Like most busy moms, I am always looking for ways to save time (and money!) which leads me to my newest column- the 5 minute mom. I promise to bring easy crafts you can do with your kids, quick and healthy dinners, and useful tasks- all to be accomplished in less than 5 minutes. Today’s feature is a quick and easy dinner, prepared in less than 5 minutes.

Pasta with Yogurt Pesto

1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup walnut pieces or pine nuts
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt (we love Trader Joe’s Greek style organic yogurt)
salt and pepper
1 lb. fusilli or other short, curly pasta

Combine garlic, basil and nuts in a bowl or food processor until finely chopped, scraping sides of bowl once or twice. With motor running, add olive oil in a slow and steady stream. Scrape mixture into a small bowl and stir in cheese and yogurt. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid. Drain pasta and return to pot. Toss with pesto. Add reserved cooking liquid, 1 TBSP. at a time to moisten pasta (optional). Season with salt and pepper.

Serves 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Cost per serving: $1.60 (!)

The pesto sauce can also be used as a dip. So while the pasta is heating, keep your little ones busy by dipping carrots in the pesto sauce. Now that dinner is done, go find some time for yourself!

~ Jennifer
Lipstick to Crayons sister