Are you staring into your fridge, utterly overwhelmed by the prospect of cooking dinner? Do you crave something delicious but simple, something that requires minimal effort and even less thinking? Then this "I Don't Care" Pasta is for you! This recipe is the ultimate answer to those busy weeknights when you just don't care about fussing over a complicated meal. It's quick, versatile, and incredibly satisfying – the perfect example of delicious food made easy.
Ingredients:
This recipe is all about adaptability, so feel free to swap things in and out based on what you have on hand. The beauty lies in its simplicity.
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more, if you're a garlic lover!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (onions, bell peppers, spinach – whatever you have!)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Don't let it brown!
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Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, and chopped vegetables. Add the oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best "I Don't Care" Pasta:
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is key to a delicious dish. It should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Seasoning is crucial! Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand. Mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and even leftover roasted vegetables would be delicious additions.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked sausage, chicken, or ground meat to the sauce.
Variations:
- Creamy "I Don't Care" Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Spicy "I Don't Care" Pasta: Add more red pepper flakes, or a pinch of cayenne pepper, for extra heat.
- Vegetarian/Vegan "I Don't Care" Pasta: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the ingredients you use, but a typical serving will contain roughly:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 8-10g
This "I Don't Care" Pasta is a fantastic example of healthy meals and easy recipes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner. It's a flexible recipe that allows you to utilize whatever ingredients you have readily available, making it a true staple for effortless homemade cooking. Enjoy!