Blogmas 11

 Blogmas  day 11 

Today I am sharing this simple family favorite when you need a quick meal... 

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, or dry oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ¾ cup tomato sauce
• 2 cups spaghetti O’s, small pasta
• 3 cups water
• parmigiano cheese rind, (optional, )
• 
  

• Add the olive oil to a pot or big skillet with high sides. Add the garlic to the cold oil. Turn the heat to medium and let the oil and garlic come up to temperature together.
• Once the garlic is sizzling, add the Italian seasoning and tomato paste. Give it a stir and let cook for 20 seconds. Add the tomato sauce and stir.
• Add the spaghetti O’s (formally called Anelli Siciliani) and water. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and stir. I do not over-salt as my tomato sauce has salt in it and my cheese is also salty as well.
• Let everything boil, semi-covered, on medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pasta is soft (or al-dente if you prefer). Be sure to stir the pasta a few times in between cooking as some of the pasta can get stuck to the bottom of the pot.
• If you feel like all of the water has evaporated, the dish is super thick, but the pasta is not cooked yet, add a splash more water at a time until the pasta is cooked. This step will really depend on the pasta shape you use.
• Once the pasta is fully cooked, take it off the heat, remove the cheese rind, add the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and stir. Garnish with fresh basil