Tomato & Basil Pasta

Pasta is fast becoming a hot favorite on the dinner table...not only with the food-lover; even the fussy eater licks her plate clean if pasta is served. And she prefers it for breakfast too. So my life has become slightly better as this particular pasta preparation is a very quick and easy one.

Ingredients

Penne pasta -1 packet (300 gm)

Tomato - 2 big, chopped finely

Crushed garlic - 1 tsp

Chilly flakes - 1 tsp (as per tolerance)

Big onion - 1 big, chopped finely

Parsely - 1 tsp, chopped

Basil - 2-3 leaves , if using fresh or 1/2 tsp dried

Thyme - 1 small strand

Parmesan cheese, grated - as per taste

Salt - as per taste

Pepper powder - 1 tsp

Cooking cream - 2 tbsp

Olive oil - 1 tbsp

Method

In a pan, add the olive oil. When hot, add the crushed garlic and saute for a while. Then add chopped onions and saute till they are translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes and herbs. Saute till the tomatoes turn mushy. Add the chilly flakes and needed salt. Sprinkle the pepper powder too. Saute for a while. Now add 1/4 cup water and cook for about 5 min, closing the lid. When whole thing is cooked well and mushy enough, open the lid and add the cooking cream. Stir well and switch off the stove. 

15 min before the dinner time, cook pasta in enough water. Add salt as directed in the pack. When the pasta is cooked well, drain water and add pasta to the tomato mixture (turn on the stove). Mix well. Add Parmesan cheese, thoroughly mix and serve hot.