Monday, March 16, 2009

Goin' for extra credit

I've admitted before that I wish I were a better, more adventurous cook, but I most certainly did not goof up a simple recipe on Thursday night. (And it was not the really easy chicken-and-rice-in-a-dish-pop-it-in-your-oven-and-you're-done recipe that comes on the back of the Cream of Chicken soup label. Nuh-uh.)

And in no way was I apprehensive about attempting another new recipe on Friday.

Nope. Not this chick.

I most certainly did not go out of my way while on the way home from Nick's swimming lessons to hit the Micky D's drive-through. Cuz that would be silly, seeing as that I had previously decided I'd try this super-easy, four ingredient, open a few cans and you're halfway done recipe.

It did not require a phone call from the Hubby who sounded all disgusted at the thought of eating MORE fast food to make me groan in frustration and hightail it home. (I most certainly did not squeal my tires while speeding away from McDonald's, either. Despite what my children shouting, "MOMMY! DO IT AGAIN!!!" may lead you to believe.)

But that recipe? Was not bad.

Oh, OK, I can't keep up with this "not me Monday" stuff, cuz the pasta I made was sooo good. And easy. And my kids asked for more.

I'm doin' a little happy dance over here. I was so pleased to come across this 'Fetuccini Delight' recipe especially seeing as it's Lent and if you're Catholic, you know how hard it can be to keep things interesting on Fridays! (And if *I* tell you its easy, and *I* didn't screw it up - you know it'll rock your socks.)

Of course, I'll share:

Fetuccini Delight
Ingredients
1 (6 ounce) package fettuccine
2 (14.5 ounce) cans Red Gold® Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano or 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Red Gold® Petite Diced Tomatoes with Garlic & Olive Oil
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a large skillet place the undrained tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until thickened.


simmering tomatoes



Stir in pasta and basil; heat through.


noodles and tomatoes



Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan cheese.


pasta in a bowl


That's it. You're done.

I'll admit, I improvised. I didn't have fetuccini noodles at home, but tons of spaghetti, so I used those. I think you could use just about any kind of pasta. I also had one can of each of the Red Gold tomatoes listed -- mmmmm nummy! If you click on over to the Red Gold site, you'll see they suggest trying different types of cheese if you're more adventurous, and I didn't have fresh basil, so I used far less of the dried stuff. Was still good.

Now, who failed at Not Me Monday? Not me.

(For more recipe ideas, check out Mouthwatering Mondays at A Southern Fairytale.)

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

That sounds good! I am not a huge tomato-sauce based meal but I could probably throw a quarter cup of EVOO and some feta in it instead and love it just the same! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Anonymous said...

That sounds good! I am not a huge tomato-sauce based meal but I could probably throw a quarter cup of EVOO and some feta in it instead and love it just the same! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

WeaselMomma said...

Mr. Weasel asked me "Honey, what are you making for dinner?"

"A Phone Call!!!!" I answered.

Unknown said...

Oh yummy! My biggest downfall! You've made me hungry!

TJ said...

I love food blogs with their colorful entries. Great post!
Beautiful colors and textures...
TJ

Anonymous said...

yummy!!! i'm coming to your house next time you make it. my kids would cry if i made it because (said in my best pre teen whiny voice) tomato sauce...you know i hate tomato sauce.
sigh.

Anonymous said...

Yum. But i'll eat anything with cheese.

sarah said...

This looks so yummy and easy. Mmmm...

Love your blog... just discovered it.

Trish ~ ♥ ~ said...

Looks so good. Do you make take out?

Leah said...

I too get very excited when a meal turns out just right!

Kimberly said...

That looks yummy!!! :) http://spiceworld.us

Claire said...

Ooooh, yummy! I'm so trying this one!

Cxx

Kati said...

That looks really good! I am a terrible cook. Everything I make comes from kraftfoods.com and I screw those up half the time!

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I look forward to reading more of yours!!

Rachel said...

That looks delicious!!!! YUM!
YAY Colleen!!!! Nom Nom!!!

NicEmMOM said...

looks great will have to try it! ttfn

American Homemaker said...

Simple and yummy! Those are the best kinds of recipes :)

Mrs4444 said...

That definitely looks like a delicious, no-brainer recipe! Thanks!

Momo Fali said...

I am ALL about the easy recipes! Thank you for the latest addition to my collection.

groovie mom said...

Sounds delish. I'll have to pick up some Red Gold at the store next week and give it a try. I'm the only one in my house who'll eat tomatoes, but if they're big like this, everyone else can just pick them out. : )

Laski said...

Thank you for making dinner tomorrow a heck of a lot easier . . .

Cynthia said...

Looks pretty darn good to me:P

Kat said...

Yummy!! I will have to try it this weekend. I love any excuse to make pasta :)

Lisa@BlessedwithGrace said...

I like easy and yummy! Thanks for the recipe and linking up to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

What a great looking dish.

Kim H. said...

I'm SO making that for my kids -- the sauce in the skillet just looks DIVINE!!! Way to go Colleen!

Roger Miller said...

Looks good, and easy to make. No meat, makes it good for Lent even. You are so thoughtful.