Foodie Friday: Penne Marinara

This is a no-fail dish that even the truly culinary-challenged can handle. The Italian-style pasta with rich garlic tomato sauce is very high in antioxidants.

3 cups penne pasta (or other pasta—preferably whole grain)
1 small onion, chopped
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup water
1 cup tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup minced fresh basil leaves
Whole basil leaves (for garnish)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Chili pepper, to taste (optional)

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Set aside.
• To make the pasta sauce, sauté the onion in a pan with the olive oil until transparent. Add the water, tomato paste, garlic, pepper, salt, and basil and mix well.
• Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Serve the sauce on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh whole basil leaves. Add salt, black pepper, and chili pepper to taste.

Makes 2 servings

Posted by Jason Baker