Ever have one of those days when you’re really too tired to cook, there’s nothing to make at home but you don’t want to go out to dinner? That’s the mood I was in last Monday on my way home from a long day at work.
I had nothing — and I do mean nothing — to make at home. Jake had gone back to college and I promised not to buy any more Have’a Chips and stick to eating healthy again. That all sounded good, but I needed comfort food and I needed it fast. And what’s better than pasta when you’re hungry and cranky?
After a quick run through Ralph’s I came home with a few simple ingredients and was eating this delicious and satisfying bowl of pasta…oh and a glass of wine, and of course the sourdough bread. How else do you enjoy the leftover sauce?
So next time you’re having “one of those days”, swing through the market and you’ll be enjoying this yummy meal in less than 30 minutes!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 TBS olive oil, and a little extra for the pasta water
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 green pepper, sliced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 TBS arrabiata spice (you can use Italian seasoning)
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
- 3/4 lb. spicy Italian sausage, ground
- Red wine–some to drink, some to add to sauce (use your good judgment)
- 1 package Buitoni pasta–I used agnolotti
- 1 28 oz. can Contadina crushed tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Heat olive oil in large saute pan. When it’s hot add 1 TBS arrabiata seasoning and the garlic. I got the arrabiata at the spice market in Rome and it’s really nice, but regular Italian seasoning will work.
Add onion and pepper. Cook over medium heat until somewhat soft, about 4 minutes.
Add 1 more TBS arrabiata (or Italian seasoning) and red pepper flakes, to taste. Stir.
Here’s the sausage I used.
Add sausage to pan and use a wooden spoon to break into smaller pieces. Stir.
When meat is browned, throw in a splash of red wine.
And pour some for yourself, too. Remember…you had a bad day.
Here’s the tomatoes I used. I was too lazy (and tired) to put the really good San Marzano ones through my sieve.
Stir in the tomatoes and cook on low heat until pasta is done. At this point you’re been at it for about 12 minutes.
If necessary, break off a piece of baguette to get you through the next few steps.
You can use any pasta–penne is always a favorite– but I wanted something different so I tried this. It was really good.
Cook according to directions on package. I think it was 4-6 minutes!
And that’s it! Drain pasta, arrange on a plate, put sauce and Parmesan cheese on top and you’re in heaven. There’s no better way to end a bad day. After this dinner, you’ll say, “Bad Day? What bad day?”
As always, Enjoy. And read it first at Stu News.
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Categories: Everything Italian
Tags: arrabiata pasta
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