Simple Italian Pasta

Sorry no picture but this was a fabulous meal. I got the recipe from www.steamykitchen.com, but as always, made my own adaptations. Simple yet delicious.

Sauce Recipe:

1/2 box macaroni

14.5 oz can tomatoes (whole, diced or crushed)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp red pepper flakes

1 tbsp butter

1/4 cup parmesan (freshly grated or from the can)

salt and pepper

Oil Recipe:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp red pepper flakes

6 whole cloves garlic, peeled

In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup oil over low heat and add garlic, pepper flakes, and basil. Once garlic begins to brown, take pan off the heat and let cool at least 10 mins. The longer it sits the more flavorful the oil will be. After it cools, strain oil*.

Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp oil and then add canned tomatoes and a PINCH of salt and pepper. Once heated, mash tomatoes (with a handheld potato masher) and let simmer over medium-low heat fro 20 minutes. While tomatoes are cooking, boil pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Once pasta and sauce are finished combined in sauce pan. Add remaining basil, pepper flakes, parmesan and butter. Plate and drizzle with oil. Enjoy!!

*I served this with garlic toast. I mashed the garlic and basil from oil and added melted butter. Then brushed the toast and put it in the oven for 7 mins @400*. Delish!!