Go To Weeknight Pasta

Got 20 mins for prepping dinner and low energy? This delicious tomatoee garlicky pasta is my go-to weeknight meal for at least once a week!

I sometimes wonder if I am an Italian in some parallel universe because I love my pasta. And I love it in all shapes and sizes (get it?)....and sauces and toppings. Over the years, I have upgraded from the store bought sauces to making my own with fresh ingredients. When if I am in a crunch or tired on a weeknight or just having a bad day, this dish elevates my mood no matter what.

You can substitute ingredients if they are not available and make this delicious meal in not time!

Ingredients

• Pasta (Our preferred choice is Spaghetti)- 100g/ person

• Cherry tomatoes- 1 cup

• Mushrooms-1 cup roughly chopped (optional)

• Garlic Cloves- 4-5 sliced

• Herbs- Parsley or basil (works for both)

• Fennel Seeds- 1/2 tsp

• EVOO- 1/4 cup

• Salt

• Pepper- fresh crushed

• Chilly flakes/pepper flakes- 1/2 tsp (more if you like it spicy)

• Crushed San Marzano tomatoes- 1/2 cup or replace with 2 tbsp tomato paste

• Olives (optional)

• Cheese - any kind of semi hard cheese works (optional)

Steps

• Boil large pot of water and season with generous amount of salt (make it taste like the ocean- if you have tasted ocean already)

• While that boil, in a large skillet add EVOO and sliced garlic cloves (yes in cold oil) and cook on medium heat

• As the garlic starts to sizzle, add chilly flakes and fennel seeds and cook

• The garlic will turn slightly brown in a min or two. Remove some of the garlic flakes and reserve for garnish later. Add mushrooms and cook.

• Add cherry tomatoes and stir for a min. Add the crush tomatoes, salt to season and a pinch of sugar. Cover with lid

• To the boiling pot at the side, add pasta and cook for 5-7 mins until “al dente” basically slightly undercooked

• Remove the lid off of the tomatoes, Add finely chopped stocks of parsley or basil. Crush the tomatoes and cook sauce until oil start to appear from the side of the pan. Add a ladleful of pasta water.

• Cook for a min and add drained spaghetti/pasta to the sauce. Add reserved pasta water and give a stir. Let the pasta cook for five mins until the sauce gets absorbed.

• Last step is to add cheese and some additional parsely. Crush the black pepper and serve hot and thank me later :)