The clock is ticking! On the menu: pasta, tacos and a hearty salad

Are you an extremely active, multi-tasking parent? Starting today, you’ll also be taking on the role of chef, able to whip up three tasty recipes in under thirty minutes.

Penne with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinegar:

This recipe combines the vibrant sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the tangy notes of balsamic vinegar for a delicious and fulfilling meal.

Ingredients:

• Penne
• Cherry tomatoes
• Balsamic vinegar
• White or brown sugar
• olive oil
• Garlic
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release their juice. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes, add 1 spoonful of sugar and cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Pour the penne into the pan and stir to combine with the tasty sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. And finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness and color.

“Fridge leftovers” tacos:

When your fridge is full of odds and ends, turn them into a delicious, customizable taco feast! These “Fridge leftovers” tacos are a fun, creative way to use up leftover ingredients while enjoying a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• Tortillas (corn or flour)
• Assorted ingredients (cooked chicken, ground meat, vegetables, beans or cheese)
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions:

Warm the tortillas in a frying pan. Take a tortilla and fill it with the remaining ingredients of your choice. Be creative and mix flavors and textures! Add salsa or hot sauce to enhance the flavor. Optional: garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the tacos for a zesty touch.
Roll up the tortilla, take a big bite and enjoy the delicious mix of flavors and textures!

Pesto salad with sautéed shrimp:

Some shrimp and salad, for a light but fulfilling meal, look no further than this quick and healthy option for any day of the week.

Ingredients:

• Mixed green salad
• Cooked shrimp
• Pesto sauce
• Cherry tomatoes
• Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, cooked shrimp, cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle pesto sauce over the salad and toss gently to combine ingredients evenly. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salad to give it a refreshing touch. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss again to combine all the flavors. Serve cool and enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this hearty pesto salad with sautéed shrimp.

Now you’re ready to take on the world and handle your responsibilities, or... chill out in front of the TV - one delicious bite at a time!