Perfect Pasta

As I was choosing a pasta recipe out of a cookbook to make for dinner, last minute, I realized that I did not have even close to the ingredients on hand. Taking a closer look I realized that this recipe was so basic that I could virtually switch out EVERYTHING in the entire recipe and still it would be perfect so, that's the story of this recipe, so aptly named.

Preheat oven 400 degrees. Place empty casserole dish in oven to warm.

Start with your choice of pasta (rotini, penne, macaroni, bow-tie,  etc.)
8 oz. of pasta, cooked per package directions, keep hot.
*Do not discard pasta water, it will be added later so the pasta does not dry out.

Cook 2-3 C of protein in large saute pan, meduim heat, 1 T Olive Oil.
Protein ideas: 4-8 slices cooked bacon, cubed chicken breasts, cubed steak, ground beef,  Italian Sausage, etc. Remove from pan, keep warm.

Add 1/2 C onion (I prefer sweet) *Optional: 3 cloves diced garlic, to pan and 2 T butter. Add 3 C vegetables
Vegetable ideas: Butternut squash (*longer cook time), broccoli,  brussels sprouts, asparagus, green beans, tomatoes, canned tomatoes, ANY yummy vegetable or vegtable combination.
Cook approximately 3-5 minutes depending on size on vegetable choice.

* Vegetarian Option:1 can drained and rinsed beans

Add protein to pan
Add 1 T fresh chopped spice, dried can be used
Spice ideas: Sage, Basil, Thyme, Italian Blend, Mexican Blend
Salt and Pepper to taste
Stir and heat for 2 more minutes for tastes to meld

*Optional: toss 1/4 C pine nuts in dry pan to toast. Remove from heat and cool

1/2 C shredded or shaved cheese
Cheese ideas: Parmesan, Cheddar, Guyere

Mix pasta, vegetable mixture with 1 T Olive Oil or 3 T butter. Mix in aprox 1 C hot pasta water,  add toasted Pine Nuts into warmed casserole dish. Top with parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

More varieties:
Add 3/4 cream/milk heated with 2T Butter and 1/2 C parmesan cheese to pasta for a cream sauce.
Add 1 C tomato sauce for a primavera dish.

 Make adjustments per size of family and tastes. With different additions this recipe can be rotated again and again without anyone noticing, making dinner creative and fun!