Meatless Monday

I am raising meat lovers. I didn't do it intentionally. I was raised a meat lover, so I guess it just came naturally. I have nothing against veggies. I love veggies. Well, most of them. And I've heard all the arguments about meat being bad for you. Especially red meat. I'm not sure I really buy into that. I think there is something to it as far as processed meats. They pack so much sodium and nitrates into those. And I don't like the idea of meat having antibiotics or chemicals in it to make it safe for me. But I like to think that lean and organic meats are ok to eat. That being said, I still think it's fun to make a meatless meal for dinner. 

One of the reasons I enjoy Meatless Monday is it gets my family to eat more veggies. And sometimes we try vegetables that we've never had before. Maybe in the future we'll have more than one meatless meal a week. I don't ever think I'll convert my family into vegetarians. But I like knowing that they are open to trying new things. 

Now y'all know I'm all about the super easy peasy recipes. I don't want to spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen. And like a lot of you, I'm not a huge fan of measuring stuff. But I found a wonderful and super easy recipe that I think you'll enjoy. It was even better as leftovers.

http://damndelicious.net/2014/06/13/one-pot-zucchini-mushroom-pasta/

One Pot Zucchini Mushroom Pasta

 

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Yield 6 servings

An incredibly creamy, hearty pasta dish that you can make in just 20 minutes. Even the pasta gets cooked right in the pot!

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1 pound cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 2 zucchini, thinly sliced and quartered
• 2/3 cup peas
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 sprigs thyme
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

• In a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium high heat, combine spaghetti, mushrooms, zucchini, peas, garlic, thyme and 4 1/2 cups water; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until pasta is cooked through and liquid has reduced, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and heavy cream.
• Serve immediately.

 Super fast. Super easy. Super yummy.