Pasta Builder

To be honest, I am not a "red" noodle sauce fan, but I love the idea of noodle dishes because they can be made so fast.  Years ago, Barilla pasta put out a pdf to show how to create a pasta dish by picking your own aromatic, protein, vegetable, cheese or cream and herb. I really like to use to create pasta dishes for my family.  Below I have halved regular recipe, but sometimes I wing it. 


Pasta Builder Central: https://www.barilla.com/en-us/pfp/builders

1/2 box Pasta - whatever shape and however much your family will eat

2 T Oil - olive, vegetable, canola, peanut, whatever you like

Base/Aromatic flavor - garlic clove, minced; onion, shallot, celery

6 oz Protein - chicken, shrimp, ground beef, tuna, crumbled bacon, beans (whatever you like)

6 oz vegetables -   cherry tomatoes, halved; broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, peppers, spinach

1/4 C cream/cheese - parmesan, heavy cream (1T), mozzarella,

Spice (fresh or dried) - basil, thyme, oregano, chives, 

Basic Instructions:

1. Cook whatever pasta shape you like (or have) according to the directions, except with 1 minute less of cooking.  Drain, but reserve up to 1/2 cup of liquid)

2. While the pasta is cooking, heat your preferred oil over medium heat in a large skillet. 

3. Add your base flavor (or two) and cook until translucent.

4. Add your protein and saute until browned and cooked.

5. Add your vegetables and continue to cook. (spinach should be wilted, I like peppers with some crunch)

6. Stir in freshly cooked pasta and reserved water (you can do what you think looks good). Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed (or you have enough "sauce" to your liking).

7. Removed from heat and stir in your cream/cheese (or pick two to add up to the needed amount). (If using cream, cook for a few second until cream is absorbed and thickens).

8.  Finish with your favorite spice (or two).

Here are a few combinations we like: 

  Olive oil + Garlic + Chicken breast + Spinach + Parmesan + Basil

  Olive oil + Garlic + Chicken/Bacon + Peppers/Tomatoes + Parmesan + Basil

  Canola oil + Onion/Garlic + Chicken/Bacon + Peppers + Parmesan/Heavy Cream + Basil/Oregano

  

  Canola oil + Onion + Chicken/bacon + Tomatoes/Spinach + Parmesan/Heavy Cream + Oregano

Note: Since these don't use lots of heavy cream or half-and-half, I freeze remaining cream in 1T amounts placed in an ice cube tray.  When it is frozen, I place in a freezer bag and pull out the amount I need for the recipe.

Other Pasta builder ideas are available: Thai inspired, Southwestern, India, etc. See the link above.