August 21, 2014
Back to School Weeknight Meal: Skillet Penne with Tomatoes & Gouda
I can hardly believe I am saying this, but it is time to think about easy weeknight dinners for school nights. It doesn’t seem possible that the start of school is barely two weeks away! This is a good time of year to review some of your favorite family dinners and find a bunch of new recipes to try. Adding new recipes to the repertoire keeps everyone at the dinner table interested in trying new foods, while weaving in family favorites lends element of comfort to your routine. To help you get started, here is a great new recipe we love that uses naturally delicious Arla Dofino Gouda cheese. It is a fun twist on everyday macaroni and cheese and comes together with ease on a weeknight.
There are many nice things about this recipe, including the fact that it is made on the stovetop and is popped under the broiler for just a few minutes at the end. If you want to add your own meaty twist, you could easily stir in leftover cooked chicken or beef. We look at it as a better-for-you vegetarian dish and serve it with a salad and side of fresh vegetables. Both sides dishes should come together easily in keeping with the easy weeknight meal intention.The taste of Arla Dofino Gouda in this dish has a rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes and pasta. I also love the fact that the Gouda is made with natural ingredients and has no preservatives and is additive-free, unlike processed cheeses and is a nutritious addition to any family meal I am making.
Stay tuned for more exciting cheesy, easy weeknight meals this fall!
(Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Arla Dofino. The recipe and opinions expressed are wholly my own. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make The Naptime Chef possible.)
Skillet Penne with Tomatoes & Gouda
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne or similar sized pasta (I used a mix of penne and ziti since that is what I had)
- olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 cups coarsely shredded Arla Dofino Gouda
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large oven safe skillet warm a small amount of olive oil and cook the garlic over medium heat for 1 minute, or until it gets fragrant but doesn’t burn. Add the tomatoes and Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer the dish for about 8 minutes, breaking up the tomatoes with a wooden spoon as you go. The sauce will thicken as it simmers.
- Turn on the broiler to High.
- Working carefully, stir in the cooked pasta and toss it well so it is completely coated with the sauce. Generously top the pasta with the shredded gouda. Broil for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve hot.
Oh my gracious this is just with my family needs. Plus my girls love anything with gouda in it so they can say “this is so gouda mama.” <– a bunch of clowns I am raising!
Hi Jamie – Haha! That is hilarious. I can attest, it is very Gouda!
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Mmm this pasta looks fabulous! Gouda is one of my absolute favorite cheeses.
Me too!! Enjoy!