My cheap & lazy meal tonight
Looking for an easy and budget-friendly recipe for dinner tonight? I’ve got you covered with this delicious and effortless dish that’s perfect for those busy evenings when you just want something quick and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pasta
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing to coat in the tomato sauce.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 10g
10 Popular Questions:
- Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned, just make sure to cook them down to create a sauce. - Q: Can I add meat to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken for added protein. - Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Of course! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini would be great additions. - Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: You can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. - Q: Can I use different herbs and spices?
A: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your preferences. - Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta when ready to serve. - Q: How can I add more heat?
A: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Helpful Tips:
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for acidity.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Toss in some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Drizzle with olive oil before serving.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes for variety.
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth of flavor.
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious touch.
Expert Secrets:
- Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic, it adds essential flavor to the dish.
- Allow the sauce to simmer to let the flavors meld together.
- Season generously with salt and pepper for optimal taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
- Serve with a glass of red wine for a perfect pairing.
- Enjoy leftovers for a quick and easy lunch the next day.