For many of us, finding time to cook a tasty dinner on weeknights can be challenging. However, incorporating cheese into your meals offers an easy solution—it's versatile, flavorful, and quick. In this article, we explore how you can make the most out of various cheeses for quick weeknight meals.
Cheese as an Ingredient
Cheese comes in many forms—from melting mozzarella to rich Parmesan—and each brings unique texture and flavor. It's not just limited to pizzas; cheese can elevate pasta, soups, salads, and even desserts.
Quick Cheesy Pasta
A straightforward yet delicious recipe is the Quick Cheesy Pasta—perfect for when you're short on time. Here’s what you'll need:
- 200g pasta (choose your favorite type)
- 120g mozzarella, grated
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Drain your pasta but reserve some of its starchy water.
Toss the hot pasta with the garlic-infused oil, grated mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency. Finish with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Cheese in Soups
Soups are another area where cheese can play a star role. A warm, comforting cheddar broccoli soup is easy to whip up using 20g of butter, one chopped onion, and 150g each of broccoli florets and cheddar cheese.
First, sauté your onions in melted butter until tender. Add the broccoli, cooking for another minute before pouring in vegetable broth (about 360ml). Once it's boiling, reduce heat, cover, and let simmer until broccoli is cooked through. Blend to smoothness then stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
Cheese for a Quick Snack
For those nights when you just need something quick before heading out for dinner or a late meeting, consider an easy Caprese salad with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil drizzled with olive oil. Or try a simple cheese platter—just slice some bread and arrange your favorite cheeses along with cold cuts or fruits.
Why Cheese Works for Busy Schedules
Cheese is fast cooking and can be kept in the fridge for several days, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Plus, pairing cheese with other pantry staples means you’re always ready to create a satisfying dish without much planning.