base ingredient: thin spaghetti

Yesterday was a busy day filled with errand running.  Nathan had to work a few hours, and we ended up watching Elf on tv.

I decided I was too lazy to go grocery shopping, so I picked through the closet and refrigerator to come up with a dinner.  We ended up eating two completely different things.

For Him: Spaghetti with Garlic Red Sauce and Broccoli

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked thin spaghetti
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1.5 tbs chopped garlic
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chopped onion
• 1 cup steamed broccoli

Directions:

1. Cook spaghetti as normal.
2. In a small saucepan mix tomato sauce, chopped garlic, chopped onions.  Cook on low for 3 minutes.
3. Steam broccoli.
4. Add paprika and oregano to sauce mixture.  Stir and cook on medium for another 3 minutes.
5. Serve.

Grade: A

Comments: Nathan really likes pasta with tomato sauce, but I try to change up the flavors as much as I can.  I’ve added green peppers to this recipe, and it is even more delicious.

For Her: Spaghetti with Spinach Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup spaghetti
• 3 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup steamed spinach
• 1 tsp chopped garlic
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• 1 cup broccoli

Directions:

1. Cook spaghetti as normal.
2. Steam spinach and broccoli.
3. In a small dish mix olive oil, chopped garlic, and paprika.
4. Once spinach is completely steamed add it to the olive oil mixture and stir.
5. Top spaghetti with spinach garlic sauce and broccoli.
6. Serve.

Grade: A

Comments: I love vegetables over pasta.  I prefer whole wheat noodles, but this is what we had around.  I wish we had some tomatoes, because I think that would have been a great addition!  I love using olive oil and garlic as a sauce, and I try to add new flavors to that as much as possible.

Tagged as: base ingredient meals, main dishes, pasta dishes, quick dinners, recipes, vegetable recipes, vegetarian