These pasta recipes that I have selected are first of all, load shedding proof and second of all very delicious. I love these three dishes because the ingredients are simple, easy to find and also nutritious.

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe:

This recipe is designed to serve 4 people. It's a simple yet flavourful dish that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of your preferred pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced

• 250 grams of assorted mushrooms, sliced (cremini, shiitake, or any of your choice)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup vegetable or mushroom broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms Add sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce Pour in the heavy cream and vegetable or mushroom broth. Sprinkle dried thyme into the mixture. Stir and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy mushroom sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Optionally, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Red Pepper Sauce Pasta Recipe

This recipe is designed to serve 4 people. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine.

Ingredients:

• 2 red bell peppers

• 1 pound pasta of your preference

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• Fresh basil for garnish

Step 1: Roasting the Red Peppers Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the whole red bell peppers and chopped onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers' skin is charred and the onions are golden.

Step 2: Creating the Red Pepper Sauce Once roasted, let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Remove the charred skin, seeds, and stems from the peppers. Place the roasted peppers, onions, and coconut milk in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cooking the Red Pepper Sauce In a pan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the red pepper sauce from the blender and stir in the red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Preparing the Pasta While the sauce is simmering, boil your vegan pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combining Pasta and Sauce Combine the cooked pasta with the red pepper sauce in the pan, ensuring each strand is coated in the creamy goodness. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy! Garnish your Red Pepper Sauce Vegan Pasta with fresh basil, and there you have it—a delectable vegan delight ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those load shedding nights or whenever you crave a quick, plant-based meal

Pasta Aglio e Olio Recipe:

This recipe is designed to serve 4 people. It's a simple yet flavourful dish that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine.

Ingredients:

• 400 grams of spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)

• 4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt, to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Step 1: Boil the Pasta Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Infuse the Olive Oil While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until the garlic is golden but not browned, and the red pepper flakes release their flavor.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta Add the cooked and drained pasta to the pan with the infused oil. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 4: Adjust Seasoning Season with salt to taste. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauciness.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. If you like, grate some Parmesan cheese on top. Give it a final gentle toss.

If you're tired of the same old breakfast, check out how you can elevate your morning routine with these delicious breakfast ideas here