

Meat option:

Top carnivores’ portions with a few slices of grilled chicken breast.

Gluten-free option:

Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. I love brown rice pasta.

More adaptations/substitutions:

Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape. Keep it to 8 ounces of whichever pasta you use. Brown rice pasta, whole wheat pasta, white pasta are all great, just use whichever you like.

Pine nuts: Feel free to swap in another seed or nut. Cashews, pecans, walnuts, and pepitas are all wonderful. Pepitas even have the added bonus of being green, too!

Sauce: I recommend keeping the avocado no matter what because it’s key to the creamy sauce. But feel free to swap in different greens and/or herbs. Basil, parsley, arugula, spinach … all delicious.

Dietary Adaptations

This green pasta is vegetarian, dairy-free, and vegan as-is.

To make it gluten-free, just swap in GF pasta.

For the carnivores, you can add meat – such as grilled chicken – to the carnivores’ portions really easily.

For a lower glycemic load, everyone’s different, but I’ve found using whole wheat pasta helps keep my blood sugar more balanced as compared to white pasta, due to the higher protein and fiber content in whole wheat pasta. More information here

Scaling this Recipe

This pasta in green sauce recipe is easily doubled or halved; just double or half the ingredients. Use a large pot to cook the pasta if you’re doubling it; you’ll want lots of room!

Adapted from Oh She Glows

Update notes:

This recipe was first posted on Kitchen Treaty on 3/6/2017 and was updated on 2/29/2024 with nutrition info and more adaptation/substitution information.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 355kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 472mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1144IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta (with Kale & Pine Nuts) appeared first on Kitchen Treaty.