With all the news of blizzards and freezing cold weather on my Facebook feeds and favorite news sites, I have to admit, I’m feeling pretty lucky that we’re experiencing lots of sun and weather in the mid-70’s. Be jealous. Be very jealous.
But in solidarity with the North East and their snow days and cold weather, I decided to share one of the yummiest, and easiest pasta dishes, delicious for both freezing cold afternoons where cooking something elaborate isn’t number 1 on your to-do list, and for beautiful sunny days where you’d rather be running around outside rather than slaving over dinner in the kitchen.
So here’s the one pot pasta recipe I stumbled on, thanks to Oprah.com. No meat, fresh veggies and little work. Oh, and one pot. That’s it.
Just chop…
Add ingredients to a pot and stir…
Boil, simmer and serve!
Fresh, delicious and perfect for those nights you’re not feeling much like cooking. Check the recipe out below!
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes or 3 1/2 cups chopped, fresh tomatoes with their juices
- 1 bunch kale, ribs removed, chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh basil, chopped, plus a few whole leaves for garnish
- 1 pound whole grain pasta
- Salt
- About 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Drizzle in the olive oil. When it's hot, add the garlic and let it get nice and golden (this color adds lots of flavor); it will only take about 30 seconds. Add the onion and cook until the onion is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, kale, basil, pasta, salt and 4 cups water. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the whole thing for the amount of time suggested on the pasta package, giving it an energetic stir every few minutes. If it starts to look too dry, add a slosh more water (about 1/2 cup at a time). Once the pasta is al-dente, fold in the Parmesan. Taste! Does it need some red pepper flakes? A pinch of salt? Top with the fresh basil, maybe a shower of Parmesan.
