This pasta recipe makes the ideal single-person meal: it's economical, makes lots of leftovers and (most importantly) is deliciouuussss. Think you can't cook? Think again!
Directions for: Italian Hug in a Bowl
Ingredients
3 cups pasta of your choice (rotini, fusilli or seashell pasta work well)
1 lb(s) ground turkey, chicken, pork or beef (I prefer turkey as it's a lean meat loaded with protein)
onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 tsp each dried oregano, dried basil and dried parsley (or use fresh if you have on hand)
1 dash hot pepper flakes
Grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Directions
1. Fill a small or medium-sized pot about 3/4 full with water and bring to a boil on the stove. Cook the pasta according to package directions or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the onion, garlic, bell pepper and mushrooms.
3. In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the meat. You can use a small splash of oil in the pan if you like (canola works well as it's got a high smoke point), but you can also do without as the meat will lubricate the pot with its own juices.
4. Add the onions and garlic to the meat and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the onions become translucent. Add the bell pepper and mushrooms and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
5. Add the tomato sauce and turn the heat to high until it begins to bubble. Add the oregano, basil, parsley and hot pepper flakes and stir well to incorporate. Reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the large pot and stir well until everything is mixed together and well coated in sauce and herbs. Ladle it into a bowl, add a dash of grated Parmesan cheese to taste and serve hot. Enjoy!
Tips and Substitutions
If you're vegetarian, you can swap out the meat in this recipe for 1 can of black beans (rinsed and drained).
Source and Credits
Courtesy of Food Network Canada Community
See more: Dinner, Beef, Chicken, Herbs, Italian, Mushrooms, Pasta, Pork, Quick and Easy, Tomatoes, Turkey, Vegetables, Comfort Food