cooking · Dinner

Twenty Minutes To Carb Heaven

We had been out running errands and got home late, everyone was starving so a quick dinner was my focus. I had realized something while in town though – with the changes in our diet I am not so hep with eating heavy dinners out anymore. Lunch is fine, I can burn it off and not feel all bloated at bed time. We had considered going out, it has been a long work week, kick back and take it easy…but as we drove through the parking lot of said restaurant and seeing a rat run across the parking lot….yeah, that cinched the deal I didn’t want to eat out. I am pretty OCD with food and when I eat out I shut my mind off to not think about how my food is being prepared. But seeing rats…that takes your appetite away pretty fast. (OK, I know, I know – rats are somewhat common, I have worked in the food industry but it is still gross!)

So back home and in control of my destiny I pondered what I had around. While I did that I got a pot of water on the stove to boil….and in a few minutes I had made a large dinner for less than $4 that was tasty, comforting and filling. Frozen peas are great to have on hand. Not only do they taste great but they are a good source of protein!

Angel Hair with Tomatoes and Peas

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb angel hair pasta
  • 2 14.5 ounce cans petite diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil (Safeway brand used)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup light balsamic vinaigrette dressing
  • ½ bag frozen peas, unsalted
  • Parmesan cheese to taste (canned works best in this recipe)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Meanwhile heat the tomatoes, oil and dressing over medium heat until bubbling.

Add the pasta to the boiling water, bring back to a rolling boil and slowly add in the peas, stirring and letting the water maintain a boil (if you add them all at once it will lower the water’s temperature too quickly). Cook pasta for time on package, drain and place in a large heat safe mixing bowl. Toss the hot pasta with a ¼ cup Parmesan cheese and toss to coat, then add the hot sauce and toss to combine. Add in ¼ cup more cheese and toss to coat.

Serve with more cheese at the table!

Serves 4-6, depending on appetite and if you serve anything with the dish!

PS: A can of lower sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained are a great addition.

~Sarah

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