Perfect Pasta in just 15 minutes

Just got in from a long day at work? Can't be bothered to get out your chef's hat and prepare a gourmet feast? Try this 15 minute pasta, for minimal effort, but MAXIMUM taste!

Is there anything better than a plate full of pasta? Absolutely not! And, what's even better is this recipe is super quick and easy.

When I was working (before Covid-19 decided to stop the world in it's tracks), I was often leaving the house at 6:30am and only arriving back home at 20:30- or later, depending on how much the M62 or Transpennine Express hated me on that day... I just didn't have the time, or the inclination, to start prancing around with the contents of the cupboards to chef up a storm of flavours, and then climb the subsequent MOUNTAIN OF WASHING UP!

So, a tomato based pasta became my best friend and I think I've pretty much got it nailed. My boyfriend says this tastes just like the Arrabiatta you would get in a restaurant. I don't want to offend the entire population of Italy with this post, so I can't back up that claim, but I can say it's really simple, fast, tasty and healthy!

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WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 jar of Passata- I like the garlic one from Aldi

• Dried Pasta- any you like!

• 1 Tsp Dried chilli flakes

• 1 Tsp Garlic - fresh, granules, puree- whatever you prefer

• Pinch of Salt and Pepper

• Bacon- I like to use lean medallions to keep this as healthy as possible

• Onion- I think red is the best because it's nice and sweet

• Dried Italian Herbs- you can buy these pre- mixed in jars at most supermarkets

• 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce

• Low Calorie Spray Oil

• Frying pan

• Saucepan

METHOD:

1) Get your frying pan to a medium/high heat and spray a few times with your low calorie spray oil.

2) Whilst the pan is heating up chop your bacon and onions into small cubes and then throw them in the pan and begin to stir-fry.

3) Add the soy sauce, garlic, herbs and chillies and allow to cook for about 5 minutes.

4) Boil some water and add it to you saucepan and bring to the boil. Add your pasta and a pinch of salt and pepper and leave to simmer for recommended time . (Remember to set a timer so you know when it's done!)

5) Once the bacon is roughly cooked through and the onion has started to soften add your passata and turn down the pan.

6) Leave the contents of your frying pan to continue to simmer whilst your pasta cooks. At this point, I usually taste my sauce and add some more seasoning/ chilli if you want it to be more spicy.

7) Drain the pasta once it's finished cooking and mix with your sauce before plating.

BONUS STEP) Garnish with some bay leaf, spinach, basil or other greenery you can find around the house if you want a pretty Instagram pic!

VOILA!