Mandi's Pasta Recipe

In this time of economic crisis, job layoffs and when purse strings are being cinched shut, I give you this post. I wanted to share with ya'll a recipe that is quick, easy, inexpensive and uses many of the ingredients that you have on hand. It's something that I created when I was in a hurry, didn't have many groceries and needed a satisfying meal to feed two hungry people. I give you my Pasta Recipe. Catchy name, dontchathink?

So here's the premise. You need to get yourself some pasta. It's a staple that no home should really be without. We've got a number of kinds - the photos of this recipe used Penne pasta but last night I made this meal again and used Cheese Stuffed Tortellini. You can use anything!



I'll give you the recipe, tell you how to make it, and then give you some suggestions at the end of the post for items that you can add to jazz it up to your tastes. Bon Appetite!


Pasta Recipe-the Basic Recipe Pasta
Half a large white onion, chopped or finely minced
Two cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
Parmesan cheese - 1/4 to 1/2 cup
Salt and Pepper

Fill a large stock pot with cool water. Cover with a lid and bring water to a boil. Salt water. Then, add a tablespoon of EVOO to a skillet. Turn on medium heat. Let oil warm. Meanwhile, chop half a large white onion. Add to skillet. Begin to sweat onions (they will begin to turn translucent.) Then add garlic. Don't add to soon or overcook - garlic becomes bitter when overcooked.

When stock pot water begins to boil, add pasta and cook to your liking. Now you'll want to add the Parmesan cheese to your skillet. Constantly stir so as not to burn cheese. It will begin to melt and turn ooey gooey.



Drain pasta and return to pot. Toss with EVOO to keep pasta from sticking together. Add onion/garlic/cheese mixture to pot. Toss. Serve immediatly.



Addatives:
* A diced tomato or canned tomato (add to skillet when you add garlic)
* Chicken cubes (bake and chop - Add to final mix)
* Chicken cubes with Italian Seasoning (Yum is all I have to say. Italian Seasoning totally kicks the flavor into overdrive.)
* Cheese cubes (last night I added Provolone cubes. I warmed them in the skillet to make them gooey before adding to final mix.)
* Fresh herbs (parsley, a little basil - whatever suits your fancy)
* Veggies (throw in half a bag or frozen veggies. Prepare first then add to tossed pasta)
* Cream cheese (for added creaminess)
* Sour cream (for added creaminess)

The pasta in the photos has fresh tomato, penne pasta, onions, garlic, chicken with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream.

What can you think of to add?