Tomato, Basil Pasta

I love this light flavorful pasta.  You can throw it together in ten minutes. So perfect for those busy summer nights when everyone is running every which way.

The simplicity of the flavors are perfection with that hint of garlic covered in parmesan cheese with the pop of sweet warm tomatoes. I'm not sure it can get any better. 😃

So wash them mitts, lets get cookin'.

Tomato, Basil Pasta

2c cherry tomatoes, sliced
1/2c basil, freshly chopped
1tsp minced garlic
16oz angel hair pasta
1c parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Bring water in a large pot to a boil, add in pasta and cook to package directions.  Meanwhile chop basil, tomatoes and grate cheese. *Before draining pasta save 1c pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta and leave it in the colander for a few minutes. Return empty pan back to stove and over medium heat add in garlic, half of the reserve water with generous amounts of salt and pepper. Heat until bubbling then add back in the pasta.  Toss it all around then add in the cheese and basil and tomatoes. If it seems a little dry and not mixing well add in a little more of the reserved pasta water.  Toss it all together and check for seasoning. Serve and enjoy!

Sun Dried Tomato, Peas and Pasta

Whatever Italian first did the sun dried tomato I could kiss.  I love sun dried tomatoes. The sweet chewiness they add to any dish that is lucky enough to have them.

So adding them to this dish is so tasty with the pop of peas and hints of rosemary and garlic.

And what about angel hair pasta. I love the stuff.  So thin and delicate. This dish makes me smile and don't you wish that forkful was for you?!  I do!

So wash them mitts, lets get cookin'.

Sun Dried Tomato, Peas and Pasta

1lb Angel hair pasta
2c Peas, fresh or frozen
1/2 -1c Sun dried tomatoes, oil packed
2tsp Rosemary
3 Garlic cloves, minced
2 Chicken breasts, thinly sliced
Salt to taste
Olive oil for sautéing


Slice chicken into thin strips. In a large sauté pan, heat a little oil (1-2 Tbsp. oil). Once oil if hot add some of the chicken. You will need to do a few batches. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp of the rosemary and salt on each batch as it cooks. About one minute on each side or until there is no pink in the center. Remove chicken and set aside.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta to package directions.  *Before draining reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Also in the last minute of cooking add the peas and drain with pasta when finished. Set aside.
In the sauté pan pour in the about half the oil from the tomatoes and heat over medium. Add in garlic ( if you love garlic then you can add as much as you like but 3 cloves is nice and conservative). Sauté lightly but do not brown. Then add the tomatoes and any remaining rosemary and toss about in the hot pan.
Add back in the chicken then pasta.  Toss until it is nicely coated then add in about half the reserved pasta water. Make sure the flavors are nicely distributed and if needs be add in more of the pasta water. Check for seasoning and enjoy!

Summer Pasta Salad

I love a good pasta salad. Don't you? Something you can make ahead then grab and go to the picnic or summer BBQ. Also, if you add some cut up chicken you have the perfect hot, summer evening meal.

Don't all those colours make you smile. A great pasta salad has to be full of flavor and full of vegetables. This one also has that tangy hint from the feta cheese. Each bite is like a happy dance in your mouth.

So wash them mitts, lets get cookin'.

Summer Pasta Salad

2c Bow Tie Pasta

1 Cucumber, chopped

4 Carrots, thinly sliced

5 Asparagus, chopped

1 Red Pepper, chopped

3 Celery stalks, chopped

4 Green Onions, chopped

1/2c Feta Cheese

Dressing

1/4c Vegetable oil

1/3c Apple Cider Vinegar

3tsp Garlic, minced

2tsp Oregano

1tsp Onion Powder

1/4- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste about 1/2tsp

Cook pasta as directed on package. In a large serving bowl add in all dressing ingredients and whisk. Once the pasta is finished, drain and add the still hot pasta to the bowl with dressing and toss letting it absorb all the good flavours. Set aside while you chop all the vegetables. Throw all the vegetables in and stir until uniform. Cover and store in refrigerator. Right before you serve mix in the feta cheese and taste. Add in more salt if needed. Enjoy!