Servings: 4
Ingredients
340g pasta (any variety you have on hand)
45ml olive oil (approx. 3 tablespoons)
3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or dried garlic powder if you don’t have fresh)
400g can of diced tomatoes (or use leftover fresh tomatoes that are about to turn)
30g tomato paste (approx. 2 tablespoons, optional, for richness)
Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional)
Dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) or use leftover fresh herbs if available
Salt and pepper to taste
Stale bread or breadcrumbs (for making toasted crumbs)
Parmesan rinds or any leftover cheese scraps (optional for added flavor)
Leftover vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach), chopped
Water or leftover broths
Method
Prepare Pasta Crumbs: This step is great for using up stale bread. Pulse the bread in a food processor or manually crumble into tiny pieces. Toast the crumbs in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil until they are golden and crispy. Set aside.
Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain.
Sauce Base: In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic (or garlic powder) and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. If you’re using tomato paste, add it now. Stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Herbs and Seasoning: Add in the dried herbs (or fresh if you have them). If you’re using Parmesan rinds or cheese scraps, add them now. This will give your sauce a beautiful depth of flavour. Season with salt and pepper.
Incorporate Veggies: If you have leftover veggies, add them now. Depending on what you’re using, you might want to sauté them for a few minutes (for harder veggies like bell peppers) or just wilt them (for softer veggies like spinach).
Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet or pot. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water or leftover broth a bit at a time until you reach the desired consistency for your sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavours meld together.
Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top for a delightful crunch. If you have any leftover cheese, grate it on top.
