Wednesday: Mommy's Pasta

Since my regular spaghetti sauce recipe has been designated for the kiddos, this is what I consider my own grown-up one. This is also a nice fast meal, one that is vegetarian but a grilled chicken breast can be added to meat that sucker up, should you desire. I love this with a nice red wine.

You will need:

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 c onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 28 oz can diced or whole tomatoes
1/2 c tomato sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
16 oz whole wheat (or "smart" fibre enhanced) penne noodles (about 9 c cooked)
1/2 thinly sliced fresh basil
3 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Heat the oil at medium heat in a non-stick pan, cook onions until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, cook for just one minute more. Just one! Add the tomatoes and tomato sauce, bring to a boil.

Just added

Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is a good time to start your pasta and make a salad.

Thickened

Stir in salt and pepper, taste! Add more as needed.  Cut your basil like this:

In chiffonade!

Add pasta, basil and cheese to the pan, stir to coat. Serve!