As I write this post I feel like my eyes could close at any second.  You see, I decided to work in the office today – what a bad idea.  It is so hot in here it feels like my cheeks are on fire and I could fall asleep.  You know that feeling you get when you are all hot… and you cannot control it.   I AM HOT!!

Well then….That was my little rant for today.

Now onto the food.  This pasta is a 9 minute dish assuming you have some pasta sauce you can warm up or thaw from the freezer.  Some days you are just in a rush, it happens to all of us – but we shouldn’t always revert to unhealthy food.  We have to stay true to ourselves and make something nutritious to get us through the night.  Now don’t get me wrong – I am all for a double cheese burger or some chicken fingers but in general – I try to keep it on the “somewhat healthy” side of the fence.

This dish is really 3 ingredients.  The flavor is really hinged on the quality of both the sauce and cheese.  As you know, I like to make my own tomato sauce and store it in the freezer for quick thaws.  Lately I have been buying the real Parmesan cheese in the block… what a huge difference – love it!

So let’s turn on the stove, fill up the pot and bring this dish to a boil.

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Uncooked Pasta
• 10-12 Grape Tomatoes
• 1/2 Cup sliced Bell Peppers
• Pasta Sauce (here is my homemade tomato sauce recipe)
• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• Salt and pepper
• Parmesan Cheese

Method

1. Cook pasta according to directions.
2. Heat up sauce either in the microwave or on the stove top.
3. In a sauce pan, add the olive oil and quickly pan fry the bell peppers and tomatoes. (about 4 minutes)
4. Add the sauce and continue heating through.
5. Salt and pepper.
6. Toss in drained pasta and coat.
7. Top with Parmesan.



8. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: I have people comment that their pasta is very bland.  Salting the water is key to letting the pasta absorb some flavor while boiling.  Salt must be added once the water has started to boil.  If the salt is added too late, it will not be  absorbed correctly into the pasta.  Adding salt too early may lengthen the boiling time. Allow the salt to dissolve before adding the pasta.

I hope you have a great Thursday as the weekend approaches I have an interesting question for you.

Question of the day:  What is your favorite day of the week?

Take care

zesty

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Pasta for Anyone

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