Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner 

So I’m always looking for simple and fast weeknight meals to make when I’m short on time but want something really tasty and substantial to eat for dinner. To me nothing is tastier than a really good pasta dish. I have one recipe than I always turn to. It’s really simple, takes about half an hour to make from start to finish and even the most novice cook can achieve this. Here’s my recipe for spaghetti with garlic crushed tomato sauce. 

1 Pack of Whole Wheat Spaghetti
3 to 4 Tablespoons of Canola or Olive Oil
½ Cup of Minced Onions
½ Cup of Minced Red or Green Bell Peppers
½ Cup of Marinara Sauce
1 15-16 Ounce Can of Crushed Tomatoes
2 Tablespoons of Crushed Garlic 
1 Teaspoon of Italian Seasoning
1 Teaspoon of Anchovy Paste
1 Teaspoon of Tomato Paste
½ Teaspoon of  Red Pepper Flakes
Salt and Pepper to Taste 

Sautee the onions, peppers, garlic, and crushed red peppers until vegetables are translucent. While the vegetables are sautéing bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta as directed on the package. Make sure to add a little oil and lots of salt to the water, this will be the only time that you’ll be able to add flavor to the pasta itself. Add in the can of tomatoes, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, anchovy paste, tomato paste, salt and pepper to the sautéed vegetables. Let the sauce reduce and the flavors meld while the pasta is cooking. Once the pasta is cooked toss it in the pan with the sauce with a few tablespoons of the pasta water. Top with parmesan cheese and serve with packaged garlic bread and a Caesar salad. 

** You can also add ground chicken, turkey or beef to the sauce if you want the pasta to be a little heartier. Just add the meat in after the vegetables have been sautéed.