Nicole Alexandra

Motherhood+Lifestyle

6-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

This creamy pesto pasta salad is easy to make and only requires 6 ingredients and a few minutes to prepare.

creamy pesto pasta salad

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Made with pesto, sweet peas, artichoke hearts, and parmesan cheese, this creamy pesto pasta salad is great as a main dish or a side dish to bring to BBQs and parties. This dish is customizable by adding chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. This recipe is really great for any occasion!

This recipe is inspired by one of my favorite pizza restaurants in Seattle. They have since discontinued this pesto pasta salad but now that I can make it at home, I can fulfill the craving anytime.

Traditionally, pasta salad is served chilled and this creamy pesto pasta salad is no expectation. In fact, the longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors come to life.

creamy pesto pasta recipe

Ingredients You Will Need:

  • Pasta: any short pasta that soaks up the flavors will do, I used rotini. I also opt for whole wheat because it adds more whole grains, fiber, and a heartier flavor and texture.
  • Artichoke Hearts: canned or jarred will work, just make sure to chop them up.
  • Peas: I use organic frozen peas in this dish, they’re so quick and easy.
  • Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated or already grated. This gives the dish a nutty flavor, classic in Italian dishes.
  • Pesto: to make this dish even faster, I use a minimal ingredient jarred pesto that I found at my local grocery store. You could definitely make your own though too.
  • Mayonnaise: this gives the pasta a creamy yet tangy flavor that pairs well with the pesto.
creamy pesto pasta salad

6-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Pasta Salad

Nicole Alexandra
This creamy pesto pasta salad is easy to make and only requires 6 ingredients and a few minutes to prepare. Made with pesto, peas, artichokes, and parmesan cheese, this creamy pasta salad is great as a main dish or a side dish to bring to BBQs and parties. This dish is customizable by adding chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. This recipe is really great for any occasion!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 14 oz box of short pasta, I like whole wheat rotini
  • 1 13.75 oz can of artichoke hearts, chopped
  • 1 cup peas, I use frozen
  • 3/4 cup jarred or freshly made pesto
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Instructions
 

  • Bring salted water to a boil, add a splash of olive oil then add the pasta and cook to al dente. 
  • While your pasta is cooking, drain and chop the artichoke hearts and place in a large bowl.
  • Grate the parmesan cheese and add that to the bowl as well.
  • When there is about 2 min left for your pasta, add your frozen peas to the boiling water. When the pasta is done, drain and add the pasta and peas to the bowl.
  • Add the pesto and mayo to the bowl and gently mix the dish together.
  • Refrigerate for at least 20 min before serving.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword creamy pesto pasta salad, creamy pesto pasta recipe, pesto and mayo, pesto pasta salad with peas, artichoke pasta salad

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Healthy & Easy Homemade Chili

Our favorite easy homemade chili made with meat, beans, corn, and a simple blend of chili seasonings. This recipe comes together quickly and is a delicious weeknight dinner for the whole family!

easy homemade chili

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With the colder weather here, warm and comforting dishes are on our minds. This easy homemade chili is just that. Make it on the stovetop or in the crockpot and customize it to your liking. This easy chili recipe can be vegetarian, or you can add ground turkey like I do, or ground beef, either way, it’s a quick way to get dinner on the table. This meal is perfectly seasoned with beans and corn and full of protein and fiber that will satisfy your appetite.

If you’ve tried some of my other recipes, you know I love a one-pot meal and this is one of them! Less dishes and clean-up are always welcome on busy weeknights which is just another reason I love this simple chili recipe.

easy turkey chili recipe

What Are Good Chili Toppings?

  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sliced green onions
  • greek yogurt or sour cream
  • tortilla chips
  • jarred jalapenos
  • diced avocado
  • cilantro
easy homemade chili

Healthy & Easy Homemade Chili

Nicole Alexandra
Our favorite easy homemade chili made with meat, beans, corn, and a simple blend of chili seasonings. This recipe comes together quickly and is a delicious weeknight dinner for the whole family!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 lb ground turkey breast
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp 21 seasoning salute from TJ's or use Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 18 oz can garlic and olive oil stewed tomatoes
  • 1 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar can sub white sugar
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 15 oz can pinto beans
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans
  • 1 cup frozen corn

Instructions
 

  • Add the olive oil to a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5-7 min, stirring frequently.
  • Add the ground turkey or meat of your choice and break it up cooking until no longer pink. Next add in the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, 21 seasoning salute, salt, sugar, worcestershire sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until combined.
  • Next, add the water, stewed tomatoes (with their juice), drained and rinsed beans, and corn. Stir well.
  • Bring to a low boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 min, stirring occasionally, until it thickens a bit and the flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary.
  • Top with your favorite toppings. I suggest serving it alongside some warm cornbread. Enjoy!
Keyword easy homemade chili, easy chili recipe on stove, quick chili recipe, easy turkey chili recipe, easy vegetarian chili recipe

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Satisfying Burger Bowl Recipe With Special Sauce

This delicious and satisfying burger bowl recipe is a quick and healthy way to get your burger fix without having to spend time making burger patties. This means getting dinner on the table just got a whole lot easier!

burger bowl recipe

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Elevate your burger game with a delicious burger bowl that’s bursting with flavor and satisfaction! These highly customizable bowls let you mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. They offer a satisfying and nutritious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic burger without the bun, making them an excellent choice for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets too.

I love making dinner bowls and my family loves eating them. This burger bowl recipe is one of our favorites and one we are currently having on repeat every week. Topped with a generous layer of cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tangy pickles, perfectly sauteed onions, and homemade fries, this burger bowl is a feast for all the senses. It’s a quick dinner to make and is so satisfying. Get ready to indulge in burger bliss like never before!

burger bowl

Base:

  • Greens: A burger bowl starts with a base of fresh, crisp lettuce or salad greens. I use what I always have in the fridge; a mix of arugula and spinach but other choices could include iceberg lettuce or romaine.

Protein:

  • Ground Meat: I use ground turkey, but ground beef, bison, chicken, or a veggie burger would be delicious in this dish!

Toppings:

  • Cheese: I use our favorite cheese, white cheddar, but choose what you like best or omit it altogether.
  • Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are my pick for this recipe as they provide a juicy and sweet flavor.
  • Pickles: It gives this burger bowl a tangy and classic burger flavor.
  • Sauteed Onions: I think the sweetness of sauteed onions takes an ordinary burger up a notch but you could use raw onion too if that’s what you prefer.
  • Avocado: Slices of ripe avocado add creaminess and healthy fats to the bowl. Something I always add to our turkey burgers.

Fries:

Special Sauce:

  • Using classic burger condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise creates the perfect special sauce to drizzle over this burger bowl recipe. Alternatively, you could opt for a creamy dressing like ranch or blue cheese.
burger bowl recipe

Satisfying Burger Bowl Recipe With Special Sauce

Nicole Alexandra
This delicious and satisfying burger bowl recipe is a quick and healthy way to get your burger fix without having to spend time making burger patties. This means getting dinner on the table just got a whole lot easier!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Burger Meat

  • 1 pound ground turkey breast or meat of your choice
  • 1 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1-1.5 tbsp mayo

Burger Bowl Toppings

  • any green base; arugula, spinach, lettuce, etc
  • cherry tomatoes halved
  • dill pickles diced
  • shredded cheese your choice
  • avocado cubed

Sauteed Onions

  • 1/2 onion sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Special Sauce

  • mayo
  • ketchup
  • mustard

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the fries. See my Easy & Addicting Fries Recipe Here: https://nicolealexandrablog.com/homemade-baked-fries/
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and brown, breaking it up as it cooks, until it is fully cooked through.
  • Add the seasonings and mayo to the ground meat.
  • While the meat is cooking, prepare your special sauce.
  • Make the special sauce by mixing together equal parts mayo and ketchup, and a smaller amount of mustard and thin with pickle juice.
  • Saute your onions in olive oil on medium heat until carmalized.
  • Then prepare your toppings; lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, avocado, and cheese.
  • Assemble your burger bowls. Start with your greens, then add the toppings, and cooked meat, and lastly, drizzle the special sauce over everything.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword burger bowl, healthy burger recipe, burger bowl recipe, turkey burgers, homemade fries

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Mushroom & Onion Tortilla Pizza Recipe

There’s no need to order in when you have this simple and healthy tortilla pizza recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes.

personal pizza

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If you’ve never tried a tortilla pizza, allow me to introduce you. First off, like many people, I am obsessed with pizza! It’s definitely the Italian in me but honestly, pizza has it all; carbs, sauce, cheese, and veggies.

With this personal pizza recipe, everyone gets to decide on their own pizza toppings so no need to compromise with this dish!

Using the tortilla as your crust, you can spin this pizza recipe any way you choose but for this recipe, we’re making my all-time favorite; mushroom, onion, and black olive.

Ingredients You Will Need:

  • large tortillas
  • pizza sauce
  • mushrooms, onion, black olives
  • shredded cheese
  • herb seasoning blend
  • extra virgin olive oil
tortilla pizza recipe

I’m all for ordering, but when you don’t want a ton of leftovers or just want a healthier pizza option, this tortilla pizza hits the spot! My family never complains when it’s, “make your own pizza night”.

pizza recipe
personal pizza

Mushroom & Onion Tortilla Pizza Recipe

Nicole Alexandra
There's no need to order in when you have this simple and healthy tortilla pizza recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbps olive oil plus a little extra for your pizza pan
  • 8 mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 large onion, thinly slices
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 large whole wheat tortillas
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 1/2 tsp dried herb blend I use 21 seasoning salute from Trader Joes or Italian seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 °F
  • Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the mushrooms and onions and season with salt and garlic powder.
  • Saute for 8-10 min or until the veggies are softened and lightly brown.
  • Add a bit of olive oil to a baking sheet so your tortillas don't stick.
  • Place your tortillas on the baking sheet and add the sauce, a bit of shredded cheese, and then top with the sauteed veggies and olives. Top with remaining shredded cheese and then sprinkle on the herb seasoning blend.
  • Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges or crust of the tortillas are lightly brown and the cheese has melted.
  • Cut into 8 slices and *optional* top with arugula or basil.
  • Enjoy!
Keyword tortilla pizza, tortilla pizza recipe, single serve pizza recipe, personal pizza, personal pizza recipe

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15-Minute Easy Beef and Broccoli Bowl the Whole Family Will Love

Using minimal ingredients, this easy beef and broccoli bowl comes together in 15 min and is full of delicious flavor your whole family will love!

easy beef and broccoli

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In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves craving a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. This easy beef and broccoli bowl is a timeless favorite that perfectly fits the bill. Bursting with rich savory flavor of beef, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, this dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a breeze to prepare.

I find myself making this recipe weekly because it comes together so quickly, is delicious, and the cleanup is minimal. If you don’t eat beef, you could try to substitute ground turkey or cooked beans for the protein.

I also have a clever trick to sneak in some extra veggies: When you’re cooking rice, try adding some riced cauliflower. Not only does it boost the fiber and nutrient content of your dish, but it seamlessly blends in with the rice, both in terms of flavor and texture. Give it a try and watch how easily you can amp up the nutritional value of your meal!

You can always omit the riced cauliflower, but I think it’s a great addition. You can usually find it already prepared for you at the grocery store in either the produce section with the bagged salad or in the freezer section with the veggies. It also cooks up very quickly.

So skip the take-out and enjoy this amazing and quick dish!

easy beef and broccoli stirfry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Ground Beef
  • Broccoli
  • Cooked Brown Rice
  • Riced Cauliflower
  • Garlic Powder
  • Seasoning Salt
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Butter
beef and broccoli stirfry
easy beef and broccoli

15-Minute Easy Beef and Broccoli Bowl the Whole Family Will Love

Nicole Alexandra
Using minimal ingredients, this easy beef and broccoli bowl comes together in 15 min and is full of delicious flavor your whole family will love!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli
  • 1 cup riced cauliflower
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt, MSG free
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Rice

  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tbsp butter

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the rice and add it to a pot along with 1/2 tbsp of butter and 1/4 tsp garlic powder and then cook the rice according to the package instructions.
  • Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tbsp of olive oil. Add your ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Season with 1 tsp of seasoning salt and 1 tsp of garlic powder. Transfer the ground beef to a bowl to keep warm.
  • Using the same large skillet over medium heat add another tbsp olive oil.  Add the chopped broccoli and 3 tbsp of water. Cover with a lid and saute for 6-7 min, then check the tenderness of the broccoli and stir.
  • Once the broccoli is tender, add the riced cauliflower and cook an additional 3-5 minutes. Turn off your stove and season the veggies with 1/2 tsp of olive oil, 1/2 tsp of seasoning salt, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
  • Add the cooked ground beef and combine it with the veggies. Then add your cooked rice and combine the dish together.
  • Place in bowls, serve, and enjoy!
Keyword beef and broccoli, stirfry, rice bowl, easy beef and broccoli

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