This is one of those dinners that was created while looking for something for dinner at the end of a busy week when I had nothing planned out. If you keep a few cans of San Marzano tomatoes, pasta, and garlic or onion in your pantry you can always come up with an easy dish like this. The capers are optional as well, I like the bit of saltiness they add to the dish but no need to make a special trip for them. The idea is to look around and use what you already have. I normally would not use these meatballs, I buy the plain ones during mega sales at my local Kroger for little party meatballs but I must had purchased an italian flavor by accident. I found them in my freezer and thought they would be good in this dish, and they were. I mean, they weren’t homemade or anything however they worked perfect in this quick throw together dinner. It would be equally good without them though. I buttered a few slices of toast for the boys and sprinkled some garlic salt on them and called it a day. It was enjoyed by all and I am pretty sure they were all unaware that 20 minutes prior I had no idea what we were eating that night. At minimum I hope this recipe inspires you to dig through your pantry and see what you can figure out, sometimes it just so happens that a thrown together creation turns out to be delicious!
Kitchen Tools Used in this Recipe
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Creamy Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound whole wheat pasta regular is fine if you prefer
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup capers drained
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- pinch crushed red pepper flakes more if you like it spicy
- 1 28 ounce can San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1/3 cup cream
- handful fresh parsley chopped , optional
- 1 bag italian frozen meatballs *optional
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package directions while preparing the rest of the meal.
- In a large high sided skillet over medium low heat add the oil, capers, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Saute these for 1 minute taking care not to burn the garlic. Add the can of tomatoes and the liquid, break them up with a wooden spoon. If you are using the meatballs add them now and simmer this mixture for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the the cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the pasta and add it back to the pot. Add in 1/4 cup of your sauce and the cheese, mix well. Add the rest of the sauce and toss again. Top with more cheese and parsley and serve. Enjoy!
