Marinara Elbow Pasta

So today was part 2 of my birthday gift,  I got dry fruits. Thank you again Maina and Amma. The lady at the lobby has started wondering how do I get packages every day :). It feels like Christmas in April.

After Indian, my favorite cuisine is Italian and then comes Mediterranean, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Sri Lankan etc in that order. For vegetarians, one of the sources of protein is cheese. And in correct quantities, it is really healthy. Most of Italian foods use cheese. There are numerous cheese available in market. I have used Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Swiss, Feta and Goat cheese. My favorite is Mozzarella of course since it can be added to anything and is low fat compared to others.

For this recipe I have used store bought Marinara sauce. It can be made at home - boil 3/4 cup of tomato sauce, 2 cups boiled and pureed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried parsley, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper powder, 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 boiled and purred carrots and 1 onion boiled and pureed, in a big sauce pan for at least 30 mins and let it cool before using for pasta.

Serves: 2

Preparation Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

• 1 cup any pasta ( I used whole wheat elbow pasta)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp italian herb blend (optional)
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1 bell pepper sliced length wise (any color)
• 1 onion sliced length wise
• Salt as needed 
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp powdered parmesan cheese

Method:

• Boil water in a big container and add pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package. Different pastas take different time to cook.
• Drain the water and keep the pasta aside.
• In a pan, add oil and let it heat.
• Once hot add onions and fry till translucent.
• Then add the bell pepper and fry for 5 mins.
• Now add the marinara sauce and black pepper powder and cook for 5 mins. 
• To this add basil, italian herbs and oregano.
• Add cheddar and stir the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta and add salt as needed.
• Switch off the stove, transfer the contents of pan to a serving bowl and decorate with parmesan on top. Enjoy hot.