Summer Pasta

Just in case you didn’t know – I’m busy.  Come to think of it, I bet you are busy too.

I love food, and I love to cook, but some days I’m just… well, tired. We work late, we eat late, and frankly dinner’s not my favorite meal anyway. That’s why I make sure to have in my house at all times what we lovingly refer to as “Lazy People Food”.

To be considered Lazy People Food (LPF), a meal must be on the table in less than 20 min. (10-15 min. is preferable), be comprised of ingredients that I have readily available in my house, result in minimal clean-up, and satisfy Dr. Man’s hungry stomach. Bonus points for yummy leftovers.

Now, don’t get me wrong, although it is fast, LPF is not “fast food”. I may take a few short cuts (In fact, I’m not sure where we would be without microwaves-in-3 min. frozen brown rice.), but LPF is still meant to be healthy and satisfying.

This dish, which I developed last year and simply refer to as “Summer Pasta,” is my go-to LPF during the summer months. We have a basil plant in the living room, and I make sure to keep canned artichoke hearts, tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on hand. Since all of these keep fairly well, I can stock up for a couple weeks at at time.

Summer Pasta

Ingredients (Serves 4)
16 oz. box of Orrecchiette Rigate
8 oz. Fresh Mozzarella
1/4 cup fresh Basil
1 cup Tomatoes
1 can Artichoke Hearts, in water
3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
4 Tbsp. Balsamic Vinegar
4-6 cloves Roasted Garlic (optional)
1/2 tsp. Salt
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

This dish is ready in the time it takes the pasta to cook, so start that water boiling now. While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, quarter the artichoke hearts, cube the mozzarella, chop the basil, mince the roasted garlic (optional), and place in a very large bowl. Add salt, olive oil and vinegar, and give it a stir. When the pasta is finished, drain and toss with the other ingredients. Finally stir in the parmesan cheese. Serve with extra parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side. Serves 4.

Now just sit back, relax, and have a glass of wine. You’ve had a hard day.