So, I don’t know if you guys have a similar issue, but when I can’t think of anything to make for dinner or am just too lazy, I make pasta. And when I am feeling REALLY lazy I make pasta with plain old tomato sauce. (Horrible, I know, don’t judge me… :)) I’ve run into this issue a lot less often since starting my search for new kids recipes. I’ve come to the realization that even a plain old tomato sauce can be dressed up a little.
And, since next week is Halloween I thought what perfect timing to give you a ‘dressed up’ tomato sauce. No, of course this will not be my only mention of Halloween before the big day. As a part American living in Germany I feel it my duty to give this holiday a little more of a mention than that. So, I will be posting a little extra something on Sunday, which will be solely dedicated to Halloween…
Until then, have fun playing dress-up with your pasta!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 28 oz./800g can of chopped tomatoes
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 14 oz./400g of pasta (I use fusilli or penne, but anything will work)
- ½ cup/120ml cream
- 5 oz./150g cooked ham, diced
- 1⅓ cup/150g peas, frozen
- salt and pepper
- parmesan cheese
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot and saute the onion and garlic until transluscent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the carrot and celery, season with salt and pepper, and saute another 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in the tomatoes, as well as, bay leaves and herbs, cover and let simmer for about 60 minutes or until the veggies are soft.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions and drain well.
- Remove bay leaves and puree the sauce.
- Stir in cream, ham, and peas, and allow the sauce to heat up without bringing it back to a boil. Season with salt and pepper if needed and toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.
- Top each serving with some parmesan cheese.
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