Simple And Easy Meals For Two

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Or maybe you just want to impress your significant other/roommate/pet goldfish with your *mad* culinary skills without actually breaking a sweat? **Welcome to the club, friend.** We’ve all been there. Dinner for two doesn’t have to mean takeout or a fancy, multi-course ordeal that leaves your kitchen looking like a war zone. Nope! We’re talking maximum flavor, minimum effort. Get ready for a dish so simple, it practically cooks itself (okay, maybe not *that* simple, but close!).

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it’s practically idiot-proof. Seriously, even if your previous cooking attempts involved setting off the smoke detector with toast, you’ll nail this. It’s quick, delicious, requires minimal dishes (hallelujah!), and makes just enough for two hungry humans. Plus, it looks way fancier than it actually is, so you get all the credit without all the work. **It’s a culinary cheat code, and I’m sharing it with you.** You’re welcome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, my fellow lazy gourmands! Here’s what you’ll need for our “Speedy Pesto Perfection Pasta,” designed for two hungry souls:

• **180-200g (about half a standard box) Pasta of your choice:** Penne, fusilli, spaghetti… whatever makes your heart sing. Or whatever’s hiding in the back of your pantry.
• **1 cup Cherry Tomatoes:** Or grape tomatoes. Whichever tiny red spheres of joy you prefer.
• **2-3 tablespoons Store-Bought Pesto:** Good quality, because life’s too short for bland pesto, IMO.
• **1/2 cup Small Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini):** Cut ’em in half if they’re too big, or just pop ’em in whole. They’re like little creamy clouds.
• **1-2 cloves Garlic:** Minced, or just roughly chopped if you’re feeling feisty.
• **2 tablespoons Olive Oil:** The good stuff, if you have it. If not, whatever’s in the bottle.
• **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be shy!
• **Parmesan Cheese (optional, but highly recommended):** For sprinkling. Because cheese makes everything better, duh.
• **A splash of Pasta Water:** Your secret weapon!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Get your water boiling:** Fill a medium pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt (think ocean water, not a tear), and bring it to a rolling boil. While that’s happening, preheat your oven to **200°C (400°F)**.
2. **Roast those tomatoes:** On a small baking tray, toss your cherry tomatoes and minced garlic with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re slightly burst and smell amazing. This step adds a surprising depth of flavor!
3. **Cook the pasta:** Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (meaning it still has a slight bite to it). Before draining, **reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water**. This is crucial, trust me.
4. **Combine the magic:** In a large pan or bowl, combine the drained pasta, the roasted tomatoes and garlic, and the pesto. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. **Bring it all together:** Stir everything gently. Now, add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water. It helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky smooth and coating every strand of pasta beautifully. Keep adding small amounts until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. **Final touches:** Gently fold in the mozzarella balls. They’ll warm slightly and get delightfully gooey. Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• **Forgetting the pasta water:** Rookie mistake! That starchy water is liquid gold for creating a luscious sauce. **Don’t drain it all away!**
• **Overcooking the pasta:** Nobody likes mushy pasta. Stick to the package directions and taste-test often. Al dente is the goal!
• **Using cold pesto straight from the fridge:** While not a disaster, letting your pesto come to room temperature for a few minutes can help it blend better and release more flavor.
• **Overcrowding the baking sheet with tomatoes:** Give those little guys some space! If they’re too cramped, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you want that nice, slightly charred sweetness.

Alternatives & Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving, which is why it’s so awesome! Feel free to mix and match based on what you have or what you love:

• **Veggies:** Not a fan of tomatoes? Roast some bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus spears instead. Whatever veg needs using up in your fridge is fair game.
• **Protein Boost:** Want to make it heartier? Add some cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders for speed!), pan-seared shrimp, or even some canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed) to the mix at the end.
• **Cheese, Glorious Cheese:** No bocconcini? Feta crumbles, goat cheese, or even shredded mozzarella would work. Or just stick with Parmesan, it’s a classic for a reason.
• **Pesto Power:** While basil pesto is iconic, feel free to experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto, red pepper pesto, or even a homemade spinach-walnut pesto if you’re feeling adventurous (and have extra time, which kinda defeats the purpose here, but hey, you do you!).

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• **Can I make this ahead of time?** You *can*, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Pasta absorbs sauce over time, and the texture won’t be as dreamy. If you must, cook the components separately and combine just before serving.
• **What if I don’t have fresh garlic?** A pinch of garlic powder will do in a pinch! It won’t have the same depth as roasted fresh garlic, but it’ll get the job done.
• **I don’t have a baking sheet for the tomatoes. Can I skip roasting them?** You could! Just toss the fresh cherry tomatoes into the warm pasta with the pesto. They won’t be as sweet and jammy, but it’ll still be tasty.
• **Is this really enough for two people? We’re super hungry!** For most, yes! If you’re both Olympic athletes or just *really* hungry, consider adding some protein as suggested in “Alternatives” or serving with a side salad and some crusty bread.
• **Can I use whole wheat pasta?** Absolutely! It’s a great choice for added fiber. Just make sure to cook it according to package directions, as whole wheat pasta can sometimes be a bit fussier to get to that perfect al dente.

Final Thoughts

See? Told you it was easy! Now you’ve got a delicious, impressive, and ridiculously simple meal for two under your belt. No need for reservations, no endless dishwashing, just pure, unadulterated, pesto-y goodness. Go on, pat yourself on the back. You’ve earned it. Now go impress someone—or just yourself—with your new culinary skills. Enjoy!