15 Minute Pasta and Quesadilla
About this recipe
This 15 Minute Pasta and Quesadilla recipe is all about quick, flavorful meals that can be whipped up in no time. With a fresh tomato sauce made from cherry tomatoes and a cheesy quesadilla filled with crispy bacon and spinach, it's perfect for busy weeknights or when you're just feeling lazy in the kitchen.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the use of fresh ingredients. The cherry tomatoes create a rich sauce without the need for long cooking times, while the quesadilla offers a satisfying crunch and melty goodness.
Ingredient notes
- Use any type of pasta you prefer; the recipe calls for penne but feel free to substitute with your favorite.
- The recipe suggests using fresh mozzarella and spicy gouda for the quesadilla, but any melting cheese will work well.
Tips from LifebyMikeG’s video
- Start by boiling water for the pasta while you prepare the sauce to save time.
- Smashing the cherry tomatoes in the pan helps create a quick sauce without needing to simmer for long, maximizing flavor in minimal time.
- When cooking the quesadilla, use some of the bacon fat to enhance the flavor and ensure a crispy texture.
Good to know
- How long does it take to make this dish?
- The total time to make this dish is 15 minutes.
- What can I substitute for the cherry tomatoes in the pasta sauce?
- The recipe emphasizes using cherry tomatoes for their flavor, but you could try other fresh tomatoes if needed.
- How many servings does this recipe yield?
- This recipe yields 2 servings.
- What type of pan is recommended for cooking the quesadilla?
- A nonstick pan is recommended, but you can also use stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to LifebyMikeG: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta.
- 2
Dice the onion and add it to a preheated pan with olive oil to sweat down.
- 3
Chop the garlic and add it to the pan with the onions, cooking until fragrant.
- 4
Add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan, cover, and let them stew down.
- 5
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (about 10 minutes).
- 6
Smash the tomatoes in the pan to create a sauce, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- 7
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly to the tomato sauce, mixing well.
- 8
Add a bit of pasta water to create a creamier sauce, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
- 9
For the quesadilla, preheat a sauté pan on medium heat and chop the bacon into small pieces, cooking until crispy.
- 10
Slice the tomato and prepare the cheeses (mozzarella and gouda).
- 11
Sauté the spinach in the bacon fat until wilted, then assemble the quesadilla with tortillas, cheese, bacon, spinach, and tomato.
- 12
Cook the quesadilla in the pan, flipping to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Inferred amount of Parmesan cheese for flavor.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from LifebyMikeG’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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