quick meal | Good Dinner Mrs Mellen

Tag: quick meal
- Spaghetti and Clams in White Wine Sauce for two
  
  Posted at 9:20 am by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Jan 17th
  Living in New England, I am fortunate to have access to the freshest seafood. Hard to believe in 2021, an old fashion fish monger truck sells fish and seafood straight off the dock at our seasonal summer market. And this winter, after the market closed, the company is delivering weekly to our town. I just place the order on Monday, for a Wednesday delivery!
  
  I don’t have time most weeknights to prepare elaborate meals. Instead, I serve meals prepared in under thirty minutes, or I defrost and reheat something I made ahead on a leisurely weekend.
  
  One of my favorite easy dinners for two is Spaghetti and Clams in a light white wine sauce. I like to use meaty count neck clams, married with wine and herbs for a lusciously delightful taste.
  
  Dinner in under thirty minutes!
  
  Ingredients
  
  2 tablespoon olive oil
  2 cloves garlic, minced
  1 shallot, minced
  1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  1 cup dry white wine
  pinch of saffron
  1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  1/4 teaspoon pepper
  1 pound count neck clams, well-scrubbed
  4 ounces thin spaghetti, cook according to package
  
  In a saute pan, add olive oil, garlic, shallot, and thyme. Saute on medium heat for 8-10 minutes; garlic and shallots should be translucent, not browned. Add wine, saffron, salt, and pepper simmering for 5 minutes. Add clams, cover, continue to cook for 5-10 minutes. All the clams should be open; discard any that aren’t. Pour over cooked pasta. Serve with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
  
  Enjoy!
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  Posted in clams, Easy recipes, Food, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Main Dish, pasta, seafood, Weeknight dinner | Tagged clams, Easy recipe, quick meal, spaghetti
- Veggie Pasta
  
  Posted at 12:49 pm by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Apr 23rd
  While my husband and I have been social distancing during the pandemic, running out on a whim to purchase ingredients or locating specific products has been challenging. Instead I’ve been creative using what I have on hand to make dinner. I love to cook so I usually have certain stables in the pantry and garlic, shallots, olives are a necessity in my kitchen. If you stock your pantry with canned tomatoes, artichokes, olives, olive oil, pasta, and have garlic, shallots, or onions on hand, a meal is easy to put together without running to the store.
  
  I also like to keep a few Asian ingredients for a quick easy meal but my repertoire isn’t very extensive. I realized during this time of social distancing that although I love Asian dishes we normally go out to a restaurant for Thai or Chinese food. Take out is an option, which we have tried during the pandemic. Now I want to expand my cooking and include more healthy Asian dishes. I love cooking with fresh veggies. I look forward to this new cooking adventure. Who knew that after all these years I could find more outlets for my cooking skills.
  
  My favorite weekday meal requirements are simple: flavorful, easy, and little clean-up, two dirty pan limit! And my Veggie pasta is perfect!
  
  2 tablespoons olive oil
  
  4 cloves garlic, minced
  
  1 large shallot, chopped
  
  1 can(14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, no salt. I like Hunts tomatoes
  
  1/2 cup dry white wine
  
  1/2 teaspoon salt
  
  1/4 crushed red pepper
  
  1/2 can(14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and sliced in quarters
  
  1/2 cup Castelvetrano Italian olives, I love Mezzetta olives
  
  1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  
  4 oz fresh mozzarella, chopped
  
  1/2 box thin spaghetti
  
  Heat olive oil in a medium pan. Add garlic and shallot, saute for 5 minutes until the shallot is translucent. Add diced tomatoes, and wine. Season with salt and red pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add artichokes hearts, olives, and basil. Simmer for 5 minutes
  
  While the tomato mixture is simmering, cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and put in large bowl
  
  Add mozzarella to the tomato mixture cooking just until the cheese starts to melt. Remove from heat and toss with spaghetti.
  
  Serve with fresh Parmesan Cheese.
  
  Enjoy!
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  Posted in Easy recipes, family meals, Food, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Hearty Meal, Italian, Main Dish, Main Meal, Mediterranean diet, Tomato, Vegetables, Vegetarian, Weeknight dinner | Tagged cheese, Easy recipes, pasta, quick meal, Veggie Pasta
- Pecan Crusted Cod with Mustard and Maple Syrup
  
  Posted at 12:05 pm by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Mar 22nd
  Living in the Boston area we love our fresh fish. In Boston cod is called scrod. I know there is a fancy legend around why we call cod scrod and some say scrod is young cod. All I know is when the fishermen leave the dock to fish they are out to catch cod.
  
  Cod is a firm white-fleshed fish that is versatile and can be used in a multitude of recipes. We love fish in our family and I like to prepare cod differently. Traditional Boston Scrod is made with a Ritz cracker topping that is absolutely delicious.
  
  I’ve updated the preparation by using panko breadcrumbs, pecans, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup.
  
  2/3 cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)
  
  1/3 cup pecan pieces
  
  2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  
  1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  
  1teaspoon mustard seed
  
  1 tablespoon olive oil
  
  1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  
  1/2 freshly ground black pepper
  
  1 lb. Cod Filet
  
  2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  
  1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
  
  Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  
  In the food processor combine bread crumbs and pecans. Pulse until finely ground. Place in a small bowl and mix together with parsley, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set aside.
  
  In a small bowl combine mustard and maple syrup. Place the cod in a baking dish. Generously brush the top of the fillets with mustard mixture. Place the panko mixture thickly on top of the mustard on each cod fillet. The mustard will help the panko adhere. Drizzle remaining mustard mixture overtopping.
  
  Bake Cod for 20 – 25 minutes until topping is browned.
  
  Enjoy!
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  Posted in family meals, Fish, Food, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Healthy, Main Dish, Main Meal | Tagged Baked Cod Fish, Easy recipe, Fresh Fish, quick meal
- Sausage and Brussel Sprouts with Maple Syrup Mustard
  
  Posted at 3:53 pm by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Feb 29th
  Weekday meals can be quick and easy with one-pan dishes that save on time and clean up. And they do not sacrifice on taste and flavor. I love the combination of maple syrup with mustard and the mustard seed adds a flavorful crunch. Rainbow baby potatoes are a colorful addition.
  
  Who says you can’t get a great dinner ready every night. To save time cut brussel sprouts and potatoes ahead so they are prepared in advance. Serve with a fresh salad.
  
  1 pound fresh chicken Italian sausage
  
  1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  
  1 pound baby rainbow potatoes, halved lengthwise
  
  4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  
  Kosher salt and black pepper
  
  1 tablespoon maple syrup
  
  2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  
  1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
  
  Heat oven to 450 degrees and place the baking pan in the oven. Score the sausages in a few places on both sides, making sure not to cut all the way through. Transfer to a large bowl with the brussels sprouts, potatoes and 4 tablespoons olive oil, and stir until coated. Season with salt and pepper.
  
  Spread the mixture in an even layer on the heated baking sheet, and arrange the vegetables cut-sides down. Roast 15 minutes, until the brussels sprouts and potatoes start to soften. (The sausages will not be cooked through yet.)
  
  Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the maple syrup, mustard and mustard seeds.
  
  Drizzle the honey mustard over the sausages and vegetables, and toss or shake to coat. Flip the sausages. Roast until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are golden and tender, another 10 minutes or so. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  
  Enjoy!
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  Posted in Chicken, cooking, Easy recipes, family meals, Food, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Hearty Meal, Main Meal, Potatoes, Weeknight dinner | Tagged Brussels Sprouts, chicken sausage, Easy recipe, maple syrup, quick meal
- Baked Penne with Pomodoro Sauce
  
  Posted at 2:38 pm by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Feb 16th
  I love to cook but cleaning multiple pots and pans is not fun. Weeknight meals I make one pot, pan, or skillet recipes for quick and easy clean up.
  
  You can make the Pomodoro Sauce ahead and keep in the refrigerator or freeze. Then just assemble the casserole and bake. Make in advance a nice salad and serve with crusty fresh bread.
  
  You’ll have an easy home-cooked meal in a short preparation time!
  
  Enjoy!
  
  via Baked Penne with Pomodoro Sauce
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  Posted in Casserole, Easy recipes, family meals, Food, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Hearty Meal, Italian, Main Dish, Main Meal, pasta | Tagged baked Pasta, Easy recipes, One Pot, quick meal, Weeknight dinner
- Baked Penne with Pomodoro Sauce
  
  Posted at 9:51 am by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Feb 10th
  Some days when the wind is cold and biting with no sun in sight I know making a hearty pasta dish is just perfect comfort food for dinner. All the ingredients for my Baked Penne I purchased at Trader Joe’s except I made my own Pomodoro sauce. Trader Joe’s has a tasty prepared Pomodoro sauce which will cut down the time to make an easy home-cooked meal. Put the casserole together the night before and bake for dinner the next day. Delicious, easy and a quick home-cooked meal!
  
  1 pound penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
  
  8 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
  
  8 ounces Burrata mozzarella, two balls chopped
  
  1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  
  2 teaspoon dry oregano
  
  Pomodoro Sauce* or Trader Joe’s Rustico
  
  8 ounce cooked chicken sausage, sliced 1/4 inch thick
  
  Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine ricotta, 1/2 burrata, parmesan cheese, oregano in a medium-size bowl. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside. Place 1/4 cup of Pomodoro sauce at the bottom of the baking dish(13-inch x 9-inch). Add half penne to baking dish over sauce. Top with cheese mixture, layer with 1/2 remaining sauce, penne and top with rest of sauce. Finish with remaining Burrata. Bake 35- 40 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling.
  
  *Pomodoro Sauce
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  1 medium onion, minced
  
  4 garlic cloves, minced
  
  1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  
  1 28 ounce can pureed Pomodoro tomatoes
  
  1/2 cup red wine
  
  Kosher salt
  
  3 large fresh basil sprigs
  
  In a saucepan over medium heat saute onion and garlic in oil for two minutes. Add red pepper flakes, tomatoes and wine. Cook for 5 minutes. Add salt, basil and sliced sausage. Simmer for ten minutes.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  gooddinnermrsmellen.com
  
  buzzchomp.com
  
  gooddinnermrsmellen@blogspot.com
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  Posted in Casserole, Easy recipes, family meals, Food, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Hearty Meal, Main Dish, Main Meal, pasta, Weeknight dinner | Tagged easy meal, family meal, pasta, quick meal, Sausage, Trader Joe's
- Seared Scallops
  
  Posted at 10:12 am by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Feb 9th
  Scallops are so easy and delicious to make; taking very little time to cook for a fantastic quick dinner. I used a grille pan to sear my scallops; my personal favorite is Le Creuset. You can use a regular pan. I soaked the scallops in lemon juice and garlic for a hint of a lemony garlic flavor.
  
  1 to 1 1/4 pounds dry sea scallops, approximately 16
  
  juice of one lemon
  
  2 cloves of garlic, minced
  
  2 teaspoons unsalted butter
  
  2 teaspoons olive oil
  
  Kosher salt
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  Rinse scallops with cold water and thoroughly pat dry. Place in a bowl and pour lemon juice over scallops. Add garlic. Let set for minutes then drain discarding the lemon juice and garlic. Pat dry again.
  
  Add the butter and oil to a 12 to 14-inch saute pan or ridged grill pan on high heat. Salt and pepper the scallops. Once the fat begins to smoke, gently add the scallops, making sure they are not touching each other. Sear the scallops for 2 minutes on each side. The scallops should have a 1/4-inch golden crust on each side while still being translucent in the center. Serve immediately.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  gooddinnermrsmellen.com
  
  buzzchomp.com
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  Posted in dinner, Good Dinner Mrs Mellen, Healthy, Main Meal, scallops | Tagged Easy recipes, Healthy, le creuset, quick meal, scallops
- Clams in Wine Sauce
  
  Posted at 9:00 am by Good Dinner Mrs Mellen
  
  Nov 28th
  Clams in Wine Sauce
  
  Love easy, tasty meals that are quick then you’ll love my Clams in White Sauce. I make these clams as a light dinner served with salad and bread or a hardier meal tossed with pasta, side salad, and bread. Either way, these clams are so good.
  
  2 tablespoon olive oil
  
  4 garlic cloves, minced
  
  2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, I like Pensey’s Tuscan Sunset
  
  pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  
  8 oz. bottled clam juice
  
  1/4 cup dry white wine
  
  2 tablespoon butter
  
  1 1/2 lbs. Count Neck Clams
  
  1. Wash clams to remove any dirt or sand.
  
  2. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; saute for 1 minute, or until tender. Stir in Italian seasons and red pepper flakes. Pour in clam juice and white wine. Bring to boil then simmer for five minutes. Add clams, cover, and steam till clams start to open.
  
  3. Add butter and clams, cover, and cook till the clams open about ten minutes. Discard any that do not open. Transfer clams to plate. Serve with fresh bread and a glass of crisp white wine.
  
  Enjoy!
  
  www.gooddinnermrsmellen.com
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  Posted in dinner, dinner for two, Easy recipes, family meals, Food, light dinner, Main Dish, Main Meal, pasta, seafood | Tagged clams, Easy recipe, pasta, Pensey Tuscan Sunset, quick meal, weekday dinner
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